Objective:To study the effect of interleukin-18 on transdifferentiation in renal tubular epithelial cells(TECs).Methods:Human proximal tubular epithelial cell line(HK-2) was cultured in vitro.TECs were exposed to different concentrations(0,0.1,1,10 and 100 ng/ml) of IL-18 for 24,48 and 72 hours.At the end of each incubation,the expressions of the ?-SMA and TGF-?_1 mRNA were assessed by RT-PCR,the rate of ?-SMA expressing TECs was assessed by immunocytochemistry,and the expression of the ?-SMA protein was assessed by Western blotting.Results:(1)The expressions of ?-SMA and TGF-?_1 mRNA were increased significantly by a dose- and time-dependent manner when TECs were exposed to IL-18(P

BACKGROUND:Posterior lumbar interbody fusion can thoroughly decompress the central canal, which is the common surgical technique for the central type of lumbar disc herniation with intervertebral instability at low lumbar segment. However, due to the regular traction on dural sac and nerve root in the operation, lower limb radicular pain in the early stage is inevitable. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of local use of gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate around the nerve roots after posterior lumbar interbody fusion on lower limb radicular pain. METHED:Sixty-three cases of lumbar disc herniation with degenerative instability were devided into treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=42) based on the type of implants. Gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate was implanted into patients in the treatment group after posterior lumbar interbody fusion, while pure gelatin sponge was implanted into patients in the control group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group, radicular pain in the treatment group was significantly relieved within 1 week after surgery. The visual analog scale score and Oswestry disability index score were similar between the two groups. There were three cases of radicular pain recurrence in the control group, but no incision infection and epidural hematoma after surgery in both two groups. In conclusion, local use of gelatin sponge containing prednisolone acetate around the nerve roots can significantly relieve lower limb radicular pain in the early stage after posterior lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar disc herniation, contributing to early rehabilitation exercise and patient satisfaction outcomes.

Objective To explore the role of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on E-cadherin of airway epithelium and airway inflammation in a TDI-induced mouse asthma model. Methods 30 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group , asthma group and EP group. On day 1 and 8 , mice in asthma group and EP group were treated with 0.3%TDI on the dorsum of both ears for sensitization. And on day 15 , 18 and 21 the mice underwent an aerosol inhalation of 3% TDI, and saline (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before inhalation. The control group underwent acetone and olive oil (AOO) sensitization on day 1 and 8, AOO challenge on day 15, 18 and 21. Saline (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before challenge. One hour before each challenge, mice were given EP (100mg/kg) or vehicle via intraperitoneal injection. On day 22, airway reactivity, IL-4 , IFN-γand IgE in the serum were detected , immunohistochemistry and WB were used to assess E-cadherin levels. Results Airway reactivity, IL-4, IFN-γin and IgE in the serum in asthma group are significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Treatment with EP dramatically decreased airway hyperresponsiveness in TDI-challenged mice, as well as IL-4, IFN-γ and IgE (P < 0.05). E-cadherin in control group was distributed evenly at the connection of epithelial cells. E-cadherinin distribution was chaotic and its expression was decreased in asthma group. EP intervention can ameliorate the damage of E-cadherinin. Conclusions EP can ameliorate the destruction of E-cadherin in airway epithilum by TDI.

Objective To explore the expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in cerebral injury resulting from DHCA ( deep hypothermia circulatory arrest ) as well as the effect of SACP ( selective antegrade cerebral perfusion). Methods Twelve pigs were randomly assigned to DHCA group (n = 6) or SACP group (n = 6) at 18 ℃ for 80 min. IL-6 was assayed by ELISA. Apoptosis and NF-κB proteins were detected by fluorescence TUNEL and Western blot, respectively. The level of TLR4 was determined through qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results Serum IL-6 level of SACP group was significantly lower at the end of circulation arrest and experiment and apoptotic index and NF-κB protein were apparently lower in SACP group (P < 0.05). The level of TLR4 protein and mRNA from SACP group decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusions TLR4/NF-κB pathway plays a critical role in pathogenesis of DHCA cerebral injury and attenuating TLR4/NF-κB cytokines probably contributes to neuroprotection of SACP. TLR4/NF-κB pathway may be a novel target for DHCA.

Objective To explore the characteristics and advantages of the rat model of lumbar nerve root com -pression established via modified hemilaminectomy approach .Methods Forty Sprague Dawley ( SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups ( experimental group and control group ) for establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root compres-sion.Modified hemilaminectomy apprpoach was used in the experimental group , while total laminectomy was applied in the control group.Duration of operation, estimated blood loss, wound healing status, postoperative mortality, motor function of the lower extremities , pathological changes and the gray level of cytoplasmic TNF-αand IL-1 expression were observed to e-valuate the characteristics and reliability of the two operation approaches in establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression.Results Compared with the control group , duration of operation , estimated blood loss , wound healing sta-tus, postoperative mortality were significantly better in the experimental group (P<0.01), whereas there was non-signifi-cant difference between two groups with regard to motor function of the lower extremities , pathological changes and gray lev-el of the cytoplasmic expression of TNF-αand IL-1 between the two groups .Moreover, the soft tissue structural alterations were reduced in the experimental group , which might be helpful for the rat postoperative rehabilitation .Conclusions Modified hemilaminectomy approach is a reliable alternative method for establishing a rat model of lumbar nerve root com -pression, which is beneficial to shorten the operative time , improve wound healing status , reduce estimated blood loss and damages of soft tissue , and decrease mortality rate .Moreover , this modified method is more consistent with the principles of animal ethics .

