OBJECTIVETo observe the change of PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rats with adjuvant arthritis and to explore the mechanism of neovasculization in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODSThirty rats were randomly divided into normal control group and model control group. The model control group were established the model of adjuvant arthritis using Freund's complete adjuvant. At 19 days after modeling, the expression of microvascular density (MVD), HIF-1α, VEGF were detected by ELISA assay and PTEN, PI3K, AKT were detected by Werstern Blotting.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, paw swelling, arthritic index were increased, and the expression of MVD, VEGF, HIF-1α of serum, PI3K, AKT of synovial tissue were significantly increased, PTEN was significantly decreased in model control group. PI3K, HIF-1α were positively correlated with MVD; VEGF, AKT were positively correlated with paw swelling; PTEN was negatively correlated with the arthritis index; HIF-1α was positively correlated with VEGF; PI3K was positively correlated with AKT, PTEN was negatively correlated with PI3K, AKT, VEGF.

CONCLUSIONImbalance of PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway in rats with adjuvant arthritis is one of the mechanisms of synovial neovasculization.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; physiopathology ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; physiology ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; etiology ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; physiology ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; physiology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo observe the influence of either alone or combined mixed-tocopherols combined with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and α-Tocopherol use on oxidized LDL (oxLDL) induced 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to explore the potential mechanism.

METHODCultured HUVECs in vitro were incubated with oxLDL, oxLDL + α-tocopherol, oxLDL + mixed-tocopherols, oxLDL + EPA, oxLDL + α-tocopherol + EPA, oxLDL + mixed-tocopherols + EPA for 24 hours, respectively. Secretion of 8-OHDG and IL-6 were detected by cell enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ), phosphorylated PKC-δ (p-PKC-δ) were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS8-OHDG and IL-6 secretion of HUVECs was significantly increased significantly after incubated with oxLDL for 24 hours which could be significantly attenuated in the presence of tocopherols and EPA (alone or in combination, all P < 0.05) while the strongest inhibition effects were seen with combined use of mixed-tocopherols and EPA. Moreover, combination of mixed-tocopherols and EPA could also significantly increase SOD activity and decrease PKC activity (all P < 0.05). However, the protein expression of SOD and PKC-was similar among groups.

CONCLUSIONCombined mixed-tocopherols + EPA use enhanced the inhibiting effects on the secretion of 8-OHDG and IL-6 in oxLDL stimulated HUVECs which might be linked with increased SOD activity and reduced p-PKC activity.

Antioxidants ; Cells, Cultured ; Deoxyguanosine ; analogs & derivatives ; secretion ; Eicosapentaenoic Acid ; pharmacology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; secretion ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; adverse effects ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; alpha-Tocopherol ; pharmacology

Objective To understand healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in group burn/trauma patients,and explore its risk factors.Methods HAI occurred among 25 hospitalized patients with group burn/trauma during a bus deflagration event on May 12,2014 were monitored and analyzed.Results Of 25 burn/trauma patients,7 de-veloped 10 times of HAI,incidence and case incidence of HAI were 28.00% and 40.00% respectively;the main in-fection sites were wound and lower respiratory tract,accounting for 60.00% and 30.00% respectively.30 strains of pathogens were isolated from 7 patients with HAI,including 16 strains (53.34%)of gram-negative bacteria,13 strains(43.33%)of gram-positive bacteria,and 1 fungus (3.33% ).Risk factors for HAI were large burned area, high degree of inhalation injury,arteriovenous catheterization,urinary tract catheterization,tracheotomy,use of ventilator,and surgery.Conclusion Incidence of HAI is high in the group burn/trauma patients,corresponding in-tervention measures should be formulated according to the risk factors,so as to reduce the occurrence of HAI.

Objective To evaluate the imaging methods,characteristics,diagnostic value of multi- slice CT urography(MSCTU)in congenital abnormities of urinary system.Methods To collect 33 urinary congenital abnormities cases in three years and to analyses these MSCTU images.All examinations were performed with a multi-slice spiral CT scanner.The patients were intravenously injected with 90 ml of Iohexol 300 with a power injector at the rate of 3 ml/s.Nephrographic-phase images were obtained at 75 s after initiation of the injection of contrast material,the appropriate delay time is according to Kidney's enhancement extent and nephrohydrosis degree.Excretory-phase images were obtained through the abdomen and pelvis from 10 min.to 23 h after initiation of the injection of contrast material without abdominal compression.Excretory-phase images were transferred to the workstation and performed maximun intensity projection(MIP),multiplanar reconstruction(MPR),volume rendering(VR),and virtual cystoscopy (VC).Results The urinary congenital abnormities diagnosed by MSCTU in 33 cases,including 1 ectopic kidney,1 horseshoe kidney,1 renal malrotaion,2 supernumerary kidneys,2 ureteral valves,2 retrocaval ureters,4 congenital megaureters,6 ureteropelvic junction stenosis,9 pelviureteric duplication malformations and 5 bladder diverticula.The displaying rate of ureter was 91%(61/66).The scanning time of excretory-phase was less than 20 seconds in All cases.The average CT value of contrast media in displayed ureter lumens was 520 HU.The postprocessing images had clear,dimensional feature and It was satisfy the diagnosis.Conclusion MSCTU has clear,dimensional feature and has strong ability of displaying total anatomy shape and tiny pathology change of congenital abnormities in the urinary system.It is a very useful method for detecting the congenital abnormities in the urinary system.

