The status of marine bioresources and the marine eco-environment issues were summarized and discussed, and the strategies for the development of Chinese marine bioresources in the future were proposed. The degradation of marine eco-environment and unreasonable exploitation of the resources resulted in acute decline of Chinese marine bioresources. The feasible stratagies for the sustainable use of marine bioresources should be to intensify the basic research on marine bioresources science, to strengthen the protection of the marine environment and conservation of marine living resources, and to exploit and utilize marine bioresources scientifically and reasonably by using high-technology including marine biotechnology.

OBJECTIVETo observe the differential effect of joint ultrasound on the syndrome differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by observing the high frequency ultrasound performances among inactive stage and different syndromes in active stage.

METHODSTotally 83 RA patients in the active stage were assigned to the dampness heat syndrome group (DHS, 59 cases)and the cold dampness syndrome group (CDS, 24 cases) according to Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome typing. Besides, 20 RA patients in the remission stage were recruited as the control group (abbreviated as the remission group). By using high frequency ultrasound and power Doppler ultrasound technology, a comparative observation of synovitis, tenosynovitis, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion in the 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, wrist joints, knee joints, the second and the fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints (a total of 24 joints) was performed in all patients. Correlation analyses were performed between the ultrasound performance, laboratory indices, and the disease activity. Ultrasound data of each RA patient were analyzed by their total scores. Χ2 test was used for enumeration data. The measurement data was expressed as x ± s. One-way ANOVA was used for data of normal distribution, while non- parametric test was used for data of non-normal distribution. Correlation analysis of two variables was performed for clinical indicators and ultrasound indicators. Its significance was detected using Pearson correlation.

RESULTSCompared with the remission group, the severity degree of synovitis, tenosynovitis, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion significantly increased in the DHS group (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, DAS28 score, and the positive rate of RF (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in the severity degree of synovitis and synovial blood flow, and DAS28 score in the CDS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CDS group, there was statistical difference in the four ultrasound indices (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, DAS28 score, and the positive rate of RF in the DHS group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in G, IgG, IgA, or IgM among the three groups (P > 0.05). There existed positive correlation between ESR and the synovitis degree, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion in the DHS group (r = 0.444, 0.397, 0.486, P < 0.05).There existed positive correlation between ESR and the synovitis degree, bone erosion, and synovial blood flow in the DHS group (r = 0.378, 0.270, P < 0.05). There existed positive correlation between the DAS28 score and the synovitis degree and synovial blood flow in the DHS group (r = 0.304, 0.351, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe inflammation degree was the most severe in RA patients of DHS. High frequency ultrasound could provide better evidence for Chinese medical syndrome differentiation of RA patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; ultrastructure ; Syndrome ; Synovitis ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of total saponins of Panax japonicus(SPJ)on cancer cach-exia in mice with colon adenocarcinoma. Methods BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with mu-rine colon adenocarcinoma CT26 cells to induce ca-chexia. The model animals were randomly divided into three groups: model group, SPJ low dose group and high dose group. Gavage started on the 4th day after inoculation, and the dosage regimen was as follows:the normal and model groups were given 10 mL·kg-1 saline, qd ×27; the low dose and high dose groups were treated with 20 and 60 mg·kg-1SPJ respective-ly, qd ×27. After treatment, the effects of SPJ on body weight, tibialis anterior muscle, gastrocnemius muscle,spleen and epididymal fat changes of cachexia mice were observed. HE and Western blot were used to measure the changes of cross section of gastrocnemius muscle fibers and the expression of NF-κB,PAX7 and MuRF1 protein level in the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle. Results Compared with model group, the administration of SPJ could effectively re-duce the weight loss (P <0.05), increase muscle mass (P<0.05) and decrease muscle tissue degrada-tion in cachexia mice. Meanwhile,SPJ significantly re-duced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum (P <0.05) and decreased the expression of NF-κB. Con-clusion SPJ can improve cancer cachexia in mice in a dose-dependent manner. The potential mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of NF-κB mediated in-flammatory factor expression.

