Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

In traditional oral practice, the presystemic interactions with gut microbiota is an important mechanism underlying the holistic health benefits of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), making the study of CHMs distinct from the research of Western medicines of which the systemic exposure (level in blood) is the starting point and the core. Gut microbial metabolism complements host metabolism in maintaining metabolic homeostasis of many biologically important endogenous molecules and the disposition of numerous exogenous compounds. Among them, the widely distributed gut bacterial β-glucuronidases (BGUSs) coordinate with host UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) to play a role in the occurrence and intervention of diseases by affecting the glucuronidation homeostasis and altering the intestinal local and/or systemic exposure of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. On one hand, many ingredients of CHMs undergo enterohepatic circulation; On the other hand, CHMs can act on BGUSs directly or indirectly change the distribution and function of BGUSs through reprogramming gut microbiome. The multiple interactions between BGUSs and CHMs may play an important role in the overall therapeutic benefits of CHMs. This work firstly summarizes the latest research progress on BGUSs; then the physiological, pathological and pharmacological significance of BGUSs are exemplified with representative endogenous and exogenous compounds from the aspects of nutrient utilization, metabolic homeostasis, and therapeutic response based on the varied substrate spectra of BGUSs; finally, the scattered data in literature were integrated to summarize the multiple interactions between BGUSs and CHMs, highlighting the important role of BGUSs in the holistic actions of CHMs.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of maternal prenatal education on promoting breastfeeding rate for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods Gravidas who were admitted to Peking University First Hospital for any risk of preterm delivery from November 2013 to December 2014 and preterm infants admitted to the NICU (length of stay ≥ 5 d) of the same hospital during the same period were involved.All the gravidas received prenatal education and completed questionnaires.Two hundred and ninety-five preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups including education group (n=125) and non-education group (n=170) according to whether their mothers received prenatal education or not.Conditions of the preterm infants during hospitalization and after discharge and breastfeeding rates were comparatively analyzed between the two groups.T test,Chi-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used for statistical analysis.Results (1) There were 380 gravidas received questionnaires.Among them,346 (91.1％)completed the questionnaires and were recruited in this study.Only 31.8％ (110/346) of these gravidas were active in learning more about breastfeeding and 46.2％ (160/346) of them lacked confidence in breastfeeding after the appearance of preterm delivery signs.There were significant improvements in their attitudes towards considering breastfeeding seriously and discussing with their family,confidence in breastfeeding,the importance of colostrum and how to breastfeed a preterm infant in hospital after maternal prenatal education (all P＜0.001).Prenatal education was thought to be helpful in 77.5％ (268/346) of the gravidas.(2) The two groups of preterm infants showed good homogeneities in gestational age,gender,birth weight and other basal conditions as well as in incidences of in-hospital complications and conditions after discharge (all P＞0.05).Proportions of breast milk intake (breast milk intake over total dairy intake) in preterm infants were higher in education group than those in non-education group within 5 d after birth [0.0 (0.0-16.5)％ vs 0.0 (0.0-2.5)％,Z=-3.422],＞5-≤ 7 d [33.7 (0.0-82.8)％ vs 0.0 (0.0-50.3)％,Z=-3.070],＞7-≤ 14 d [75.2(23.5-96.4)％ vs 47.6(0.0-92.2)％,Z=-2.345] and during hospitalization [58.4 (21.0-78.8)％ vs 31.9 (0.0-71.7)％,Z=-3.902] (all P＜0.05).Breastfeeding rates were higher in education group than those in non-education group at the age of 5 d [47.2％(59/125) vs 27.1％ (46/170),x2=12.747],7 d [70.4％ (88/125) vs 51.2％ (87/170),x2=11.031],three months [83.3％(65/78) vs 56.1％ (60/107),x2=15.297] and six months [64.5％ (49/76) vs 49.1％ (53/108),x2=4.282] (all P＜0.05).Exclusive breastfeeding rates in the first,third and sixth months after birth were higher in education group [45.7％(53/116),42.3％ (33/78) and 36.9％ (28/76)] than those in non-education group [21.3％ (32/150),28.0％ (30/107)and 22.2％ (24/108)] (22=17.847,4.091 and 4.703,all P＜0.05),respectively.Conclusions Most gravidas with risk factors of preterm delivery have no confidence on breastfeeding.Prenatal maternal education is an effective and feasible intervention to improve breastfeeding rate for preterm infants in NICU from early hospitalization till six months after birth.