Objective To investigate the CT findings of Madelung's disease in the head and neck region,and to evaluate the value of CT in demonstrating the Madelung's disease in the head and neck region.Methods CT findings of Madelung's disease in the head and neck region in 7 cases were analyzed retrospectively.All were males,with the age from 36 to 60 years,mean 51 years.All patients were underwent CT native scan,and enhanced CT scan was performed on 3 of them.Results CT images in the neck of all patients showed accumulation of nonencapsulated fat within the subcutaneous tissue and(or) deep to the platysma,and(or)within the spaces between the muscles.The fat deposits were ill-defined and symmetrical.In most cases the fat deposits involved the anterior part of the neck(infrahyoid and suprahyoid),submandibular region,the subcutaneous tissue of the nape and deep to the stenomastoid muscles.Conclusions Madelung's disease in the head and neck region have characteristic CT findings,and CT has great value in qualitative and quantitative diagnosis in Madelung's disease.

In this study, the inhibitory effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC) on interleukin-17 (IL-17) production in peripheral blood T cells from patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) were investigated, in order to explore the therapeutic potential of hUCMSC in the SpA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were isolated from patients with SpA (n = 12) and healthy subjects (n = 6). PBMNC were cultured in vitro with hUCMSC or alone. The expression of IL-17 in CD4(+) T cells or γ/δ T cells were determined in each subject group by flow cytometry. IL-17 concentrations in PBMNC culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. The results indicated that the proportion of IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells and IL-17-producing γ/δ T cells of SpA patients were 4.5 folds and 5 folds of healthy controls [CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells (3.42 ± 0.82)% vs (0.75 ± 0.25)%, P < 0.01; CD3(+)γδTCR(+)IL-17(+) cells (0.30 ± 0.10)% vs (0.06 ± 0.02)%, P < 0.01]. After co-culture of PBMNC in patients with hUCMSC, the increased proportions of CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells and CD3(+)γδTCR(+)IL-17(+) cells in SpA patients were inhibited significantly by hUCMSC [CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells (3.42 ± 0.82)% vs (1.81 ± 0.59)% (P < 0.01); CD3(+)γδTCR(+)IL-17(+) cells (0.30 ± 0.10)% vs (0.16 ± 0.06)% (P < 0.01]. In response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 1 µg/ml), PBMNC from SpA patients secreted more IL-17 than that from healthy control [(573.95 ± 171.68) pg/ml vs (115.53 ± 40.41) pg/ml (P < 0.01)]. In the presence of hUCMSC, PBMNC of SpA patients produced less amount of IL-17 [(573.95 ± 171.68) pg/ml vs (443.20 ± 147.94) pg/ml, (P < 0.01)]. It is concluded that the IL-17 production in peripheral blood T cells from SpA patients can be inhibited by hUCMSC, which have therapeutic potential for SpA.
Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; metabolism ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; Lymphocyte Count ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Spondylarthritis ; blood ; metabolism ; therapy ; T-Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; Umbilical Cord ; cytology

BACKGROUNDNumerous studies indicate that tissue factor (TF), namely tissue thromboplastin, has a close relationship with malignant tumor genesis and progress. It contributes to blood coagulation as well as the regulation of cellular differentiation, the formation of blood vessels, and also tumor recurrence and metastasis. The present study aimed to detect TF expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and to elucidate its association with prognosis and clinical features of the disease.

METHODSThe plasma TF levels of 50 HCC patients and 30 controls were assayed by ELISA. The expressions of TF mRNA and protein in HCC tissues, adjacent tissues and normal tissues were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The acquired data were analyzed with related clinic-pathological documents. The patients were followed up for five years, and the relationship between TF and prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTSThe plasma TF levels were significantly increased in HCC compared to the controls (P < 0.05), presenting a close relationship with differentiation level, tumor size and hepatocirrhosis occurrence (P < 0.05). There were remarkably higher values in cases of lymphatic metastasis, extrahepatic metastasis and portal tumor thrombus (PTT) (P < 0.05) compared to non-metastasis or non-tumor thrombus, but no significant difference with different focus number or envelope (P > 0.05). The positive rates and the relative expression of TF mRNA in HCC tissue were 63.0% (17/27) and 0.567 ± 0.268, respectively, significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues or normal tissues (P < 0.05). In the patients with positive results, the relative expression intensity varied significantly with different tumor size and index of local invasion and metastasis (P < 0.05). The positive rates and the relative expression intensities of TF protein in HCC tissue were 74.1% (20/27) and 4.093 ± 1.256, respectively, significantly higher than those in adjacent tissue or normal tissue (P < 0.05). In the patients with positive results, the relative expression intensity showed significant difference in different tumor size, differentiation level, and index of local invasion and metastasis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe TF levels were significantly higher in plasma and tissues of HCC patients, presenting a close relationship with the index of invasion and metastasis. It indicated that TF might be related to differentiation and metastasis of HCC.

