Objective To determine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD), and to determine the effect of butylphthalide on them and its significance. Methods Sixty male adult rats were randomly divided into a model group, a Butylphthalide group, and a control group. AD models were established by injecting β-amyloid protein 1-42 into the hippocampus of rats. Sixty days later,the rats were sacrificed and both sides of the hippocampus were sectioned for immunohistochemistry. Results Positive cells of GFAP in the hippocampus of the model group increased and the expression of VEGF decreased statistically, compared with the control group(P<0.01). The positive cells of GFAP in the hippocampus of the butylphthalide group decreased and the expression of VEGF increased significantly, compared with the model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Butylphthalide may protect the neuron-vascular unit of the hippocampus of Alzheimer model rats by inhibiting the expression of GFAP and increasing the expression of VEGF.

Objective To investigate the risk factors of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes nephropathy patients. Methods 870 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. The patients were divided into normal buminuria group (n = 634) and persistent albuminuria group (n = 236) according to the 24h urinary albumin excretion. Diabetic chronic complication and related biochemical indicators were analyzed. Independent risk factors associated with diabetic nephropathy were analyzed. Results The differences in duration of diabetes, age, SBP, DBP, Hb, HbA1C, UA, TG, CHOL-C, HDL-C, diabetic retinopathy (DR), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were statistically significant between two groups (P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that independent risk factors of albuminuria of DN included duration of diabetes, SBP, Hb, UA, TG and DR. Conclusions Such risk factors of duration of diabetes, SBP, UA, TG, Hb and DR may be associated with the occurrence and severity of albuminuria of DN.

Objective To explore the dynamic changes of collagen type Ⅰand Ⅳ messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)expression in the lung tissue of neonatal rats after inhaling high concentration of oxygen and the role of collagen type Ⅰand Ⅳ mRNA in chronic lung disease(CLD)induced by hyperoxia.Methods Full-term newborn rats were grouped according to inhale the concentration of oxygen into hypero-xia group and air control group after birth within 12 hours.Lung histological section at day 1,3,7,14 and 21 in 2 groups were prepared for hematoxylin-eosin staining and the detection of mRNA level of collagen type Ⅰand Ⅳ by in situ hybridization.The results were analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software.Results Compared with air control group,inflammation response was seen in early stage,the arrest of lung development was evident after 7 d of oxygen exposure,at last interstitial fibrosis.It was shown that the positive expression of collagen typeⅠ was mainly in the alveolar epithelial cells and endothelial cells by in situ hybridization.The expression of collagen typeⅠ mRNA was weakened compared to air group on 7 d(P0.05).Conclusions Prolonged hyperoxia may cause the onset of arrested lung development and lung fibrosis,which are similar to the changes of chronic lung disease.The collagen type Ⅰand Ⅳ mRNA expressions are not parallel to their protein contents,suggesting the main modulation of these collagens may be not at transcriptional level.

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of Qifu decoction( QFD) on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in model rats with yang-deficiency syndrome.

METHODThe rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the Sham group (Group A), the Model group (Group B), the Qifu decoction group (Group C) and the Enalapril group (Group D). The RIF model was established by adenine administrated and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) of the left ureter. After the model was successfully established, the rats in Group C and D were administrated with QFD or the Enalapril suspension,while the rats in Group A and B were administrated with distilled water. All rats were administrated for 3 weeks. Before administration and at the end of week 1, 2 and 3, the rats were weighted, and 24 h urinary protein excretion (Upro), urinary β2-microglobulin (Uβ2-MG) and urinary N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were examined, respectively. All rats were killed after administration for 3 weeks. Blood and renal tissues were collected, renal morphology and tubulointerstitial morphology were evaluated, respectively. Serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and uric acid (UA) were detected, respectively. The protein expressions of E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), onnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in kidney were evaluated, respectively.

RESULTQFD ameliorated serum cAMP level and the rate of cAMP/cGMP, attenuated urinary β2-MG level, NAG level and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, increased E-cadherin protein expression, and reduced α-SMA, TGF-β1, CTGF and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions in the kidney. However, QFD had no influence on renal function in vivo. In addition, these effects were better than those of the model rats treated by Enalapril.

CONCLUSIONQFD could alleviate yang-deficiency parameters, as well as urinary β2-MG level and NAG level in model rats induced by adenine administration and UUO. Moreover, QFD could improve EMT and RIF by up-regulating E-cadherin protein expression, and down-regulating α-SMA, TGF-β1, CTGF and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions, the key molecular in ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Fibrosis ; Kidney ; drug effects ; pathology ; Kidney Diseases ; drug therapy ; pathology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ureteral Obstruction ; complications ; Yang Deficiency ; complications