OBJECTIVETo compare the therapeutic effect on sudden deafness between acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer and routine medication.

METHODSEighty cases of sudden deafness were randomly divided into two groups, 40 cases in each one. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer was adopted in observation group on Yongquan (KI 1) (with reducing and slightly heavy manipulation), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2) and Ermen (TE 21), and associated with suspending moxibustion for thermal sensitization on Yongquan (KI 1). In control group, the routine medications were given. The therapeutic effects of two groups were compared with each other.

RESULTSAfter three sessions of treatment, dB value of hearing loss in two groups decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the improvement of hearing in observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 80.0% (32/40) in observation group, which was better than that 55.0% (22/40) in control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture and moxibustion therapy of excitation-focus transfer presents superior therapeutic effect on sudden deafness as compared with the routine western therapy.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Young Adult

To investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms for platelet-neutrophils cross talk mediated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) and to lay a foundation for clinical application, ginkgolides B (GB), a PAF receptor antagonist, was added in the whole blood to block the effects of PAF on activation of platelet-neutrophil; PAF and ADP were respectively added in the whole blood to monitor the expression of CD62P on platelet by flow cytometry; PAF and ADP were added in the whole blood to monitor the expression of CD11b on neutrophil by flow cytometry; PAF and ADP were added in the whole blood to monitor the platelet-leucocyte aggregates (PLA) which were PLA in the total leucocyte population (PLA/L) and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD42b. Outcomes were analyzed by t-test, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results showed that the expression of CD62P on platelats, the expression of CD11b on neutrophils and PLA formation were all increased by PAF and ADP; the PAF receptor antagonists (GB) could obviously inhibit the expression of CD62P, CD11b and PLA formation induced by PAF, but could not completely inhibit the activation of platelet and neutrophil, and the platelet-neutrophil cross talk; GB could inhibit the expression of CD62P and CD11b induced by ADP, but could not conpletely inhibit the activation of platelet and neutrophli; GB could not obviously inhibit the platelet-leucocyte aggregates mediated by ADP. It is concluded that the multiligand-receptor systems involved in PLA formation and platelet-netrophils cross talk seem to be regulated by complex mechanisms; the PAF receptor antagonists (GB) obviously inhibit the effect of PAF, and may be widely utilized in the therapy of thrombosis and inflammation.
Adenosine Diphosphate ; pharmacology ; Adult ; Blood Platelets ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; CD11b Antigen ; blood ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; physiology ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; physiology ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Ginkgolides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophils ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; P-Selectin ; blood ; Platelet Activating Factor ; pharmacology ; Platelet Activation ; drug effects ; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex ; analysis ; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology

BACKGROUNDWe investigated possible biomarkers for endometriosis (EM) using the ClinProt technique and proteomics methods.

METHODSWe enrolled 50 patients with EM, 34 with benign ovarian neoplasms and 40 healthy volunteers in this study. Serum proteomic spectra were generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) combined with weak cationic exchange (WCX) magnetic beads. Possible biomarkers were analyzed by a random and repeat pattern model-validation method that we designed, and ClinProtools software, results were refined using online liquid chromatography-tandem MS.

