Alcoholism ; therapy ; Humans ; Methanol ; poisoning

Objective To study the effect of age and sex on circadian rhythms of renin-angiotensin system(RAS) .Methods 96 SPRD rats were divided into three groups.The levels of renin(Ren)activity,angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)and angiotensin-converting-enzyme(ACE)in plasma or serum were respectively determined.Results The plasma or serum levels of renin,ACE,and angiotensin-Ⅱ in adult male group(D group)were significantly increased in comparison with elderly male group(M group)and elderly female group(F group).There were not significantly different between F group and M group in the levels of Ren activity,AngⅡ and ACE.The three substances presented typical circadian rhythms in three groups(P

Objective To evaluate the effect of breathing exercise program (shrinking lips abdominal breathing combined with vertical breathing gymnastics) on dyspnea, pulmonary function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods A total of 90 hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COPD were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group with 45 cases in each group. The experimental group lost one case and the control group lost three cases, 86 patients finished the experiment. During hospitalization, on the base of conventional treatment and care, the experimental group
received training of shrinking lips abdominal breathing combined with vertical breathing gymnastics after medical staff′s care, with folk music as the background. Exercise frequency:morning, afternoon, 2 times per day, 15 min per time and continue to exercise with researchers′ guidance after discharge. In the control group:take exercises by self, take routine follow-up after discharge. The intervention continued for three months. The indicators such as dyspnea, pulmonary function, exercise tolerance and life quality of both groups were assessed respectively before and after the intervention. Results There were no significant differences in dyspnea symptoms, lung function, exercise endurance, quality of life between two groups before intervention (P>0.05). The dyspnea scored 1.43±0.87 after intervention in the experimental group, and 1.93 ±0.97 in the control group, there was significant difference (Z=-2.293, P=0.022). The 6 min walking test distance was (371.34 ± 67.74) m after intervention in the experimental group, and (301.57 ± 61.67) m in the control group, there was significant difference(t = 4.988, P =0.000). The St. George′s Respiratory Questionnaire (respiratory symptoms, limited activity, influence disease) score and total score were 54.73 ± 11.96, 52.55 ± 14.48, 55.45 ± 10.01, 54.56 ± 10.79 after intervention in experimental group respectively, and 61.19 ± 10.72, 61.35 ± 14.66, 60.48 ± 9.39, 60.93 ± 10.16 in the control group, there were significant differences(t=-2.815--2.397, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in lung function after intervention between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The program of shrinking lips abdominal breathing combined with vertical breathing gymnastics can relieve dyspnea in patients with moderate to severe COPD, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, which is a safe and effective rehabilitation for patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of Bcl-2 and Bax protein contents and their gene expression in Al-induced neurons apoptosis.

METHODSNeurons from 0 - 3 day rats were cultured and treated with different concentrations of AlCl(3 x 6) H2O. The cell apoptosis was observed by the TUNEL method and under the scan electron microscope. Bcl-2 and Bax protein contents were detected by the immunochemistry method while their gene expressions were measured by the RT-PCR method.

RESULTS(1) DNA fractions in the TUNEL method increased with the rising aluminum concentration. Blebbings and apoptosis bodies on the surface of the neurons were clearly observed under the scan electron microscope. (2) Bcl-2 protein contents and their gene expression decreased with the rising aluminum concentration (P < 0.01, r = -0.695; P < 0.05, r = -0.647), while Bax increased at the same time (P < 0.01, r = 0.676; P < 0.01, r = 0.794), the value of Bcl-2/Bax was related with the aluminum concentration (P < 0.01, r = -0.655; P < 0.01, r = -0.777).

CONCLUSIONThe aluminum may induce neurons apoptosis. Bcl-2 and Bax protein contents and their gene expression may play an important role in Al-induced apoptosis.

Aluminum ; toxicity ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Neurons ; cytology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVEChronic myocardial ischemia (CMI) has become the most important cause of heart failure (HF) all over the world. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) gene transfer on cardiac function and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) associated myocardial apoptosis in a minipig HF animal model induced by CMI.

