OBJECTIVETo observe mainfestations of syndrome and biochemical indices of hypertensive model rats with excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (EAPDS), and to explore its possible pathological mechanism.

METHODSEAPDS rat model was prepared in 50 Wistar rats by feeding with high fat forage. Meanwhile, a normal control group consisting of 10 Wistar rats was set up by feeding with normal forage. After 25-week continuous feeding, 22 rats with body weight (BW) and blood pressure (BP) exceeding 25% those of the control group were selected as a model group. BW, BP, blood lipids, and related serological indicators were detected in all rats. Morphological changes of target organs were observed. mRNA expression levels of leptin receptor (LepR), Janus kinase2 (Jak2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (Socs3), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1), angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (P13K), serine threonine kinase (Akt), nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κBp65), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α (IKKα), NF-kappa-B inhibitor β (lKKβ), NF-kappa-B inhibitor α (IKBα), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Expression levels of AT1 and LepR in aorta were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, BW, BP, and blood lipids increased; serum levels of leptin (Lep) , Ang II, Hcy, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and p2-MG increased, but NO decreased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Aortal endothelial injury and smooth muscle cell proliferation occurred in the model group, accompanied with heart and renal injury. Compared with the control group, mRNA expression levels of LepR, Jak2, Stat3, Socs3, AT1 , PI3K, Akt, NF-κB p65, IKKβ, IKBα, and AMPK in aorta were up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05), while the expression of IKKa decreased (P < 0.05). Immunohistochem- ical staining showed, brownish yellow deposit of AT1 and LepR was obviously increased, with more extensively positive distribution. Western blot results showed, as compared with the control group, protein expression levels of AT1 and LepR obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSModel rats exhibited typical syndromes of EAPDS. They put up weight with fat abdomen, gloomy hair, poor appetite, hypersomnia, lowered activities , reduced food intake, loose stool, dark red tongue, white tongue with white, thick, greasy fur. Lep could be taken as one of objective indicators for evaluating hypertension rat model with EAPDS.

Animals ; Aorta ; Cell Proliferation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; I-kappa B Proteins ; Interleukin-6 ; Leptin ; blood ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; NF-kappa B ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins ; Transcription Factor RelA ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Objective To investigate the clinical value of 64-slice spiral computed tomography(64-MSCT)triple-phase enhanced scan in diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis of gastric cancer.Methods Thirty patients with gastric cancer underwent plain and triple-phase enhanced scan by using 64-MSCT to analyze the relevant parameters of lymphatic metastasis.Results The four parameters de-termined metastatic perigastric lymph node as follows:①the short diameter ≥6 mm,②the ratio of short-to-long diameter ≥0.6,③the CT value in the portal venous phase≥ 65 HU,④the difference of CT values between portal venous phase and plain scan≥35 HU.The sensitivity and specificity of combining two parameters (①+②)in diagnosing metastatic lymph node were 90.5% and 29.0%,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of combining three parameters (①+②+③)were 98.2% and 1 9.4%,respec-tively.The sensitivity and specificity of combining four parameters (①+②+③+④)were 99.7% and 13.2%,respectively.In ad-dition,metastatic lymph nodes were considered if they were ring-enhancement,or adhesions of several lymph nodes.Conclusion The use of 64-MSCT triple-phase enhanced scan and synthesis of various parameters of lymph nodes could lead to reliable diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis in gastric cancer with rapid,non-invasive,high sensitive and specific features.

