Background Our previous study demonstrated that curcumin can induce the apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and herein inhibit the proliferation of RPE cells,and it is proved that the intravitreous injection of 0.1mg curcumin has less adverse effect to ocular tissue, inferring a good applicative prospect in clinic. Objective The goal of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of curcumin on the prevention and treatment of experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods PVR models were induced by injection of 0.1ml RPE cells (containing 2×106 cells) into vitreous cavity in 40 eyes of 20 healthy and mature New Zealand albino rabbits.0. 1ml curcumin(0. 1 mg) was then injected into lateral eye of each model rabbit immediately following the injection of RPE cells,and the equal volume of normal saline solution containing 0. 5‰ DMSO was injected into the fellow eye of each model rabbit as controls. On 1,3,7,14,21 and 28 days after injection, the changes of cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous and fundus were examined and recorded by slit lamp biomicroscope, indirect ophthalmoscope,fundus color camera and B-type ultrasonograph to evaluate the inflammatory response. The incidence rate of retinal detachment was calculated and compared between curcumin group and control group. Results The inflammatory reaction in anterior chamber and misty opacity in vitreous were found from 1 day through 3 days after injection, but no obvious proliferative strap and retinal detachment in all of the experimental eyes. On the 7th day after injection, inflammatory reaction was extinct in the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes, and proliferative strap occurred in 14 eyes(75% ) in the control group but only 2 eyes (10% ) in curcumin group,showing significant difference between these two groups (P<0. 01). No retinal detachment was seen in both the two groups. On 14,21 and 28 days after injection, the incidence rate of retinal detachment was 55% ,80% ,95% respectively in control group and that of curcumin group was 10% ,15% ,15% respectively,presenting considerably differences between two groups (P<0. 01, P<0. 01 ,P<0. 01 ). Conclusion Injection of curcumin into vitreous cavity can effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of PVR in rabbit.

This paper describes the development of the combined tumor therapeutic equipment based on the theory of 1 + 1 = 3 or 1 + 1 > 3 tumor combined treatment synergism. It has become a promising and valuable method dealing with cancer tumors for its good adaptability, better effectiveness and convenience. The therapeutic equipment is combined with PC and MS windows operation system, and adopts intellectual temperature control device, which realizes homogeneous and smooth heating to intracavity tumor focus and automatic processing and statistical management of all case data. The equipment works stably and is of great value in clinical applications.
Algorithms ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Male ; Microcomputers ; Middle Aged ; Rectal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Software ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation

Objective: To explore the structural domains of the CENP-E protein that interact with Mps1 protein.Methods: Two recombinant vectors named pEGFP-CENPE2(containing 674-1085 amino acids of CENP-E protein) and pEGFP-CENPE 3(containing 1200~2134 amino acids of CENP-E protein) were transfected into human embryo kidney 293(HEK293) cells respectively.The respective energy transfer efficiency(Ef) between either EGFP-CENPE2 and Mps1,or EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 were detected by FRET through selective photobleaching of the acceptors.Results: Both recombinant proteins expressed in HEK293 cells transfected by the recombinant plasmids were found to co-localize with the Mps1 protein as confirmed by confocal microscopy.The Ef between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 protein was [(12.63?0.48)%,n=30] and that between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 protein was [(3.17?0.21)%,n=30] as revealed by the results from FRET,the result of FRET was confirmed by co-Immunoprecipitate(CO-IP) method.When compared with that between the control and Mps1,the Ef between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 was significantly higher(p

The development of a RF ablation therapeutic instrument based on improved PID algorithm is introduced here. It is based on the theory of radio frequency local destruction. By adopting the improved PID temperature control algorithm, the problem of the temperature control precision reduction due to tumor tissue characteristic changing by heating has been solved, thus ensuring homogeneous and smooth radio frequency heating to tumor foci. Experiments demonstrate that the new algorithm has strong adaptability and anti-disturbance capability, the equipment works stably and reliably, and can control therapeutic temperature precisely (+/- 2 degrees C), which indicates a good clinical application value.
Algorithms ; Calorimetry ; instrumentation ; methods ; Catheter Ablation ; instrumentation ; methods ; Electrodes ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; instrumentation ; methods ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; Neoplasms ; therapy ; Software ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo screen the proteins interacting with FXR1P for functional investigation of FXR1P.

