Objective To study the characteristics of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin dry powder inhalation and its relative bioavailability as compared with subcutaneous injection of regular insulin. Methods In this open,single-center,randomized,two-period,cross-over,euglycemic glucose clamp study,18 healthy volunteers(14 men and 4 women),aged(24.9?1.7)years,with body mass index(20.6?1.2)kg/m~2, received the insulin dry powder inhalatin(80 U)or regular insulin(15 U)subcutaneous administration.The blood samples of this study at 0,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,110,120,135,150,165,180,195, 210,225,240,270,300,330,360,390,420,450 and 480 rain were taken for serum insulin measurement, meanwhile,glucose infusion rates(GIR)were determined per 5 minutes over a period of 8 hours.Results The C_(max)were(57.9?17.8 vs 114.5?29.7)mU/L(tested vs reference preparation),T_(max)were(46.7?45.6 vs 107.8?33.7)min,GIR_(max)were(3.35?0.98 vs 5.17?1.75)mg?kg~(-1)?min~(-1)and T_(GIRmax)were(88.3?17.0 vs 151.9?34.6)min.The relative bioavailability was(10.26?2.25)%,and the relative bioefficacy was(14.33?7.26)%.Conclusion The study shows that insulin dry powder inhalation is absorbed via lungs and its action sets in earlier than that of the regular insulin injected subcutaneously.These pharmacokinetie and pharmacodynamic data may provide a reliabe guide for further clinical trial.

Abstract?AIM: To investigate the influence of propylene glycol mannite sulfate ( PGMS ) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor -α( TNF-α) and interleukin-1β( IL-1β) , in diabetic retinopathy by a rat model, to study the mechanism of PGMS against diabetic retinopathy, and provide a reliable theoretical and experimental evidence for the PGMS to be applied to clinical prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.?METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups, normal control group, diabetic control group and PGMS in group, the PGMS in groups included the doses of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg. 1% streptozotocin ( STZ) of 60 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in rats to establish the diabetic models. The PGMS with the doses of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg were used to gavage in different groups of models for 12wk.Twelve weeks later, the animals were sacrificed and retinas were isolated. The aqueous humors and serums were taken, expressions of TNF-αand IL-1βprotein in retinas, aqueous humors and serums were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) , respectively.The location and the expression of TNF-αand IL-1βprotein in retina tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.?RESULTS: Twelve weeks after the use of PGMS, the level of blood glucose was not changed.ELISA showed that the expression of TNF-αand IL-1βprotein in serum and retina was significantly increased in diabetic control group than in normal control group(P<0.05), but in the groups which PGMS was given reduced, lower than those in diabetes mellitus( DM) group, especially as the concentration of PGMS increased ( P<0.05 ).But the levels of aqueous humor's TNF-αand IL-1βproteins in PGMS group were not reduced.Immunohistochemistry showed that the TNF -α protein was almost not expressed in normal control group. But the TNF-αprotein was highly expressed in diabetic control group. The expression mainly located in the ganglion cell layer, the inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer and pigment epithelium. The TNF-αprotein was weakly expressed at the group of 50mg/kg PGMS, the TNF-αprotein was almost not expressed at the group of 100mg/kg PGMS.When the normal control group was detected, the IL-1βprotein was weakly expressed in the outer plexiform layer.But the IL-1βprotein was also highly expressed in diabetic control group.The expression mainly located in the inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer and pigment epithelium. The IL -1βprotein was weakly expressed at the group of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg PGMS.?CONCLUSION:PGMS can treat the diabetic retinopathy by downregulating the expressions of TNF-αand IL-1βin early diabetic retinopathy.PGMS maybe have a good control effect on early diabetic retinopathy.

Objective To explore the correlation between induced abortion and reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Methods On the basis of keeping the representation of cities under study,53 652 fertile women aged 15-49 were surveyed by using a stratified-cluster-random sampling.Investigation and gynecological examination were conducted by two steps - firstly converging at the clinics, and then visiting those households for someone who did not show up at the clinics. Results Among all the 32.0% (n=16 800) women ever having experienced the history of induced abortion,21.1%(n= 11 090) of them had one, 7.6%(n=3976) women had two, and 4.1%(n=1734) women had at least three events. 59.0%(n=30 959) women among our studied samples had ever had RTI,with 30.9% ( n = 16 215 ) of them had only one 20.0% (n = 10 494 ) women had two and 8.1% (n =4250) had three or more RTIs. Data from x2 text and ordinal regression analysis revealed that the rural married women who underwent more induced abortions were more likely to suffer from RTIs,especially cervical infection and PID. Conclusion Our study showed that the rates of induced abortion and reproductive tract infections among married women in Anhui province were both high.Women who underwent induced abortions had a higher prevalence rate of reproductive tract infections.