Objective To prepare a capillary electrophoresis sieving medium and apply it in GA118-16A genetic analyzer. Methods The white solid polyacrylamide (LPA) was prepared by polymerization and lyophilized. Through the swelling of the sol buffer, the sieving medium was obtained. The sieving medium was evaluated by 1) characterizing the parameters, including molecular weight, structure and viscosity, 2) applying in the GA118-16A genetic analyzer, including the spatial calibration, the spectral calibration and the STR analysis.. Results The prepared sieving medium Mw 1.8 x 105Da, Mn 1.2 x 105 Da, is of correct structure and high purity. The polydispersity was 1.5The spatial calibration and spectral calibration files can be established successfully in GA118-16A genetic analyzer, and the sieving medium can effectively separate the DNA fragments with 1bp difference. The STR profile is of sharp peaks, no impurity peaks, no tail, and no peak loss. Conclusion The sieving medium prepared by the method can be applied to domestic genetic analyzer such as GA118-16A.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms of gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor 1 (GABABR1) gene (G1465A) and prodynorphin (PDYN) promoter region gene and epilepsy secondary to cerebral infarction in Han population.Methods Sixty-seven patients with epilepsy secondary to cerebral infarction,93 patients diagnosed as having cerebral infarction without epilepsy and 104 healthy volunteers were selected in our hospitals from July 2010 to August 2011.EDTA-blood specimens were collected from test objects.DNA samples were extracted with column chromatography.The polymorphism of GABABR1 (G1465A) gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique,and the polymorphism of PDYN gene promoter region was detected by PCR technique.Results Only genotype G/G was observed in the three groups without noting genotypes A/G and A/A in our study.The frequency of L/L genotype in patients with epilepsy secondary to cerebral infarction (76.1％) was slightly higher than that in patients with cerebral infarction without epilepsy (73.2％) and normal control group (73.1％) without significant difference (P＞0.05).The frequency of L allele in patients with epilepsy secondary to cerebral infarction,patients with cerebral infarction without epilepsy and normal control group was 85.8％,85.5％ and 84.6％,respectively,without significant difference (P＞0.05).Conclusion There may be no association between the polymorphisms of GABABR1 (G 1465A) gene and PDYN promoter region gene and epilepsy secondary to cerebral infarction in Han population.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of improved experimental left varicocele (ELV) on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin B (InhB).

METHODSELV models were established by the improved method in 30 SD rats, and another 30 were included in a sham operation group as controls. Three months after the operation, the concentrations of the FSH and InhB were assayed by ELISA.

RESULTSThe concentration of FSH in the serum was significantly higher in the experimental group ([37.56 +/- 9.72] ng/ml) than in the control ([26.69 +/- 5.33] ng/ml) (P < 0.05), while that of InhB significantly lower in the former ([349.93 +/- 99.48] pg/ml) than in the latter ([768. 83 +/- 146.96] pg/ml) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONImproved ELV can increase FSH and reduce InhB in rats, which may be associated with subfertility.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; metabolism ; Inhibins ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Varicocele ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the mitochondrial function score in combination with Gleason score in predicting the progression of prostate cancer.

METHODSThis study included twenty 58-79 (70.1 +/- 1.2) years old patients with prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy. The epithelioglandular mitochondrial function scores of the patients were obtained under the transmission electron microscope and assessed according to Flameng grading. Meanwhile, their Gleason scores were analyzed and, based on the scores, the patients were divided into Groups I (Gleason score: 2 -4) and II (Gleason score: 5 -7).

RESULTSThe mitochondrial function score of Group I was significantly different from that of Group II (4.0 +/- 0.8 versus 2.3 +/- 0.6, P < 0.05), with a negative correlation with the Gleason score (r = -0.793, P < 0.05). One year follow-up showed a significantly lower mortality in Group I (0/8) than in Group II (6/12) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMitochondrial dysfunction exists in prostate cancer patients, particularly in those with higher malignancy. The mitochondrial function score combined with Gleason score plays a valuable role in predicting the progression of prostate cancer.

Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitochondria ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDIodine staining during endoscopy has been successfully used to detect early carcinomatous and precancerous lesions in the esophagus, cervix, and oral cavity. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of fiberoptic ductoscopy (FDS) plus in vivo iodine staining for intraductal proliferative lesions of the breast.

METHODSWe performed periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and in vitro iodine staining on 52 and 64 specimens of benign mammary hyperplasia, respectively, and 57 and 53 specimens of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), respectively. Next, FDS was performed on 177 recurrent nipple discharge patients who were randomly divided into two groups. One group was iodine-staining group in which 92 patients were randomly selected to undergo iodine staining during FDS, and the remaining 85 were assigned to the control group. Biopsy specimens of suspicious lesions were obtained and subjected to histopathological examination.