PEG-modified magnetic Fe3O4 (Fe3O4-PEG) nanoparticles were sythesized using a solvothermal reaction and characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photothermal effect and photothermal destruction of cancer cells were evaluated. Then the doxorubicin loaded Fe3O4-PEG (DOX-Fe3O4-PEG) nanoparticles were prepared. The cytotoxicity and combined chemotherapy/photothermal therapy (PTT) effect were investigated. Uniform PEG coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with particle size of 155 nm were obtained in the experiment. The loading and release of doxorubicin on Fe3O4-PEG were pH-dependent. The drug loading capacity in water was 21%. The results of MTT indicated a good biocompatiblity of Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles and high cytotoxicity of DOX-Fe3O4-PEG. In combined therapy experiment, photothermal therapy demonstrated unambiguously enhanced chemotherapy efficacy. In conclusion, the obtained Fe3O4-PEG nanoparticles which exhibit good photothermal effect and drug loading capacity can be used for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. The synergetic anti-tumor activity indicates the potential for the combined application of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy in cancer treatment.
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Drug Carriers ; Ferrosoferric Oxide ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; MCF-7 Cells ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Proliferation ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Drug Synergism ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Receptor, IGF Type 1 ; biosynthesis ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Objective:To observe immunological indexes,the quantity of cytokine expression and clinical curative effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells between before and after the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients.Methods:Selected 10 cases of SLE,on the basis of glucocorticoid and immune inhibitor treatment,intravenous injection UC-MSC of cultivating proliferation within 6 generations.Before and after treatment of UC-MSC testing the relative quantity of cytokine of CTLA-4,IL-15,IL-2,CD86,IL-17c,Foxp3,TGF-β2 which were related of immunopathogenesis of SLE.Before and after treatment to determined SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score and detection of blood in the urine routine,liver and kidney function,24 hours urinary protein quantitative,immunoglobulin and complement levels.Results:After treatment the relative expression value of IL-15 and IL-2 was decreased,CTLA-4 was risen.There had no significant difference with the relative expression value of CD86,IL-17c,Foxp3,TGF-β2 in before and after treatment of UC-MSC.After treatment serum complement C3 and C4 level,serum albumin,were risen.24 hour proteinuria and SLEDAI were decreased.There was no serious adverse reaction occurred,no complications related to transplantation in 10 cases.Conclusion:UC-MSC can regulate the expression of cytokines of participate in the immune response in the patients with SLE.Treatment of SLE by UC-MSC can elevate serum albumin and C3 and C4 level,reduce the 24 hours urinary protein quantity,relife kidney damage,improve clinical symptoms;UC-MSC transplantation in patients with SLE have good security;UC-MSC transplantation may be a feasible method for the treatment of SLE.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hematopoietic stimulating factors on the expansion of mature megakaryocytes. METHODS: (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) x 10(5)/mL bone marrow single nucleus cells (BMNC) were added in the culture system of colony forming unit-megkaryocyte (CFU-Meg) to find out the relationship of the cultured BMNC with the output of CFU-Meg. rmSCF + rmTPO + rmIL-3 (3HSFs) and rmSCF + rmTPO + rmIL-3 + rmIL-6 (4HSFs) or F-CM were added in the liquid culture system of megkaryocytes respectively. The number of mature megakaryocytes were counted every other day. RESULTS: The number of CFU-Meg increased with the increase of the cultured BMNC. The CFU-Meg productivity of 1 x 10(6) BMNC/mL culture system was more than that of 2 x 10(5) BMNC/mL culture system. 3HSFs and 4HSFs or F-CM significantly promoted the expansion of mature megakaryocytes in the liquid culture system, but the effect was different. The peak time of the number of mature megakaryocytes in 3HSFs and 4HSFs or F-CM were 7 d, 7 d and 5 d respectively. CONCLUSION 3HSFs and 4 HSFs or F-CM had positive effect on the expansion of mature megakaryocytes. 4HSFs was better than 3HSFs and F-CM. 3HSFs was better than F-CM. The peak time of the number of mature megakaryocytes in different culture systems was different.
Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Female ; Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-3 ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Male ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Mice

In this study the effects of bone marrow stromal cells conditioned medium on the expansion of mature megakaryocytes and colony forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Meg) in vitro were investigated. The serum-free bone marrow fibroblast conditioned medium (F-CM), bone marrow endothelial cell conditioned medium (E-CM) and bone marrow macrophage conditioned medium (M-CM) were collected and ultrafiltrated by using Centriprep-10. F-CM, E-CM, M-CM, the retentate (>10 kDa F-CM, >10 kDa E-CM and >10 kDa M-CM) contained substances whose molecular weight was more than 10 kDa and the filtrate (<10 kDa F-CM, <10 kDa E-CM and <10 kDa M-CM) contained substances whose molecular weight was less than 10 kDa were added in liquid culture system respectively. The results showed that F-CM, >10 kDa F-CM and E-CM, >10 kDa E-CM significantly promoted the expansion of mature megakaryocytes in liquid culture system, the percentage of mature megakaryocytes compared with 0 h control were (287.33-/+16.77)%, (236.67-/+39.72)%, (141.21-/+17.47)% and (179.03-/+30.98)%. But <10 kDa F-CM, <10 kDa E-CM, M-CM, >10 kDa M-CM and <10 kDa M-CM had no positive effects on the expansion of mature megakaryocytes. The effects of F-CM, E-CM or M-CM on the expansion of CFU-Meg were also investigated. The results indicated that F-CM and E-CM promoted the expansion of CFU-Meg in liquid culture system. M-CM had no positive effect on the expansion of CFU-Meg. the percentage of CFU-Meg compared with 0 h control were (168.18-/+30.24)%, (215.17-/+17.4)% and (85.0-/+7.0)%. The results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR ) showed that transforming growth factor -beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA was expressed in bone marrow endothelial cells and was not expressed in bone marrow fibroblasts. Thrombopoietin (TPO) mRNA was expressed in bone marrow fibroblasts and was not expressed in bone marrow endothelial cells. These results suggest that F-CM, >10kDa F-CM and E-CM, >10kDa E-CM significantly promoted the expansion of mature megakaryocytes and CFU-Meg in liquid culture system. The effect of F-CM on the expansion of mature megakaryocytes is better than that of E-CM.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Megakaryocyte Progenitor Cells ; cytology ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Mice ; Stromal Cells ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo construct plant expression pCAMBIA1301-PMI by substituting PMI for hygromycin resistance gene in pCAMBIA1301 and obtain transgenic Salvia miltiorrhiza f. alba using PMI-mannose selection system.

METHODThe 6-phosphomannose isomerase gene (PMI) of Escherichia coli was amplified by PCR. Sequence analysis showed that it shared 100% amino acids identities with the sequences of PMI genes isolates reported in the NCBI. Based on pCAMBIA1305, the plant expression pCAMBIA1305-PMI was constructed successfully by substituting PMI for hygromycin resistance gene in pCAMBIA1305. pCAMBIA1305-PMI was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404, and then the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza f. alba were inoculated in LBA4404 with pCAMBIA1305-PMI.

RESULTPlant expression pCAMBIA1301-PMI was successfully constructed and the leaves of S. miltiorrhiza f. alba inoculated in LBA4404 with pCAMBIA1305-PMI were selected on medium supplemented with a combination of 20 g x L(-1) mannose and 10 g x L(-1) sucrose as a carbon source. The transformation efficiency rate was 23.7%.

CONCLUSIONGenetic transformation was confirmed by PCR, indicating that a new method for obtaining transgenic S. miltiorrhiza f. alba plants was developed using PMI-mannose selection system.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Biomarkers ; Cinnamates ; pharmacology ; Escherichia coli ; enzymology ; genetics ; Escherichia coli Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hygromycin B ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Mannose-6-Phosphate Isomerase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transformation, Genetic

OBJECTIVEReduced oxygen availability at a high altitude is associated with increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). With the altitude goes up the change of PAP in healthy children is still not clear. The difference of PAP in native Tibetan and Han children at a high altitude are also not clear. Many studies have shown that Doppler echocardiographic estimation of PAP correlates closely to the values obtained with the invasive measurement. Therefore the indexes of PAP in health children living at different altitudes were investigated and the indexes of PAP in Han and Tibetan children at the high altitude were compared by Doppler echocardiography.

METHODSA randomized survey was carried out on the indexes of PAP with Doppler echocardiography (HP-8500 and CAL-163 echocardiographic machine) by two doctors of Qinghai Provincial Women and Children Hospital from June 1998 to July 2002. The survey covering Jiuzhi Qinghai (at 3700 m above the sea level), Xining Qinghai (at 2260 m above the sea level) and Shanghai (at 16 m above the sea level) included a population of 1061 children aged 0 - 14 years. The population of 1061 composed of 218 Han children at Shanghai, 567 Han children at Xining Qinghai and 276 children at Jiuzhi, Qinghai including 118 migrated Han and 148 native Tibetan children. The physical, EKG and chest X-ray examination of each child were carried out to ensure all the subjects were healthy. A pulse oximeter was placed on each child's foot to provide measurements of arterial oxygen saturation (SO2) distal to the ductus arteriosus. The indexes of PAP included right ventricular systolic time interval (RSTI) and mean of pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) which was assessed by a multiple regression equation (mPAP=27.79 + 35.42 x PEP/AT-50.85 x AT/ETc). The AT/ETc was that AT/ET was divided by R-R. The RSTI included previous ejection period (PEP), ascending time (AT), ejection time (ET), PEP/AT and AT/ET. All subjects were divided into 7 age groups. The data of PAP indexes were compared among three different altitude groups and age groups. The data of PAP indexes were also compared in Han and Tibetan children living over 3700 m sea level in each age group.

RESULTSWith the altitude increase the SO2 of the subjects obviously reduced and the indexes of PAP changed. The SO2 correlated closely with the PEP, AT, PEP/A, AT/ET and mPAP (r = 0.352, 0.144, -0.394, -0.166 and -0.363, respectively; P < 0.01). The AT and AT/ET in the groups of 2260 m and 3700 m were shorter than those in the group of 16 m (P = 0.03-0.000) in each age group. The PEP and PEP/AT in 3700 m group were longer than those in 2260 m and 16 m groups (P=0.006-0.000) in each age group. The mPAP in 3700 m group was higher than that in 2260 m and 16 m groups in each age group (mean [+/-SE] mmHg, 35.23 +/- 8.72 vs 17.99 +/- 8.78 and 15.86 +/- 8.96 aged 0 - 28 d, 32.06 +/- 13.38 vs 20.72 +/- 5.71 and 14.64 +/- 8.19 aged to 6 mo, 31.83 +/- 10.53 vs 20.89 +/- 10.12 and 14.69 +/- 5.89 aged to 1 yr, 27.58 +/- 13.55 vs 19.12 +/- 9.75 and 17.36 +/- 6.71 aged to 3 yr, 24.19 +/- 8.38 vs 19.64 +/- 9.36 and 16.43 +/- 4.68 aged to 6 yr, 23.90 +/- 11.35 vs 16.77 +/- 6.79 and 14.42 +/- 6.50 aged to 10 yr, 23.08 +/- 7.31 vs 18.53 +/- 7.25 and 15.45 +/- 6.12 aged to 14 yr, P=0.000). With the growth of the children the reduction of PAP was remarkable at 3700 m above sea level (F=5.638 P=0.000), the mPAP indexes of the first, second and third age groups were evidently higher than those of the other age groups. The SO2, RSTI and mPAP in the native Tibetan children were not different from those in the migrated Han children (P > 0.05) in each age group.

CONCLUSIONThe PAP of healthy children at the high altitude was different from that of healthy children at the low altitude. The PAP of the healthy children at 3700 m above sea level was remarkably increased. At 3700 m above sea level the PAP of newborns and infants increased much more compared with that of juvenile. The race may not significantly affect the PAP at the high altitude. The high altitude hypoxic environment might play a major role in the increase of PAP.

Adolescent ; Altitude ; Blood Pressure ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Oximetry ; Oxygen ; analysis ; Pulmonary Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology ; Tibet