The feasibility of simultaneously loading both liposoluble and water-soluble components of Salvia miltiorrhiza in emulsion was discussed, in order to provide new ideas in comprehensive application of effective components in S. miltiorrhiza in terms of technology of pharmaceutics. With tanshinone II (A) and salvianolic acid B as raw materials, soybean phospholipid and poloxamer 188 as emulsifiers, and glycerin as isoosmotic regulator, the central composite design-response surface method was employed to optimize the prescription. The coarse emulsion was prepared with the high-speed shearing method and then homogenized in the high pressure homogenizer. The biphasic drug-loading intravenous emulsion was prepared to investigate its pharmaceutical properties and stability. The prepared emulsion is orange-yellow, with the average diameter of 241 nm and Zeta potential of -35.3 mV. Specifically, the drug loading capacity of tanshinone II (A) and salvianolic acid B were 0.5 g x L(-1) and 1 g x L(-1), respectively, with a good stability among long-term retention samples. According to the results, the prepared emulsion could load liposoluble tanshinone II (A) and water-soluble salvianolic acid B simultaneously, which lays a pharmaceutical foundation for giving full play to the efficacy of S. miltiorrhiza.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; instrumentation ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Emulsions ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo analyze the radiological parameters of the conservatively in treating distal radius fracture and investigate whether the final re-displacement can be predicted after primary reduction.

METHODSFrom January 2013 to June 2014,212 patients with distal radial fracture conservatively were treated in our hospital, 107 patients of them were excluded because of their incomplete radiological parameters;the remaining 105 patients were available for radiological were assessed after injury, there were 56 male patients and 49 female patients in this study, the average age of the patients was 51 years old (ranged from 22 to 80 years). According to AO classification, there were 47 cases of type A2 and C1, and 58 cases of type A3, C2, C3. All patients were treated by closed reduction and below-elbow cast immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks. All patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months (means 4.5 months) by X-ray, all fractures were healed. Standard AP and lateral radiographic examination was conducted before reduction and after reduction and bony consolidation,the dorsal angulation and the radial angle were measured at each time point. The linear regression was used for the analysis to find out whether the final re-displacement can be predicted after primary reduction.

RESULTSAmong 105 patients,the significant correlations were found for the dorsal angulation between the reduction time and the end time (r = 0.82) and for the radial angulation between the reduction time and end time (r = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONThe dorsal angulation and the radial angulation after complete healing can be predicted from linear the regression functions. Due to the possibility of predicting the end result, whether the fracture should receive further conservative treatment or surgical treatment can be decided immediately.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Radiography ; Radius Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo study the role of a pathologic niche inducing mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) to express hepatic cell functions in vitro.

METHODSEmbryoid bodies were developed from 5 to 7 day hanging-drop culture of mouse ESC, and their dissociated cells were planted in three differential systems: nothing added; with 20 ng/ml hepatocyte growth factor (HGF); and 5% rat cholestatic serum plus 20 ng/ml HGF added. Their differentiation was observed with inverted microscopes daily, and their hepatic functions were analyzed against their synthesis of glycogen, triglycerides, albumin, and urea nitrogen, and by their staining of indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA).

RESULTSESC spontaneous differentiation was hardly being controlled to form three germ layers. HGF prompted the ESC to develop further into visceral endoderm and mesoderm (myocardium), but both of them only expressed a low level of hepatocyte-specific metabolic functions. With cholestatic serum added into the HGF-induced system, differentiated cells grew into similar angular cells, and had a higher level synthesis of glycogen, triglycerides, albumin and urea nitrogen with positive ICG and FDA staining.

CONCLUSIONSSpontaneous or HGF-induced ESC differentiation has only limited hepatic functions expressed. A pathologic niche in vitro induces ESC to develop into hepatic lineages, with a higher level of hepatic metabolic functions.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cholestasis ; blood ; Culture Media ; pharmacology ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Serum ; Stem Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo screen effective sequences of short hairpin RNA on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and the effect of RNA interference on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells, a cervix carcinoma cell line with high expression of BDNF.

METHODSTwo recombinant eukaryotic human-BDNF siRNA expression vectors were designed and constructed. Sequences were confirmed by restrictive endonuclease digestion and DNA sequencing. The empty vector pGenesil-1 and two recombinant plasmids, pGenesil-shRNA-BDNF1 and pGenesil-shRNA-BDNF2, were transfected into HeLa cells using Lipofectamine 2000 (groups: P(0), P(1) and P(2), respectively). The mRNA and protein levels of BDNF in HeLa cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The cellular proliferation rates were determined by MTT assay and the apoptotic rates were measured by flow cytometry and Hoechest 33258.

