Bronchi ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology

Objective: To observe the effects of acupoint thread-embedding therapy and low-carbohydrate diet therapy on obese patients with food addiction. Methods: Sixty-five eligible patients were randomized into a thread-embedding group of 33 cases and a diet group of 32 cases to respectively receive 12-week treatment. Before treatment, after treatment and at 6-month follow-up, the two groups were observed and compared in terms of body mass (BM), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), body fat rate (BFR), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and Yale food addiction scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0). Results: At the end of treatment, there were no significant differences in the general efficacy, and the improvements in BM, BMI, WC, HC, WHR and BFR between the thread-embedding group and diet group (all P>0.05). At follow-up, the thread-embedding group showed more significant improvements in all the aforementioned indicators compared with the diet group except HC (all P<0.05). At the end of treatment and follow-up, BMR and YFSA 2.0 had more significant improvements in the thread-embedding group than in the diet group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupoint thread-embedding therapy can produce significant efficacy in treating obese patients with food addiction; it can improve the food addiction state and work better in maintaining the efficacy compared with low-carbohydrate diet therapy.

Neurovascular unit (NVU) concept proposed for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) provides a new target, i.e., we should target as an integrity including neurons, glia, and microcirculation, thus supplementing limitations of previous treatment targeting neurons or blood vessels alone. Meanwhile, many clinical trials have failed after NVU protection against AIS drug research has developed at home and abroad. Chinese medicine has multi-component, multi-target, and overall regulation advantages, and is in line with clinical requirement for overall treatment targeting multiple targets of NVU. Currently clinical studies of Chinese medicine treatment of AIS targeting NVU are few. Standardized and systematic clinical efficacy evaluation is lack. Clinical studies for improving AIS-NVU injured blood markers by Chinese medicine are rarer. We hope to pave the way for performing clinical studies on Chinese medicine treatment of AIS targeting NVU.
Brain Ischemia ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Neurons ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Stroke ; drug therapy

This study was designed to use iTRAQ technology coupled with 2D LC-MS/MS to study the comparative proteomics of different processing technology for pilose antler. 1015 proteins were identified with 2D LC combined with MOLDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Comparative analysis with Protein Pilot (Version 4.5) revealed that 87 proteins were changed (P ≤ 0.05, the ratio of > 1.50 or < 0.60 as the threshold selection of difference proteins), of which 24 were up regulated and 33 were down regulated in the traditional frying process (TFP) compared with the fresh pilose antler (P ≤ 0.05). 7 significant different proteins (P ≤ 0.001), most of these significantly changed proteins were found to be involved in calcium ion binding and ATP binding associated with human healthy. Freeze drying with protective agent (FDP) (Trehalose) can improve the content of significantly different proteins (P ≤ 0.001) including Collagen alpha-1 (XII) chain (COL12A1) and Collagen alpha-1 (II) chain (COL2A1). The significant function involves in platelets activating, maintenance of spermatogonium, and disorder expression in tumor cells. The functional annotation by Hierarchical clustering and GO (gene ontology) showed that the main molecule functions of the proteins significantly changed in these processes were involved in binding (52.7%), catalytic (25.3%), structural molecule and transporter (6.6%).
Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Collagen ; chemistry ; Down-Regulation ; Freeze Drying ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Proteomics ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVE To have a systematic pathomechanism view of three chest impediment-syndromes of Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis syndrome(QDBS),Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis syn-drome (QSBS), Cold Obstruction and Qi Stagnation syndrome(COQS) and further investigate the changed metabolome and related pathways for screening potential biomarkers in rat plasma. METHODS According to clinical pathogeny, three kinds of syndrome models were established to simulate the disease of chest impediment. Plasma metabonomics based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was applied in this research to detected small molecule metabolites for identifyingthe special potential biomarkers of three chest impediment syndromes, respectively. RESULTS Significant metabolic differences were observed between thecontrol group and three syndrome groups. Furthermore, three syndrome groups were distinguished clearly by pattern recognition method.The particular metabolites contributing most to the classification of three chest impediment syndromes were identified. In the QSBS group, the potential biomarkers could include 2-keto-glutaramic acid, L-methionine, L-homocysteic acid, octadecanamide, stearoylglycine,behenic acid,linoleylcarnitine,lysoPC(14:1(9Z)),indoxyl sulfate and cholic acid.In the COQS group, they could be aminoadipic acid, palmitic amide, oleamide, lysoPC(P-16:0), lysoPC(P-18:0), lysoPC(20:2(11Z,14Z)), 9-HETE and tauroursodeoxycholic acid. Moreover, 4-pyridoxic acid, L-palmi-toylcarnitine, lysoPC(20:0), lysoPC (22:5 (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)), 3- hydroxyhexadecanoic acid and arachidonic acid could be the potential biomarkers for the QDBS group. CONCLUSION Three chest impediment syndromes have their own potential biomarkers.Each special metabolite has its owndifferent metabolic pathway.Both metabolismof cysteine and methionine,and metabolism of alanine,aspartate and glutamate are the main pathways in regulation of metabolic disorders in QSBS syndrome. Lysine biosynthesis and degradation,fatty acid metabolism,and glycerophospholipid metabolism are the main pathways in regulation of metabolic disorders in COQS syndrome.Arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism,fatty acid elongation in mitochondria,and vitamin B6 metabolism are the main pathways in regulation of metabolic disorders in QDBS syndrome.These endogenous substances were indicated as the special potential biomarkers for three chest impediment syndromes and worth studying in depth.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene and bronchial asthma in South China Han population.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing were used to determine the polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene in 160 unrelated patients with asthma and 95 unrelated healthy controls from South China Han population.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in T(1) locus allele distribution frequency in populations of UK, US, Germany, Korea, and South China (Chi(2)=9.085, P=0.109). The frequencies of the genotypes (TT, TC, CC) were 80.6% (n=129), 16.9% (n=27) and 2.5% (n=4) in the 160 asthmatic patients and 94.7% (n=90), 3.2% (n=3) and 2.1% (n= 2) in the 95 controls, respectively, showing a significant difference in the distribution of the genotypes (TT, TC, CC ) between asthmatic patients and healthy controls (Chi(2)=10.955, P<0.05). The frequencies of the alleles (T, C) were 0.891 and 0.109 in the asthmatic patients and 0.963 and 0.037 in the controls, respectively, showing also a significant difference in the allele frequency between them (Chi square =8.299, P<0.05). The presence of C allele of ADAM33 gene T1 locus was found to be a greater risk factor in asthmatic patients than in the healthy controls. The odds ratio (OR) of TC and TC+CC were 6.279 (1.849-21.328) and 4.326 (1.620-11.550), respectively, with P value of 0.001 and 0.002, respectively, in comparison with TT genotype.