Objective To evaluate the roles of magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-MRS) in the diagnosis of meningiomas. Methods 98 patients with meningiomas underwent conventional pre-contrast MR and contrast MR. Among them, 28 cases had two dimensional single voxel or multi voxel 1 H-MRS simultaneously both in the lesion's region and the contralateral side. Results On precontrast MR images of 98 cases, T1 WI showed 58.1% (61/105) isointensities, 31.4% (33/105) faintly low intensities and 10. 5% (11/105) mixed intensities; T2WI showed 40. 0% (42/105) isointensities, 41.0%(43/105) hyperintensities, 10.5% (11/105) faintly low intensities and 8.5% (9/105) mixed intensities. After administration of Gd-DTPA, the solid part of the tumors exhibited various enhancement in all the 98 cases.28 cases of MRS exhibited specific different spectral peaks, including increased of choline-containing compounds(Cho), absent or decreased of acetylaspartate(NAA), and the unchanged of creatine(Cr). The value of NAA, Cr, Cho, NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho in the tumor center of meningioma were 0. 09 ± 0.06,0.31 ± 0. 22, 0.46 ± 0. 16, 0.33 ± 0. 42, 1.50 ± 0. 68, 0. 15 ± 0.08, compared with the contralateral normal region, Cr has no significant difference (P ＞ 0. 05), NAA, Cho, NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho had significantly differences(P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Conventional pre-contrast MR and contrast MR is the most important dignostic means for meningiomas, 1H-MRS combined with MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy of meningiomas.

OBJECTIVEDetecting the atrioventricular annular velocity along the long axis of ventricle by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a useful modality to quantitatively assess global myocardial function. The present study was designed to quantitatively assess ventricular function in healthy children by TDI and to evaluate the clinical effect of growth and echocardiographic parameters on TDI velocities during childhood.

METHODSThe study enrolled 242 healthy children aged 3 days to 17 years and they were divided into 8 groups: < 1 month of age group (37 cases), 1 month-of age group (28 cases), 7 months-of age group (21 cases), 1 year-of age group (36 cases), 4 years-of age group (40 cases), 7 years-of age group (26 cases), 10 years-of age group (28 cases) and > or = 13 years of age group (26 cases). Pulsed wave TDI velocities were obtained at the lateral mitral annulus (MA-L), basal septum (MA-S) and lateral tricuspid annulus (TA) during ventricular systole (Sa), early diastole (Ea) and late diastole (Aa), and Ea/Aa and E/Ea were obtained. Conventional echocardiography performed done and the parameters of left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the transmitral and transtricuspid flow E wave and A wave velocities and E/A ratio were obtained. TDI parameters were compared with demographic and echocardiographic variables.

RESULTSSa, Ea and Ea/Aa were the lowest in children < 1 month of age [MA-L: Sa (4.8 +/- 0.7) cm/s, Ea (6.6 +/- 1.1) cm/s; MA-S: Sa (4.1 +/- 0.6) cm/s, Ea (5.0 +/- 0.8) cm/s; TA: Sa (6.2 +/- 1.2) cm/s, Ea (6.4 +/- 1.0) cm/s], and increased with age. The increase was significant from 1 month- to 1 year-of age group 1 year-of age group: MA-L: Sa (8.5 +/- 2.0) cm/s, Ea (16.3 +/- 2.6) cm/s; MA-S: Sa (7.2 +/- 0.8) cm/s, Ea (12.2 +/- 1.6) cm/s; TA: Sa (12.6 +/- 2.3) cm/s, Ea (14.7 +/- 2.6) cm/s. Ea and Sa of TA reached the older children's value earlier than those of the mitral annulus did. Aa increased in the 1 month-of age group compared to < 1 month of age group and remained stable beyond 1 year-of age group. Mitral annulus E/Ea ratio was high among neonates to 7-months-old children (MA-L: 9.2 +/- 2.1, MA-S: 12.1 +/- 2.9), and decreased with age, and there was a significant decrease in 1 year-of age group (MA-L: 5.9 +/- 1.2, MA-S: 7.8 +/- 1.3). In these healthy children, all the above TDI parameters except Aa were influenced by age, body surface area (BSA), LVEDD and heart rate. The influence of age and BSA showed a logarithm model. LVEDD was the main factor that influenced Sa and Ea of MA-L and MA-S, and it was the only single factor that influenced E/Ea ratio at mitral annulus.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated that the left and right ventricular function developed with age in childhood, and it developed most rapidly during infancy and toddler period. The right ventricular function matured earlier than that of the left ventricle. Cardiac growth, age, and heart rate had important clinical effects on TDI velocities during childhood, and LVEDD had the most important influence on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.

Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Aging ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Female ; Heart Rate ; physiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mitral Valve ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology ; Myocardial Contraction ; physiology ; Reference Values ; Tricuspid Valve ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology ; Ventricular Function ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo report the therapeutic effect of reverse fasciocutaneous flap pedicled with perforator branch of anterior medial malleolus artery for soft tissue defect on the dorsal side of foot.

METHODSThe perforator branch was located under the guidance of Doppler flowmeter. The flap was designed along the saphenous neurovascular axis. Then the flap was transferred reversely with the perforator branch as rotation point.