RESULTSWe found a cluster of 5 peptides (4210, 5264, 2660, 5635, and 5904 Da), using 3 peptides (4210, 5904, 2660 Da) to discriminate EM patients from healthy volunteers, with 96.67% sensitivity and 100% specificity. We selected 4210 and 5904 m/z, which differed most between patients with EM and controls, and identified them as fragments of ATP1B4, and the fibrinogen alpha (FGA) isoform 1/2 of the FGA chain precursor, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSClinProt can identify EM biomarkers, which - most notably - distinguish even early-stage or minimal disease. We found 5 stable peaks at 4210, 5264, 2660, 5635, and 5904 Da as potential EM biomarkers, the strongest of which were associated with ATP1B4 (4210 Da) and FGA (5904 Da); this indicates that ATP1B4 and FGA are associated with EM pathogenesis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Endometriosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Peptides ; blood ; Proteomics ; methods ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low concentrations of DEHP and MEHP on steroidogenesis in a murine Leydig tumor cell line (MLTC-1) in vitro. The result of flow cytometry analysis revealed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly increased after the exposure to DEHP. All three genes (P450scc, P450c17, and 3βHSD) under study showed an increased expression following exposure to DEHP or MEHP, although some insignificant inhibitory effects appeared in the 10 μmol/L treatment group as compared with the controls. It was also found that compared with the controls. It was also found that DEHP or MEHP stimulated INSL3 mRNA and protein especially in the 0.001 μmol/L treatment group. Testosterone secretions were stimulated after the exposure to DEHP or MEHP. Alternations of steroidogenic enzymes and INSL3 in MLTC-1 cells might be involved in the biphasic effects of DEHP/MEHP on androgen production.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Diethylhexyl Phthalate ; analogs & derivatives ; toxicity ; Leydig Cell Tumor ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Steroids ; biosynthesis

To study the dynamic change law of bioactive constituents from Polygonum multiflorum, and to explore the optimal harvest period of P. multiflorum. Determination of stilhene glucoside, anthraquinones and catechin from P. multiflorum in different harvest times by MEKC-DAD, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to comprehensive evaluation for bioactive constituents. There are obvious differences among the contents of active ingredients in various collecting periods samples, the content of stilbene glucoside was the highest in November, the total content of combined anthraquinone was the highest in November and December, the content of catechin was the highest in September. The comprehensive evaluation index obtained with principal component analysis showed that the sample collected in November is significantly higher than those with other samples. The optimal harvest period of P. multiflorum is November.
Electrophoresis ; Fallopia multiflora ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy difference between meridian cosmetology and western medicine in the treatment of chloasma and explore the impacts of meridian cosmetology on E2 and PRGE.

METHODSThree hundreds cases of chloasma were randomized into a meridian cosmetology group and a western medication group according to the visit sequence, 150 cases in each one. In the meridian cosmetology group, the meridian regulation, acupuncture based on pattern/syndrome differentiation [at the body acupoints such as Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23), etc.] and the local surrounding needling therapy on the chloasma skin lesion were adopted. In the western medication group, the oral administration of Vitamin C and E was prescribed for 3 months. The clinical efficacy was observed for the patients in the two groups. Additionally, 30 cases were collected from the meridian cosmetology group randomly for the detection of estrogen (E2) and progestin (PRGE) before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe effective rate in the meridian cosmetology group was 92.6% (126/136), which was superior to 67.0% (75/112) in the western medication group (P < 0.05). For the patients collected from the meridian cosmetology group, as compared with that before treatment, E2 level was decreased (P < 0.01) and PRGE level was increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe meridian cosmetology achieves the superior efficacy as compared with the western medication group for the chloasma and it can regulate the levels of E2 and PRGE.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Estrogens ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Melanosis ; metabolism ; therapy ; Meridians ; Progestins ; metabolism ; Young Adult

In order to investigate the effect of shRNA targeted to beta-catenin on the growth of K562 cells, plasmid containing beta-catenin specific shRNA sequence was transfected into K562 cells by lipofectamine 2000, and G418 was added to screen the positive cells. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of beta-catenin. Cell growth curve, MTT and colony forming cell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation potential of cells. The results showed that the mRNA level of beta-catenin was reduced significantly in K562 cells transfected into interfering plasmid as compared with control plasmid, while the protein level failed to demonstrate difference by the time of 72 hours after transfection. After long-term culture with G418, the count of positive cells enhanced in control group while no positive cells survived in the interfering group. Colony-forming cell assays revealed that the K562 cells in interfering group formed colonies with very small size and low forming rate, compared with the control group, though the growth curve and MTT failed to illustrate differences. It is concluded that the beta-catenin-specific shRNA mediated by plasmid can effectively knockdown the expression of beta-catenin gene and inhibit the colony-forming ability in K562 cells, it is a potential target for the therapy of CML, even in blast crisis.
Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection ; beta Catenin ; genetics ; metabolism