Adult ; Aged ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Thromboplastin ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo determine the effects of modified pull-through operation (Badenoch operation) on the treatment of posterior urethral stricture.

METHODSFrom September 2001 to December 2010 traditional pull-through operation was Modified for two times in our center. A total of 129 patients with posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture resulting from pelvic fracture injury underwent the modified urethral pull-through operation. Stricture length was 1.5 to 5.3 cm (mean 2.9 cm). Of the patients 43 had undergone at least 1 previous failed management for stricture. In phase 1 (from September 2001 to January 2008), the improving items include: (1) The distal urethral end was stitched and tied to the catheter. (2) As catheter was inserted into bladder and 20 ml water was injected into catheter balloon, the distal urethral end was fixed in the proximal urethra and an overlaying of 1.5 cm was formed between the two ends. (3) Three weeks later, it was tried to insert the catheter to bladder. After the urethral stump necrosis and the catheter separating from the urethra, the catheter was removed. In phase 2 (from February 2008 to December 2010), based on the above, irrigating catheter was used. After the surgery, urethra was irrigated with 0.02% furacillin solution through the catheter 3 times a day. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. If patients had no conscious dysuria and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) > 15 ml/s, the treatment was considered successful. All complications were recorded.

RESULTSIn phase 1, the 96 patients (101 times) underwent the procedure. The treatment was successful in 88 patients (success rate 92%). Within 1 to 13 days after removal of the catheter, urethral stricture was recurred in 8 patients. They had to undergo cystostomy once more for 3 to 11 months before reoperation (the 3 patients' reoperation was in phase 2). The 8 cases were treated successfully. In phase 2, 33 patients (total 36 times) underwent the procedure. One patient was failed (success rate 97%). The actual follow-up time is 7 to 93 months (An average of 37.6 months). Qmax is (22 ± 5) ml/s. No complications such as urinary incontinence, erectile pain, urinary shortening happened.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified urethral pull-through operation is effective for the surgical treatment of posttraumatic posterior urethral stricture. It has a high success rate with durable long-term results. Complications are few. The procedure is simple, less demanding and especially suitable in patients who had previously undergone failed surgical treatments.

Adult ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethra ; surgery ; Urethral Stricture ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of PDGF receptor-beta and its correlation with extracellular matrix in hepatic tissue during hepatic fibrosis.

METHODSThe model of hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride. PDGF receptor-beta subunit, collagen I, collagen III and a-SMA in hepatic tissues of these rats were examined using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between PDGF receptor-beta subunit and collagen I, III was analyzed using SAS software after the results of immunohistochemistry were semi-quantified.

RESULTSPDGF receptor-beta subunit and a-SMA were not detected in normal controls. Collagen I and III were distributed in the portal tracts and beneath the endothelia of the central veins and of the Disse spaces. Two weeks after CCl4 injection, the PDGF receptor-beta and a-SMA were detected, and the expression of collagen I and III increased. At the end of 4 and 6 weeks, the above four proteins were further increased. Two weeks after CCl4 injection, PDGF receptor-beta had no apparent correlation with collagen I and III. However, PDGF receptor-beta had a significant correlation with collagen I and III 2 weeks later, and the correlation coefficient was 0.74 and 0.60 respectively at 4 weeks, and 0.83 and 0.67 respectively at 6 weeks. PDGF receptor-beta had a significant correlation with a-SMA during the whole process of hepatic fibrosis and the correlation coefficient was 0.62, 0.69 and 0.81, respectively at the time of 2, 4 and 6 weeks after CCl4 injection.

CONCLUSIONThe PDGF receptor-beta was overexpressed during the process of hepatic fibrosis development, and it significantly correlated with collagen I and collagen III.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning ; Collagen Type I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Collagen Type III ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of thioridazine on the proliferation and apoptosis of human colorectal cancer SW480 cells.

METHODSSW480 cells were treated with different concentrations of thioridazine, and MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell inhibition rate. Hoechst 33342 staining was performed to demonstrate the cell morphology changes. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell apoptosis and cell cycle changes. RT-qPCR was used to detect PDCD4, c-MYC, BCL2, CCND1, CASPASE3, PARP1, CDK4 and EIF4A mRNA expressions, and Western blotting was employed to assay AKT, p-AKT, and PDCD4 protein expression levels.

RESULTSMTT results showed that thioridazine inhibits the proliferation of SW480 cells. SW480 cells treated with thioridazine presented with such typical features of apoptosis of karyopyknosis, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. Flow cytometry showed that thioridazine was a cell cycle-specific drug and caused cell cycle arrest at G(1)/G(0) phase and an increased cell apoptosis rate. Thioridazine treatment of the cells resulted in up-regulated PDCD4 mRNA expression and down-regulated mRNA expressions of CCND1, CDK4, c-MYC, BCL2, CASPASE3, PARP1 and EIF4A, increased PDCD4 protein expression and reduced p-AKT protein expression.

CONCLUSIONThioridazine inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of SW480 cells by up-regulating PDCD4 and inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway.

Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Down-Regulation ; Humans ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Thioridazine ; pharmacology