RESULTSThe recombinant eukaryotic BDNF siRNA expression vectors were successfully constructed. The expression of mRNA and protein of BDNF in P(1) group were significantly decreased, comparing with non-transfected group, P(0) and P(2) groups (F = 48.19, P < 0.01). P(2) group failed to meet the expected results (P > 0.05). In addition, the proliferation activity was reduced in P(1) group and the peak point of proliferation curve was prolonged. Moreover, the early cell apoptotic rates were statistically increased in P(1)[(53.4 +/- 4.2)%] VS. non-transfected [(0.8 +/- 0.4)%], P(0) [(5.1 +/- 1.8)%] and P(2)[(7.9 +/- 2.4)%] groups (F = 269.77, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONHeLa cells express a high level of BDNF. BDNF gene silencing by RNA interference increases the apoptosis of HeLa cells and inhibits cell proliferation, offering a possible target for efficient tumor therapy.

Apoptosis ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

Aim To study the effect of Morinda officinalis on serum metabolisms in ovariectomized osteoporosis rats based on metabonomics, and explore the mechanism of Morinda officinalis in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and Morinda officinalis group.The Morinda officinalis group was given Morinda officinalis water extract by gavage.The model group and sham operation group were given normal saline by gavage.The bone mineral density(BMD)of the right femur was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; the maximum load of the tibia bending at three points and the lumbar compression was measured by universal material testing machine.The endogenous metabolites of ovariectomized osteoporosis rats were identified by serum metabonomics, and the potential differential metabolites were screened and identified..Results The BMD and maximum load of the model group decreased significantly, while the Morinda officinalis group increased significantly compared with the model group.The serum metabolic spectrum of the sham operation group was completely separated from that of the model group, and the Morinda officinalis group was close to the sham operation group, suggesting that the body had a tendency to return to normal after intervention of Morinda officinalis.28 metabolites and 5 metabolic pathways were identified to be related to ovariectomized osteoporosis.Morinda officinalis could regulate the contents of stearic acid, uracil and other metabolites, which were related to the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, the metabolism of pyrimidine and so on.Conclusion Morinda officinalis can prevent ovariectomized osteoporosis by regulating the lipid metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the molecular mechanism by which LKB1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Peutz-Jeghers hamartoma and intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODSImmunohistochemistry was used to detect gene expression of LKB1, E-cadherin, and vimentin in 20 hamartoma tissues and 10 normal intestinal tissues, and collagen fiber deposition was analyzed using Masson trichrome staining. Normal intestinal epithelial NCM460 cells were transfected with LKB1 shRNA plasmid or negative control via lentiviral vectors, and the role of LKB1 in cell polarization and migration were determined using CCK8 and Transwell assays. Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunofluorescence were used to assess the alterations of EMT markers in the cells with LKB1 knockdown.

RESULTSCompared with normal intestinal tissues, hamartoma polyps showed significantly decreased LKB1 and E-cadherin expressions and increased vimentin expression with increased collagen fiber deposition. The cells with LKB1 knockdown exhibited enhanced cell proliferation and migration activities (P<0.01). Western blot analysis, qPCR and immunofluorescence all detected decreased E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, and Slug expressions in the cells with LKB1 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONs LKB1 deficiency triggers EMT in intestinal epithelial cells and Peutz-Jeghers hamartoma, suggesting that EMT can serve as the therapeutic target for treatment of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

AIM To investigate the effects of Shuxuening Injection (Ginkgo biloba leaf extract) on serum lactic acid (Lac),soluble CD14-st (Presepsin) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in sepsis patients.METHODS One hundred and eight patients with sepsis treated by routine treatment in our hospital from Jan.2014 to Oct.2016 were randomly divided into two groups,control group and Shuxuening group (therapy group).Two weeks were one therapeutic course.Before the treatment (the onset of patients within 3 hours),at 6 hours and 5 days after the treatment,Lac and Presepsin levels were detected,and the changes of nitric oxide (NO),NOS,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were observed.Incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 28-day survival were recorded at the same time.RESULTS Before the treatment,there were no significant differences in SOFA score and the levels of Lac,Presepsin,NO,NOS and iNOS between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Six hours after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05),both the two groups had lower levels of Lac and Presepsin than those before the treatment (P ＜ 0.05);five days after the treatment,the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the two groups were lower than those at 6 hours after the treatment (P ＜ 0.05),the levels of Lac and Presepsin in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The SOFA score,NO,NOS and iNOS levels after the treatment in the therapy group were lower than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of Lac and Presepsin in sepsis patients were positively correlated with SOFA score (r =0.245,0.261,P =0.011,0.006).The patients in the therapy group had lower incidence of MACE and 28-day mortality rate than those in the control group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of Shuxuening Injection combined with routine treatment on sepsis patients is superior to that of routine treatment,which can improve the prognosis of patients to a certain extent.