Background Keratoconus is a bilateral,noninflammatory,gradually progressive corneal disorder characterized by progressive thinning and steepening of the central cornea.It is significant to investigate keratoconusrelated pathogenic gene for elaborating the pathogenesis and establishing early diagnosis standard and taking clinical measurement.Objective The aim of the study was to explore the relationship of visual system homeobox gene (VSX1) polymorphism and the risk of sporadic keratoconus.Methods This study was approved by Ethic Commission of First Hospital of Xi' an.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to enrollment.A case-controlled study was conducted.One hundred and one Han nationality patients with sporadic keratoconus were included in this study.These keratoconus patients were clinically diagnosed by slit lamp examination and corneal tomography.Single nucleolide polymorphism (SNP) of VSX1 gene was assayed and classified using the MassARRAY SNP technique.Demography and relevant risk factors were collected from each subject by questionnaire.Eighty healthy volunteers served as controls.Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression were used to evaluate the difference in the distribution of allele frequency and genotype frequency and to analyze the association with keratoconus risks.Results SNP of two genes was found in the Chinese Han population (rs743018 (c.843+140 C＞T) and rs6138482(R217H C＞T)).There were no significant differences in the genotype frequency and allele frequency of the SNP of two genes in the keratoconus group in comparison with the normal control group (P＞0.05).After adjustment by age and sex,SNP of two genes was not significantly associated with the risk of keratoconus (regression model:rs743018 (C＞T) adjusted:P=0.35,OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.37-1.43 ;rs6138482 (C＞T) adjusted:P =0.48,OR=0.76,95％ CI:0.35-1.64).Conclusions Gene polymorphisms of rs743018(c.843+140 C＞T) and rs6138482(R217H C＞T) in the Chinese Han population is not associated with the risk of keratoconus.Due to the racial difference in genotype and allele frequency,the role of the VSX1 gene in the pathogenesis of keratoconus still remains controversial,and further study needs to be developed.

This paper aims to summarize the achievements during the implementation process of good agricultural practice (GAP) in Chinese Materia Medica (CMM), and on basis of analyzing the existing problems of GAP, to propose further implementation of GAP in TCM growing. Since the launch of GAP in CMM growing ten years ago, it has acquired great achievements, including: (1) The promulgation of a series of measures for the administration of the GAP approval in the CMM growing; (2) The expanded planting area of CMM; (3) The increased awareness of standardized CMM growing among farmers and enterprises; (4) The establishment of GAP implementation bases for CMM growing; (5) The improvement of theory and methodology for CMM growing; (6) The development of a large group of experts and scholars in GAP approval for CMM production. The problems existing in the production include: (1) A deep understanding of GAP and its certification is still needed; (2) The distribution of the certification base is not reasonable; (3) The geo-economics effect and the backward farming practices are thought to be the bottlenecks in the standardization of CMM growing and the scale production of CMM; (4) Low comparative effectiveness limits the development of the GAP; (5) The base of breeding improved variety is blank; (6) The immature of the cultivation technique lead to the risk of production process; (7) The degradation of soil microbial and the continuous cropping obstacle restrict the sustainable development of the GAP base. To further promote the health and orderly GAP in the CMM growing, the authors propose: (1) To change the mode of production; (2) To establish a sound standard system so as to ensure quality products for fair prices; (3) To fully consider the geo-economic culture and vigorously promote the definite cultivating of traditional Chinese medicinal materials; (4) To strengthen the transformation and generalization of basic researches and achievements, in order to provide technical support for the CMM production; (5) To deepen the understanding of GAP, to vigorously promote ecological planting and precision agriculture, in order to overcome the continuous cropping obstacle. The authors think that despite the fact that we are still facing with a huge array of management and technological problems, the GAP in the CMM growing has already enjoyed widespread support and showed great potential. In the future, with people's deeper understanding of GAP and the great progress of the science and technology, the GAP will constantly be fused with the theory, methodology and technology in the modern agriculture like precision agriculture, eco-agriculture and etc.
Agriculture ; economics ; methods ; standards ; trends ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; economics ; standards ; Humans ; Materia Medica ; chemistry ; economics ; standards ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo establish the real time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) assay according to 'Europe Against Cancer' (EAC) program and analyze the results of detection and quantification of different PML-RAR alpha transcript isoforms in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

METHODSThree RQ-PCR systems were performed to detect the most frequent PML-RAR alpha transcripts (L-form, S-form and V-form) in 30 APL patients and the RQ-PCR end-point products were identified by electrophoresis.

RESULTSS-form RQ-PCR system could amplify positive signals of three isoforms in all of 30 cases, and V-form RQ-PCR system could do so in both L-form and V-form positive cases, however, L-form RQ-PCR system could only do so in L-form-positive cases. Electrophoresis and sequencing of end-point products amplified by S-form RQ-PCR system revealed three bands in each of L-form (621 bp, 477 bp and 218 bp) and V-form (567 bp, 423 bp and 218 bp) positive patients samples.