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism of T(1) locus allele in ADAM33 gene is associated with the susceptibility to asthma in South China Han population.

ADAM Proteins ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Asthma ; genetics ; China ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in natural killer (NK) cell count in the peripheral blood of asthmatic patients.

METHODSThe number of NK cells in the peripheral blood was determined with flow cytometry in 63 asthmatic patients with acute episodes, 65 patients with stable asthma and 62 healthy nonatopic subjects.

RESULTSA significant decrease in NK cell number was noted in asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation [(13.9-/+9.4) %] in comparison with patients with stable asthma [(22.5-/+12.3) %] and healthy subjects [(19.6-/+10.1)%] (P<0.05), and the NK cell number showed no significant difference between the latter two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONNK cell number is reduced in acute exacerbation of asthma, suggesting its important role in the asthmatic process.

Adult ; Asthma ; blood ; immunology ; Cell Count ; methods ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of Rho-kinase signaling pathway in human airway smooth muscle cell (ASMCs) migration and cytoskeletal reorganization induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1).

METHODSPrimary cultured human ASMCs obtained by tracheal explant culture method were examined for cell migration in response to ET-1 treatment using modified Boyden chambers. The changes in actin cytoskeletal reorganization were observed under confocal laser scanning microscope, and the phosphorylation of myosin-phosphatase target 1 (p-MYPT1) was examined using Western blot analysis.

RESULTSAt the concentration of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nmol/L, ET-1 induced migration of the ASMCs, and 10 nmol/L ET-1 produced the most obvious effect (P<0.01). Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on ET-1-induced ASMC migration, and in cells exposed to 10 nmol/L ET-1, Y-27632 at 10 micromol/L significantly blocked ASMC migration (P<0.01). ET-1 (10 nmol/L) exposure resulted in reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and formation of stress fibers in the ASMCs, which were obviously inhibited by Y-27632. Compared with the control group, the AMSCs showed significant enhancement of p-MYPT1 protein expression after ET-1 exposure for 15 and 30 min (P<0.01), but prolonged exposure failed to result in the expression enhancement (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONRho-kinase signaling pathway may play an important role in ET-1-induced ASMC migration and reorganization of actin cytoskeleton.

Amides ; pharmacology ; Bronchi ; cytology ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytoskeleton ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Endothelin-1 ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Muscle, Smooth ; cytology ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; rho-Associated Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of dexamethasone on intracellular expression of Th17 cytokine interleukin 17 and the mechanisms in asthmatic mice.

METHODSExperimental asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization in 20 in female Balb/c mice with (dexamethasone group, n=10) or without dexamethasone treatment (model group, n=10), with another 10 serving as the control group. The levels of IL-17 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of the mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the airway inflammation was evaluated by HE staining. The expressions of IL-17 and RORgammat mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the expression of RORgammat protein was measured by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSThe levels of RORgammat and IL-17 mRNA and protein in the asthmatic model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), and the increased expressions of RORgammat and IL-17 mRNA and protein in the asthmatic mice were significantly reduced by dexamethasone treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONDexamethasone can inhibit the release of IL-17 probably by inhibiting RORgammat expression and blocking Th17 differentiation in asthmatic mice.

Animals ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; immunology ; metabolism ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Female ; Interleukin-17 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 ; metabolism ; Ovalbumin ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer ; immunology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) mRNA in bronchial asthma and explore its significance.

METHODSPeripheral blood eosinophil MBP mRNA levels were measured in 40 patients with asthma and 20 normal controls by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The association of MBP mRNA levels with eosinophil count and pulmonary function was also analyzed.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, MBP mRNA level were significantly increased in asthma patients (0.37-/+0.11 vs 0.17-/+0.04, P<0.001), so was the eosinophil count (0.86-/+0.52 vs 0.21-/+0.10, P<0.001). MBP mRNA levels in patients with moderate persistent asthma (0.42-/+0.05) and those with severe persistent asthma (0.47-/+0.05) were significantly higher than those in patients with mild persistent asthma (0.25-/+0.06, P<0.001), and the difference in MBP mRNA levels between moderate persistent asthma patients and severe ones was also significant (P<0.05). Among the asthma patients, MBP mRNA levels showed an inverse correlation with pulmonary function (r=-0.7490, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONIncreased MBP mRNA expression level may correlate with the severity of asthma. MBP may play an important role in the development of asthma.

Adult ; Asthma ; genetics ; pathology ; Blood Proteins ; genetics ; Eosinophil Major Basic Protein ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proteoglycans ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction