OBJECTIVETo dynamically assess drug targeting of Yougui Pill (YP) and Zuogui Pill (ZP) using infrared thermography.

METHODSIn this self-control experiment, five healthy volunteers were recruited. By using infrared thermography 10 to 11 thermal images of different body locations were taken from each participant after they took warm water, YP, ZP, and their dissembled prescriptions at 30, 70, 100, 130, and 160 min, respectively. The heat values in the lower quadrant abdomen, uterus, Du channel, and Shenque (CV8) were statistically analyzed after scanning for 125 times.

RESULTSAdministration of YP and its disassembled prescriptions enhanced the heat value of the locations of the Du channel and Shenque (CV8), but did no enhance the heat value of the lower quadrant abdomen at 30 min. Administration of ZP and its disassembled prescriptions reduced the heat value in the locations of the lower quadrant abdomen, uterus, Du channel, and Shenque (CV8) at each time point.

CONCLUSIONThe drug targeting of ZP and YP focused on the locations of the Du channel and Shenque (CV8), not on the locations of the lower quadrant abdomen or uterus.

Adult ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Infrared Rays ; Thermography ; methods ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the relationship between urine IgG of the first hospitalized children suffered allergic purpura and recurrence within one year. Methods Used immunoturbidimetry to determine acute-stage and convalescent urine IgG of 43 children suffered allergic purpura in the first hospitalized and no recurrence within one year (no recurrence group), and of 29 children suffered allergic purpura and recurrence within one year (recurrence group), and of 28 hospitalized children suffered primary nephrotic syndrome during the corresponding time period before hormonal therapy (nephrotie syndrome group), and of 30 children done medical examination in out-patient clinic (control group), then analyzed.Results There was no significant difference of the urine IgG level in acute-stage between no recurrence group [(1.391± 0.743) g/L] and recurrence group [(1.474 ±0.658) g/L](P>0.05), while they were all lower than that in recurrence group [(2.808 ± 0.683) g/L] (P < 0.01). The level of convalescent urine IgG in nephrotic syndrome group [(0.202 ± 0.154) g/L] was obviously higher than that in no recurrence group [(0.115 ±0.103) g/L] and control group [(0.109 ±0.098) g/L](P<0.05). Conclusion Urine IgG is a significant index to judge the activity and recurrence and prognosis of pedo-allergie purpura.

0.05) ,but the differences reached statistical significance compared the positive ratios of two index together to urine NAG and ?2 - MG (X2 = 4.41,7.28 P

In order to identify the chemical constituents of Yushu tablets comprehensively, we studied the chemical constituents of CHCl3 extract from Yushu tablets by the ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-IT-TOF/MS). It showed that there were more than 100 compounds separated, and forty-nine peaks among these were identified on the basis of high resolution mass spectrometry data and literature data reported. Determination of twelve peaks was further confirmed by standard substances. These components assigned to the different plant sources mainly included phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids, quinones and m-trihydroxybenzene compounds. By analyzing the chemical components of CHCl3 extract from compound Chinese medicine Yushu tablets comprehensively, this study provided the foundation for studying chemical components, pharmacodynamic substance and quality control of Yushu tablets.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Tablets ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Animals ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Male ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; Physical Endurance ; physiology ; Quadriceps Muscle ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

The objective of this study is to combine troponin and indicators of cardiac acoustics for synthetically evaluating cardiac fatigue of rabbits, analyzing exercise-induced cardiac fatigue (EICF) and exercise-induced cardiac damage (EICD). New Zealand white rabbits were used to conduct a multi-step swimming experiments with load, reaching an exhaustive state for evaluating if the amplitude ratio of the first to second heart sound (S1/S2) and heart rate (HR) during the exhaustive exercise would decrease or not and if they would be recovered 24-48 h after exhaustive exercise. The experimental end point was to complete 3 times of exhaustions or death from exhaustion. Circulating troponin I (cTnI) were detected from all of the experimental rabbits at rest [(0. 02±0. 01) ng/mL], which, in general, indicated that there existed a physiological release of troponin. After the first exhaustive swim, cTnI of the rabbits increased. However, with 24-hour rest, S1/S2, HR, and cTnI of the tested rabbits all returned toward baseline levels, which meant that the experimental rabbits experienced a cardiac fatigue process. After repeated exhaustion, overloading phenomena were observed, which led to death in 3 out of 11 rabbits, indicating their cardiac damage; the troponin elevation under this condition could be interpreted by pathological release. Evaluation of myocardial damage can not be based on the troponin levels alone, but can only be based on a comprehensive analysis.
Animals ; Fatigue ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Heart Rate ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Rabbits ; Swimming ; Troponin I ; blood

Objective To investigate the protective effect of agmatine (AGM) against peritoneal inflammatory response and neutrophil (PMN) infiltration induced by zymosan (ZYM) in mice. Methods Thirty-six adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham group, model group, and AGM treatment group. Peritonitis model was reproduced by intra-peritoneal injection of 1 mg/mL ZYM (0.5 mL), while equivalent phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was given to sham group. 200 mg/kg AGM was injected into peritoneal cavity after ZYM challenge in AGM treatment group. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at 2 hours and 6 hours, respectively, after reproduction of the model. Blood sample and peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) were collected. The levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins-6 (IL-6) in serum and PLF were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of leukocytes and PMN in PLF were determined by hemocytometer and flow cytometry, respectively. Results Compared with sham group, all serum and PLF levels of KC, MIP-2, TNF-α and IL-6 were greatly elevated at 2 hours after ZYM injection in model group, while AGM treatment could dramatically reduce the levels of the above-mentioned cytokines in serum and PLF as compared with those of the model group [serum KC (ng/L): 990.7±137.9 vs. 2 053.2±262.7, MIP-2 (ng/L): 642.2±124.4 vs. 1 369.7±146.5, TNF-α (ng/L): 608.6±38.1 vs. 1 044.7±101.0, IL-6 (ng/L): 1 058.2±129.1 vs. 1 443.3±190.1; PLF KC (ng/L): 7 462.3±839.6 vs. 12 723.5±1 515.7, MIP-2 (ng/L): 1 570.8±193.4 vs. 3 471.4±384.7, TNF-α (ng/L): 1 115.8±156.7 vs. 1 499.2±231.2, IL-6 (ng/L): 2 646.5±223.2 vs. 3 126.7±291.4; all P < 0.05]. The expressions of KC, MIP-2 and TNF-α at 6 hours were significantly lower than those at 2 hours in model group and AGM treatment group, but IL-6 levels were further increased. The levels of KC and MIP-2 in serum and PLF at 6 hours were decreased to the levels of sham group. At 6 hours after the reproduction of the model, the number of total inflammatory cells and PMN of PLF in the model group was significantly higher than those of the sham group. In contrast, AGM notably lowered the number of inflammatory cells and PMN in peritoneal fluid after ZYM attack [total inflammatory cells (×109/L): 14.7±1.1 vs. 2.0±0.4, 10.1±1.2 vs. 14.7±1.1; PMN (×109/L): 11.37±1.22 vs. 0.18±0.05, 7.69±0.57 vs. 11.37±1.22, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion AGM can effectively alleviate acute peritoneal inflammatory injury induced by ZYM, mainly through reducing the secretion of inflammatory mediators and chemokines, and inhibiting the infiltration of leukocytes and neutrophils.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of ischemia preconditioning(IPC)on apoptosis in-duced by renal ischemia - reperfusion(IR)and relations to the changing expressions of Bcl - 2,Bax in rat kidney. Methods Ischemia models were induced by clipping bilateral renal pedicles for 30 min by using the artery clamp;IPC group was induced by clipping bilateral renal pedicles for 15 min,4 days later IR was performed again by clipping bila-teral renal pedicle for 30 min. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 5 animals in each group:control group(C group),sham - operation group(S group),IR group,IPC group(IPC ﹢ IR group),sham IPC group(S ﹢ IR group),all groups were randomly divided into 9 sub groups(0 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,3 d,5 d,7 d)except C group according to the time points after reperfusion. Occurrence of apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase media-ted dUTP nick end and labeling(TUNEL)method;the mRNA expression and protein levels of Bax and Bcl - 2 were de-tected by reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction and quantitave immunohistochemisty. Results (1)Com-pared with S group and S ﹢ IR group,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,kidney pathological damage scores in IR group gradually increased after IR,and peak point was 24 h after reperfusion;among all the subgroups there was a sig-nificant difference(all P ﹤ 0. 01). The expression of Bax,Bcl - 2 mRNA raised sharply in IR group after reperfusion, peaking at 6 h,24 h of reperfusion respectively,2. 66 ± 0. 12,2. 70 ± 0. 10,and among all the subgroups there was a sig-nificant difference(all P ﹤ 0. 01);the expression of Bax,Bcl - 2 protein had significant difference(all P ﹤ 0. 05). TUNEL immunofluorescence staining showed C group and S group had no obvious apoptosis cells in renal tubular epi-thelium;epithelial cell apoptosis after IR gradually increased in IR group,peaking at 24 h of reperfusion[(25. 07 ± 2. 29)% ].(2)Compared with IR group and S ﹢ IR group,pathological injury was significantly decreased in IPC ﹢ IR group;the expression of Bax,Bcl - 2 mRNA and protein,apoptosis cells were significantly decreased in IPC ﹢ IR group (all P ﹤ 0. 05). Conclusions Bax,Bcl - 2 are closely associated with kidney injury induced by IR. IPC may regulate acute kidney injuries by regulating Bax/ Bcl - 2.

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of microRNA - 21(miR - 21)in acute kidney injury mice model at the different time points following ischemic/ reperfusion. Methods C57BL/ 6J mice were divided into 3 major groups:the control group(C group),sham operation group(S group)and ischemia - reperfusion group(IR group). Later 2 groups were divided into 9 sub - groups respectively according to the time following reperfu-sion. Automatic biochemical analyzer detected serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)level. HE staining detected renal pathological damage. Renal tubulointerstitial pathological score accessed pathological damage. Real time - PCR tested the expression of miR - 21 and mitogen - activated protein kinase kinase 3(MKK3)mRNA in renal respectively. Immunohistochemistry staining tested expression of MKK3. Results IR group's Scr,BUN levels gradually increased following reperfusion,24 h reached its peak,then gradually declined. The Scr,BUN level had statistically sig-nificant difference between IR group and S group at the same time subgroup from 3 h to 168 h following reperfusion(all P ﹤ 0. 01). The change of kidney damage and pathological changes of interstitial and tubular injury score consensus with renal function. miR - 21 increased gradually in renal ischemia after reperfusion,24 h peaked and then stabilized at this high level. miR - 21 was positively correlated with pathological tubulointerstitial injury from 0 h to 168 h after reperfu-sion(r = 0. 969,P ﹤ 0. 05). IR group's MKK3 mRNA and protein expression rose sharply following ischemia/ reperfu-sion,24 h peaked,and then gradually decreased. From 3 h to 168 h,the expression of MKK3 mRNA and proteins had significant difference at each same time points subgroups between IR group and S group(all P ﹤ 0. 01). Conclusions miR - 21 increases gradually in renal ischemia after reperfusion,24 h peaked and then stabilized at this high level. miR - 21 is positively correlated with pathological tubulointerstitial injury,which may be associated with the negative regulated relationship between miR - 21 and MKK3.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects and mechanism of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) and increasing intracellular concentration of adriamycin (ADR) in the K562/ADR cells.

METHODSPeripheral mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from healthy donors and cultured with combined cytokines to generate CIK. The changes of cell phenotype and cytokines secretion of CIK were determined. K562/ADR cells were divided into three groups: ADR in combination CIK (group I), CIK alone (group II) and ADR alone (group III). The viability and proliferation of K562/ADR cells were assayed by MTT assay, the intracellular concentration of ADR and the expression of P-glycoproteins (P-gp) in K562/ADR cells by FCM.

RESULTSThe cytotoxicity of ADR in group I was higher than that in group II (P < 0.05). The cytotoxicity was increased with the E/T ratio increasing (P < 0.05) but had no relation with the concentration of ADR in group I (P > 0.05). The expression of P-gp was declined in group I and group II (P > 0.05). The intracellular concentration of ADR in group I was higher than that in group II (P < 0.05), and had no relation with the ADR concentration (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPre-treatment with CIK can increase the cytotoxicity and the intracellular concentration of ADR and decrease the expression of P-gp in K562/ADR cells in the ADR and CIK combination group. Acute leukemia patients would be most likely to benefit from the combination of chemotherapy and CIK therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells ; immunology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; immunology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; immunology ; Humans ; K562 Cells