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment for the treatment of 2-year-old patients with moderate to severe AD.Methods An open-labeled,non-comparative,multi-center study was carried out,which included 59 2-year-old children with moderate to severe AD.All the patients were given topical tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment twice daily for 3 weeks.The evaluation of patients was scheduled at the baseline,1,2,and 3 weeks after the start of treatment.Clinical outcome parameters included the total response rate,eczema area and severity index score (EASI score),the percentage of body surface area (BSA％) affected,physician's global evaluation (PGE),children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI),visual analog scale (VAS) pruritus score.Safety was assessed based on adverse events reported by patients or observed by the physicians.Results At the end of the treatment,the total response rate was 65.85％ with an EASI score of 4.18,and BSA％ of 16.41％.Of these patients,85.10％ achieved a satisfactory outcome,2.13％ achieved a complete cure,and all achieved an improvement,with no exacerbation observed.The 3-week treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in VAS pruritus score (from 6.80 to 3.21) and CDLQI (frown 7.06 to 2.91).Side effects mainly manifested as temporary burning sensation at the application site,and no severe adverse events associated with tacrolimus were observed.Conclusion Tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment seems safe and effective for the treatment of 2-year-old patients with moderate to severe AD.

Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; analysis ; genetics ; Male ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; blood ; genetics ; pathology

Objective:To explore the isolation and culture of a better yield of purified human endometrial glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells. Methods:Digestion with high concentrated collagenase and DNase,filtratinn and adhesion purification were used to isolate,purify human endometrial glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells in 30samples. And the two kinds of cells were reproduced. Results:The endometrial cell culture was successfully established in 29 of 30 endometrium samples. From one gramme of endometrial tissue,the yields of glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells were (40～50)?10~6 and (40～50)?10~6 respectively. The purities of glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells were 96% and 98% respectively. Stromal cells could be reproduced into several passage. However,glandular epithelial cells could not be reproduced. Conclusion:A better yield of purified human endometrial glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells can be obtained by the modified culture procedure.

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes between conventional percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and targeted PVP in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed to review 215 cases of single level OVCFs hospitalized between January 2014 and December 2015.According to the procedure techniques,the patients were assigned to targeted PVP group (89 cases) and conventional PVP group (126 cases) which was further divided into sufficient filled subgroup (110 cases) and insufficient filled subgroup (16 cases) on basis of cement distribution.Key techniques of targeted PVP included accurate needle insertion to fractured area and cement injection using a push rob with a side opening.Operating time,cement injection volume,rate and types of cement leakage,cement distribution in the fractured area and visual analogue score (VAS) of back pain were compared between the two groups.Results Operating time in targeted PVP group was longer than that in conventional PVP group (P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in cement injection volume and rate and types of cement leakage between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).None in targeted PVP group showed insufficient cement distribution in fractured area,while 16 cases (12.7％) in conventional PVP group (P ＜ 0.05).No significant differences in preoperative VAS of back pain existed among targeted PVP group,sufficient subgroup and insufficient subgroup (P ＞ 0.05).VAS of back pain was significantly decreased after PVP in three groups (P ＜ 0.05).Difference in postoperative VAS of back pain between targeted PVP group and sufficient filled subgroup was insignificant (P ＞0.05).However,postoperative VAS of back pain in insufficient filled subgroup was significantly increased compared with targeted PVP group and sufficient filled subgroup (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Targeted PVP provides sufficient cement to fill the fractured area and decreases incidence of unsatisfactory clinical outcome compared with traditional PVP,indicating a secure and effective new technique in the treatment of OVCFs.

BACKGROUND: In lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with severe osteoporosis, screw is easily loose and pul s out during reposition, or loss of reduction and internal fixation failure easily occur after repair. Therefore, it is very important to elevate the intensity of pedicle screw fixation during repair. At present, few studies concern application of bone cement screw enhancement technology in lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of augmented pedicle screw with polymethylmethacrylate for lumbar spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2011, 27 patients suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis were included in this retrospective study. These patients received augmented pedicle screw with polymethylmethacrylate. The levels of disability and pain were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale. The internal fixation and fusion were evaluated by radiological findings. Al complications were recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Al cases were fol owed up for 15-37 months. Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores were significantly better in final fol ow-up than that pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Imaging results revealed that bone cement tightly connected to bone interface. The position of screw and bone cement was good. Symptomatic bone cement leakage was not found. No fixation failure was detected during final fol ow-up. Al patients achieved interbody fusion. These results suggested that polymethylmethacrylate bone cement could increase the gripping force of the pedicle screw in osteoporotic vertebral body. It is safe and effective to treat spondylolisthesis accompanied with osteoporosis with augmented pedicle screws. Satisfactory fixation stability and interbody fusion can be obtained.