Objective: To explore the pathogenesis and risk factors of gallstone formation. Methods: The findings of hepatobiliary ultrasound and related data were collected from healthy subjects who underwent a physical examination at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2012 to December 2021. A total of 98 344 healthy subjects were included in the study,including 48 241 males and 50 103 females,with a ratio of 1∶1.03,aged (42.0±15.6)years(range:14 to 97 years). The gender,age,body mass index,waist circumference,systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,ALT,AST,total bilirubin,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein,high-density lipoprotein were collected.Healthy subjects were required to sit for at least 10 minutes before blood pressure was measured.Rresults of fasting venous blood were collected after 8 to 12 hours on an empty stomach.According to the presence of gallstones by ultrasound results, healthy subjects were divided into study group and control group. Data were analyzed by rank-sum tests and χ² test, and risk factors for gallstone formation were explored by Logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of gallstones in this group was 5.42%(5 333/98 344). Among them,the incidence of gallstones in people aged 60 years and above was significantly higher than that in people under 60 years old(15.31%(2 348/15 334) vs. 3.60%(2 985/83 010), χ²=3 473.46,P<0.05).The healthy subjects were divided by age for every 10 years,and the results showed that the incidence of gallstones increased with age. The incidence of gallstones in females was 5.68%(2 844/50 103),greater than 5.16%(2 489/48 241) in males(χ²=11.81,P<0.05). Among them,1 478 cases underwent gallbladder surgical resection due to gallstones,and the operation rate was 27.71%. The operation rate reached the peak between 60 and <70 years old,and decreased after 70 years old. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that,female(OR=1.38, P<0.01),age(OR=1.58, P<0.01),body mass index≥24 kg/m²(OR=1.31, P<0.01),waist circumference≥85 cm(OR=1.24, P<0.01),fasting blood glucose>6.1 mmol/L(OR=1.18,P<0.01),total cholesterol≥5.18 mmol/L(OR=0.87, P=0.019),low-density lipoprotein≥3.37 mmol/L(OR=1.15,P=0.001) were the risk factors for gallstone formation;high-density lipoprotein≥1.55 mmol/L(OR=0.87, P<0.01) was a protective factor for gallstone formation. Conclusions: The incidence of gallstones increases with age in male and female. Gender,age,body mass index,waist circumferenc,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol,LDL,and HDL are related factors with gallstone formation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Compound Zhebei Granule (, CZBG) combined with chemotherapy on surface markers of leukemia stem cell (LSC) in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSSeventy-eight patients with AML received bone marrow aspiration and the percentages of CD34(+) CD123(+) and CD33(+) CD123(+) cells were tested using flow cytometry method. A total of 24 refractory or relapsed AML patients were enrolled and treated with one cycle of standard chemotherapy combined with CZBG. Bone marrow samples were obtained before and after treatment, and the percentages of CD34(+) CD123(+) and CD33(+) CD123(+) cells were examined by flflow cytometry.

RESULTSCompared with refractory or relapsed AML patients, patients achieved remission had a significant lower percentage of CD34(+) CD123(+) cells(P<0.01) and CD33(+) CD123(+) cells (P<0.01), indicating that controlling the LSC percentage may be important for patients with AML to achieve sustainable remission. Compared with those before treatment, the expression levels of CD34(+) CD123(+) were significantly decreased after CZBG combined with chemotherapy treatment (P<0.01). The percentages of CD34(+) CD123(+) cells and CD33(+) CD123(+) in patients achieving complete remission after CZBG combined with chemotherapy treatment were both significantly lower than those in patients with nonremission (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONCZBG combining chemotherapy could reduce the percentages of CD34(+) CD123(+) and CD33(+) CD123(+) LSC, which might improve the clinical efficacy of refractory or relapsed AML.

Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Remission Induction