METHODSThe yeast strain AH109 transformed with the recombinant expression vector pGBKT7/FXR1 was mated with the yeast strain Y187 pretransformed with human fetal brain cDNA library. The positive clones were screened and identified by sequence analysis.

RESULTSThe recombinant expression vector pGBKT7/FXR1 was constructed successfully. Five proteins binding to FXR1P were screened from human fetal brain cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid system, including CMAS, FTH1, GOLGA4, HSD17B1 and CSH1.

CONCLUSIONSThese results provide new clues for investigating the biological functions of FXR1P and the pathogenesis of Fragile X syndrome.

Autoantigens ; genetics ; metabolism ; Estradiol Dehydrogenases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ferritins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Library ; Humans ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs ; genetics ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Two-Hybrid System Techniques

BACKGROUNDAspermia caused by exogenous testosterone limit its usage in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) patients desiring fertility. Saikokaryukotsuboreito (SKRBT) is reported to improve serum testosterone and relieve LOH-related symptoms. However, it is unclear whether SKRBT affects fertility. We aimed to examine the effects of SKRBT on spermatogenesis and fertility in aging male mice.

METHODSThirty aging male mice were randomly assigned to three groups. Mice were orally administered with phosphate-buffer solution or SKRBT (300 mg/kg, daily) or received testosterone by subcutaneous injections (10 mg/kg, every 3 days). Thirty days later, each male mouse was mated with two female mice. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 90 days. Intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels, quality of sperm, expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), and fertility were assayed.

RESULTSIn the SKRBT-treated group, ITT, quality of sperm, and expression of SYCP3 were all improved compared with the control group (ITT: 85.50 ± 12.31 ng/g vs. 74.10 ± 11.45 ng/g, P = 0.027; sperm number: [14.94 ± 4.63] × 106 cells/ml vs. [8.79 ± 4.38] × 106 cells/ml, P = 0.002; sperm motility: 43.16 ± 9.93% vs. 33.51 ± 6.98%, P = 0.015; the number of SYCP3-positive cells/tubule: 77.50 ± 11.01 ng/ml vs. 49.30 ± 8.73 ng/ml, P < 0.001; the expression of SYCP3 protein: 1.23 ± 0.09 vs. 0.84 ± 0.10, P < 0.001), but fertility was not significantly changed (P > 0.05, respectively). In the testosterone-treated group, ITT, quality of sperm, and expression of SYCP3 were markedly lower than the control group (ITT: 59.00 ± 8.67, P = 0.005; sperm number: [4.34 ± 2.45] × 106 cells/ml, P = 0.018; sperm motility: 19.53 ± 7.69%, P = 0.001; the number of SYCP3-positive cells/tubule: 30.00 ± 11.28, P < 0.001; the percentage of SYCP3-positive tubules/section 71.98 ± 8.88%, P = 0.001; the expression of SYCP3 protein: 0.71 ± 0.09, P < 0.001), and fertility was also suppressed (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSKRBT had no adverse effect on fertility potential in aging male mice.

Aging ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fertility ; drug effects ; Hypogonadism ; drug therapy ; Male ; Mice ; Nuclear Proteins ; analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Spermatogenesis ; drug effects ; Testis ; drug effects ; pathology ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical clinical results of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

METHODSWe retrospectively collected data on 24 patients who underwent surgical management in the past ten years in two hospitals in China and Madras Medical Mission in India. Myomectomy was carried out on all patients. Among them 3 patients underwent mitral valve replacement; 2 patients underwent mitral valve repair (anterior mitral leaflet plication); 2 patients underwent aortic valve replacement; 1 patient underwent aortic valve repair; 2 patients underwent aortic root replacement; 1 patient underwent Bentall's procedure and 1 patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting because of a breached muscle bridge.