RESULTSFollowing PAS staining, benign mammary hyperplasia lesions were positively stained, while negligible PAS positivity was observed in the DCIS lesions (P < 0.05). Following in vitro iodine staining, benign mammary hyperplasia specimens appeared dark brown, whereas DCIS samples appeared significantly lighter or unstained. Compared with the pathological examination results, FDS with iodine staining showed an agreement rate in the diagnosis of ductal intraepithelial neoplasia (DIN), sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and Youden index of 97.82%, 98.83%, 83.33%, 5.93, 0.014, and 0.8216, respectively; the corresponding values for FDS without iodine staining were 88.24%, 89.16%, 50.00%, 1.78, 0.217, and 0.3916, respectively.

CONCLUSIONFDS with iodine staining was superior to conventional FDS for the diagnosis of DIN and is valuable for breast cancer prevention.

Adult ; Aged ; Breast ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Female ; Fiber Optic Technology ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Iodine ; Middle Aged ; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction ; Staining and Labeling

Animals ; Brain Tissue Transplantation ; Cells, Cultured ; Immunohistochemistry ; Parkinson Disease ; therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Schwann Cells ; transplantation ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase ; analysis

BACKGROUNDThe most intimidatory pathological changes in patients with DM are cardiovascular illnesses, which are the major causes of death in diabetic patients and are far more prevalent than in nondiabetics because of accelerated atherosclerosis. In this study, we tried to clarify the changes in macrovascular endothelial ultrastructure and in the gene expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)mRNA in diabetic rats.

METHODSThe study was conducted on 52 of 10-week old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with body weight of (320 +/- 42) g. SD rats were divided into: experimental group treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg), (male, n = 20, diabetes mellitus (DMM)); female, n = 12, diabetes mellitus female (DMF)) and control group (male, n = 10, diabetes mellitus male control (DMMC); female, n = 10, diabetes mellitus female control (DMFC)). Four weeks after treatment, half of the rats were sacrificed; the remainders were sacrificed ten weeks after treatment. One part of the abdominal aortic sample was stored under glutaraldehyde (volume fraction psiB = 2.5%). After the process of chemical fixation, chemical dehydration, drying and conductivity enhancement, all samples were observed and photographed using scanning electron microscopy (Leica-Stereoscan 260, England). The other part of the abdominal aortic sample was treated with liquid nitrogen and the expression of eNOSmRNA was assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe aortic lumen of both experimental groups adsorbed much more debris than that of either control group. The endothelial surfaces of diabetic rats were coarse, wrinkled and protuberant like fingers or villi. The vascular endothelial lesions of diabetic male rats were very distinct after 4 weeks, and as obvious as those at 10 weeks. The vascular endothelial lesions of diabetic female rats were not severe at 4 weeks and only became marked after 10 weeks. In both males and females, the abdominal aortic eNOSmRNA content of 4 weeks and 10 weeks diabetic rats was very significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that of controls.

CONCLUSIONSAortic endothelial ultrastructure in DM rats is injured compared with controls. Abnormal changes of aortic endothelia in male DM rats are more obvious than those in females. Expression of abdominal aortic eNOSmRNA content of DM rats is significantly lower than that of controls.

Animals ; Aorta, Abdominal ; enzymology ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; pathology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; genetics ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; RNA, Messenger ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sex Factors ; Streptozocin

ECM is a supporting structure for stabilizing the location of cells and preserving the structure of tissues. Recently, it has been discovered that ECM and its degradation products may exert profound influences on tissues and cells, such as activities of inflammatory cells and immune cells. Angiogenesis may be stimulated or inhibited by degradation products of ECM. Matrikines, liberated by partial proteolysis of ECM macromolecules, are found to regulate cell functional activities and play a significant role in wound healing or tumor invasion. Post-burn denatured dermal matrix is being studied in burn healing now. The study of post-burn denatured or necrotic dermal matrix should be emphasized in future.
Animals ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inflammation ; metabolism ; Wound Healing