RESULTSFrom Feb. 2002 to Mar. 2008, 12 cases were treated and followed up for 6 - 18 months. All the flaps survived completely. The flap size ranged from 13.5 cm x 3.0 cm to 8 cm x 3 cm. The perforator branch located at 0.5 - 1.5 cm anterior-inferior to the medial malleolus. Both the cosmetic and functional results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSThe flap has a reliable blood supply and a flexible design. It is easily performed for soft tissue defect on the dorsal side of foot. It is a new type flap which combined neurocutaneous vascular flap with the perforator flap.

Adult ; Fascia ; transplantation ; Female ; Foot Injuries ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Skin Transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; innervation

OBJECTIVETo study the genotype frequencies of peroxisome proliferators-activated -receptors-gamma C161-->T gene and its possible association with the metabolic syndrome and dietary intakes.

METHODSThe PCR-PFLP method was used to detect the polymorphism of PPARgammaC161-->T gene of 224 adults with metabolic syndrome and 224 normal adults in Shanghai. Their physical examinations, dietary investigation and the serum biochemistry were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) The genotype frequencies of PPARgamma C161-->T CC, CT and TT were 32.4%, 49.6% and 18.0% respectively, which were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes or allele between the metabolic syndrome group and the control group, and the result was the same between male and female subjects. (2) The levels of body mass index,waist width and hip width were significantly different among three genotypes groups. Subjects of the CT genotype had the highest levels. (3) There was significant difference in the negative correlation with the intake of protein and serum TG levels in the metabolic syndrome group.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested PPARgamma gene C161-->T should be associated with body mass index, waist width and hip width. It might contribute to the heterogeneity in diet response to TG.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Causality ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; genetics ; Diet ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; genetics ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a key role leading to the progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis (TIF). The tubular EMT is an highly regulated process involving four key steps including: loss of epithelial cell adhesion, de novo smooth muscle actin expression and actin reorganization, disruption of tubular basement membrane,and enhanced cell migration and invasion. These crucial processes are closely connected to the relative actions on many signaling pathways in EMT. Additionally, increasing evidences suggest that some Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts, such as Astragali Radix, Cordyceps, Salvia miltiorrhiza, as well as Chinese. herbal prescriptions including Astragalus Angelica mixture and Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation decoction, could intervene the related events controlling EMT both in vitro and in vivo. Chinese herbal medicines could ameliorate TIF by intervening the course of EMT.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiological features of the pathogens responsible for prostatitis in the Changshu area, and offer some evidence for the clinical treatment of prostatitis.

METHODSThis study included 2 306 cases of prostatitis that were all clinically confirmed and subjected to pathogenic examinations in 3 hospitals of Changshu area from 2008 to 2012. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, mycoplasma urealyticum and chlamydia trachomatis were detected by nucleic acid amplification ABI 7500, the bacterial data analyzed by VITEK-2 Compact, the drug-resistance to antibacterial agents determined using the WHONET 5.6 software, and the enumeration data processed by chi-square test and curvilinear regression analysis using SPSS 19.0.

RESULTSThe main pathogens responsible for prostatitis were found to be Staphylococcus haemolyticus (30%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12%), Enterococcus faecalis (9%), Escherichia coli (6%), Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus aureus (3%), Mycoplasma urealyticum (8%), chlamydia trachomatis (5%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (6%). Statistically significant increases were observed in the detection rates of Escherichia coli (chi2 = 17.56, P<0.05), Mycoplasma urealyticum (chi2 = 8.73, P<0.05), Chlamydia trachomatis (chi2 = 8.73, P<0.05) and Enterococcus (chi2 = 8.22, P<0.05), but not in other pathogens. The resistance rates of Gram-positive bacteria to erythromycin and benzylpenicillin G were both above 45%, but with no significant difference between the two, those of Oxacillin (chi2 = 10.06, P<0.05) and Cefoxitin (chi2 = 9.89, P<0.05) were markedly increased, but those of quinolones, gentamycin and clindamycin remained low, except rifampicin (chi2 = 11.09, P<0.05). The resistance rates of Gram-negative bacteria to cefazolin and ampicillin were relatively high (mean 57.3%), and those to ceftriaxone (chi2 = 11.26, P<0.05) and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (chi2 =11.00, P< 0.05) significantly high; those to amikacin, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem remained at low levels with no significant changes. However, the resistance rates of mycoplasma urealyticum to ciprofloxacin (chi2 = 11.18, P<0.05) and azithromycin (chi2 = 9.89, P<0.05) were remarkably increased.

CONCLUSIONGram-positive bacteria are the major pathogens responsible for prostatitis, but Escherichia coli, enterococcus and sexually transmitted disease pathogens are found to be involved in recent years. Quinolones and aminoglycosides are generally accepted as the main agents for the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infection. However, rational medication for prostatitis should be based on the results of pathogen isolation and drug sensitivity tests in a specific area.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Gram-Negative Bacteria ; drug effects ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatitis ; epidemiology ; microbiology