RESULTSOne patient died of post-operative heart failure. The mean follow-up time was 4.3 years. There was significant improvement in the symptomatic status. Sixteen patients were asymptomatic with good effort tolerance and only four patients had New York heart association (NYHA) Classes I-II due to associated valvular lesions.

CONCLUSIONOur experience proved that symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or non-symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with combined heart disease is indication for surgery as surgical intervention could get better clinical results in this kind of patients compared with other non-surgical method because it beneficially reduces the systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve leaflet, which could not be avoided by other non-surgical treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aortic Valve ; surgery ; transplantation ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; surgery ; China ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Humans ; India ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; pathology ; surgery ; transplantation ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDPeutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease. STK11/LKB1 gene germline mutations have been identified as responsible for PJS. In our study, we investigated the molecular basis of PJS and evaluated correlation between the STK11 mutations and the Chinese population.

METHODSWe collected three pedigrees of PJS and screened the 9 exons and their flanking intronic sequences of STK11/LKB1 gene in the probands and normal individuals in the families using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing.

RESULTSSequencing of the STK11 gene in the probands of 3 families revealed two novel mutations (c180C-->G and c998-1002delGCAGC) in exon 1 and exon 8, respectively. The mutation of c180C-->G resulted in a premature termination codon. The other mutation, a deletion of five nucleotides (998-1002delGCAGC) in exon 8, predicted to generate a translational frameshift and a termination at codon 1070.

CONCLUSIONSThe growing number of mutations in PJS pedigrees suggests the molecular basis of PJS. STK11 gene mutation can be detected in most patients with PJS.

Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome ; genetics ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics

A series of tacrine-methoxybenzene hybrids (5a-5i) were designed, synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of cholinesterases (ChEs). All the compounds had better ChEs inhibitory activities than tacrine with IC50 values at the nanomolar range. Compound 5h exhibited the strongest inhibition on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 value of 6.74 nmol x L(-1) and compound 5f showed the most potent inhibition on butyrylcholinesterase with IC50 value of 3.83 nmol x L(-1). Kinetic and molecular modeling studies showed that these hybrids targeted both the catalytic active site and the peripheral anionic site of AChE.
Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Anisoles ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Binding Sites ; Butyrylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Catalytic Domain ; Cholinesterase Inhibitors ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Drug Design ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Tacrine ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology

To determine heat-shock protein (Hsp)90 expression is connected with cellular apoptotic response to heat stress and its mechanism, chicken (Gallus gallus) primary myocardial cells were treated with the Hsp90 promoter, aspirin, and its inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), before heat stress. Cellular viability, heat-stressed apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level under different treatments were measured, and the expression of key proteins of the signaling pathway related to Hsp90 and their colocalization with Hsp90 were detected. The results showed that aspirin treatment increased the expression of protein kinase B (Akt), the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 and p-IKKα/β and the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 during heat stress, which was accompanied by improved viability and low apoptosis. GA significantly inhibited Akt expression and p-IKKα/β level, but not STAT-3 quantity, while the colocalization of Akt and STAT-3 with Hsp90 was weakened, followed by lower cell viability and higher apoptosis. Aspirin after GA treatment partially improved the stress response and apoptosis rate of tested cells caused by the recovery of Akt expression and colocalization, rather than the level of STAT-3 (including its co-localization with Hsp90) and p-IKKα/β. Therefore, Hsp90 expression has a positive effect on cellular capacity to resist heat-stressed injury and apoptosis. Moreover, inhibition of Hsp90 before stress partially attenuated its positive effects.
Apoptosis* ; Aspirin ; Cell Survival ; Chickens* ; Heat Stress Disorders ; Heat-Shock Proteins* ; Hot Temperature* ; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Transducers