CONCLUSIONSRQ-PCR, sensitive and reliable, can be used for monitoring the minimal residual disease in APL patients, however, its results should be interpreted carefully if it is used for detection of PML-RAR alpha fusion transcripts prospectively.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm, Residual ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Young Adult

This study is to explore the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on the process of beta-amyloid peptide(25-35) (Abeta(25-35)) -induced hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and on the level of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 activator, p25/p35. Western blotting and/or immunocytochemical staining were used to detect the levels of phosphorylation of tau protein at the sites of Thr205, Ser396, Ser404 in hippocampal neurons, cdk5 and p25/p35. After exposure to Abeta(25-35) (20 micromol x L(-1)) for 12 h, the levels of tau protein phosphorylation at the sites of Thr205, Ser396, Ser404 were enhanced, the level of p25 was increased, but the level of protein cdk5 was not changed markedly. Pretreatment with ginsenoside Rb1 reduced Abeta(25-35) -induced hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and decreased the lever of p25, but had no effect on cdk5. Ginsenoside Rb1 can attenuate Abeta(25-35) -induced hyperphosphorylation of tau protein through CDK5 signal pathway.
Amyloid beta-Peptides ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Animals ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 ; metabolism ; Fetus ; Ginsenosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; cytology ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Panax ; chemistry ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; tau Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo find the potential interference factors for the detection of NT-proBNP and BNP in patients with chronic heart failure.

METHODSEP15-A2 issued by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) was employed to compare the precision and accuracy of commercial NT-proBNP and BNP analyzer electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system Cobas E601 and chemiluminescence system ADVIA Centaur. Moreover, NT-proBNP and BNP were detected in different time interval and in different interfered sampling conditions (haematolysis, choloplania, lipemia). NT-proBNP and BNP of 203 patients with heart failure or heart failure complicated with acute cerebral infarction were analyzed to find the deviation caused by patients' endogenous factors.

RESULTSThe precision and accuracy were comparable for NT-proBNP and BNP detection using Cobas E601 and ADVIA Centaur (total-CV below 2.9% and 3.5%, the deviation from definite value below 2.38% and 3.91%). The most suitable sample type for NT-proBNP and BNP detection was serum and EDTA-anticoagulant plasma. The detection results of NT-proBNP and BNP were comparable for at least 120 min post sampling and not affected by Hb (2 g/L), DB (428 µmol/L) and chyle (2000 FIU). NT-proBNP was significantly higher in heart failure patients complicated with cerebral infarction (P = 0.003) than in heart failure patients. BNP was significantly higher in heart failure grade III patients complicated with cerebral infarction (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCobas E601 and ADVIA Centaur supplied satisfactory detection of NT-proBNP and BNP in patients with chronic heart failure with strong anti-interference capacity. The diagnostic value of NT-proBNP and BNP for chronic heart failure should be analyzed objectively in the presence of complicating diseases.

Electrochemical Techniques ; methods ; Heart Failure ; blood ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; methods ; Luminescent Measurements ; methods ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Peptide Fragments ; blood ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Specimen Handling ; methods ; standards

OBJECTIVETo quantify the expression level of GRAF gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and analyze its clinical significance.

METHODSThe EvaGreen real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) assay was established and performed to measure the GRAF gene transcripts in 71 cases with AML and 21 with nonmalignant hematological diseases. The clinical correlation of GRAF expression was analyzed.

RESULTSThe established EvaGreen RQ-PCR assay had good specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity. The GRAF expression level was significantly lower in AML (0.01%-169.75%, median 3.82%) than that in controls (14.49%-126.85%, median 56.04%) (P<0.05). There was no correlation between the level of GRAF transcript and the sex, age, hematologic parameters, FAB subtypes and karyotypic groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe GRAF gene was down-regulated in AML, which might play a role in the leukemogenesis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; GTPase-Activating Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the expression level and clinical significance of the preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME) transcripts in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSReal-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with EvaGreen dye was established to detect the expression level of PRAME transcripts in the bone marrow mononuclear cells of 56 AML cases and 20 controls. The clinical association of PRAME transcripts was analyzed.

RESULTSThe PRAME transcripts were 0-1.46% (median 0.18%) and 0-21 618.09% (median 9.79%) in controls and AML cases, respectively (P< 0.01). Among the FAB subtypes, those with M1, M2, M3 and M4 had significantly higher level of PRAME transcripts than controls. However, those with M5 had similar level of PRAME transcripts as controls. There was a significantly negative correlation between the PRAME transcripts and cytogenetic risk groups (r= -0.438, P= 0.001). Cases in low risk had significantly higher level of PRAME transcripts than those in intermediate and high risk. Among cases with AML-M2, those with t(8;21) had significantly higher level of PRAME transcripts (135.06% -21 618.09%, median 2201.88%) than those without t(8;21)(0.14% -1696.30%, median 17.97%)(P= 0.002). In a patient with sequential samples, PRAME transcripts significantly decreased after induction therapy and significantly increased after relapse.

CONCLUSIONThe PRAME transcript was highly expressed in AML patients and was a favorable marker of prognosis. Quantification of PRAME transcript can be used in monitoring disease status of AML.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; therapy ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Recurrence