METHODSHF was induced in minipigs by implantation of ameroid constrictor in the initial segment of left anterior descending (LAD) branch of coronary artery. After confirmation of myocardial perfusion defects and cardiac function impairment by myocardial perfusion imaging and echocardiography, animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 4 each): HF group, HF + enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) group, HF + SERCA2a group, and shamed animals as control group. A total amount of 1 × 10(12) v.g. of rAAV1-EGFP or rAAV1-SERCA2a were injected intramyocardially to each animal of HF + EGFP and HF + SERCA2a groups. Sixty days after gene transfer, protein level and activity of SERCA2a were examined, cardiac functions and changes of serum inflammatory and neuro-hormonal factors were determined. Apoptotic index of the ischemic myocardium, protein levels of ER stress marker glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP 78) and ER stress specific apoptotic marker caspase-12 were also assayed.

RESULTSAt the study end, echocardiographic and hemo dynamic measurements indicated a significant improvement of both cardiac systolic and diastolic function in HF + SERCA2a group compared with HF/HF + EGFP groups [LVEF (60.2 ± 8.6)% vs (44.2 ± 7.1)% and (46.8 ± 6.7)%, Ev/Av 1.28 ± 0.24 vs 0.77 ± 0.17 and 0.80 ± 0.21, +dp/dt(max) (2713.9 ± 434.0) mm Hg/s (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) vs (1892.3 ± 434.2) mm Hg/s and (1931.2 ± 397.4) mm Hg/s, -dp/dt(max) (1422.1 ± 334.4) mm Hg/s vs (848.3 ± 308.3) mm Hg/s and (849.5 ± 278.3) mm Hg/s, P < 0.05], along with increase in both SERCA2a protein level (1.13 ± 0.26 vs 0.73 ± 0.17 and 0.64 ± 0.18, P < 0.05) and activity [(16.2 ± 5.5) IU/ml vs (7.9 ± 3.1) IU/ml and (7.5 ± 2.8) IU/ml, P < 0.05] compared with HF/HF + EGFP groups. Serum concentrations of inflammatory factor tumor necrotic factor α [(382.3 ± 114.4) ng/L vs (732.3 ± 201.4) ng/L and (689.8 ± 192.5) ng/L, P < 0.05], neural-hormonal factors brain natriuretic peptide [(142.6 ± 45.3) ng/L vs (422.3 ± 113.6) ng/L and (393.7 ± 103.3) ng/L, P < 0.01], endothelin-1 [(111.4 ± 37.5) ng/L vs (193.5 ± 54.3) ng/L and (201.0 ± 72.1) ng/L, P < 0.05] and angiotensin II [(189.7 ± 65.2) µg/L vs (538.3 ± 135.2) µg/L and (525.5 ± 144.1) µg/L, P < 0.01] were also significantly decreased in HF + SERCA2a group compared with HF/HF + EGFP groups. The apoptotic index [(12.71 ± 4.11)% vs (23.22 ± 7.23)% and (24.31 ± 6.38)%, P < 0.05], protein levels of GRP 78 (1.27 ± 0.33 vs 3.23 ± 1.14 and 4.18 ± 1.13, P < 0.05) and protein level ratios of cleaved caspase-12 to total caspase-12 [(4.62 ± 1.93)% vs (9.71 ± 2.70)% and (10.14 ± 2.81)%, P < 0.05] were also significantly reduced in the ischemic myocardium of HF + SERCA2a group compared with the HF/HF + EGFP groups.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of SERCA2a significantly improved cardiac systolic and diastolic function in this HF model partly through attenuation of ER stress related myocardial apoptosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for CMI related heart failure.

Animals ; Chronic Disease ; Disease Models, Animal ; Genetic Therapy ; Heart Failure ; therapy ; Myocardial Ischemia ; therapy ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; genetics ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature

OBJECTIVETo explore the coincidence of lipid peroxidation and neurobehavioral function changes in coke oven workers.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-four coke oven workers were divided into three groups: 35 in the oven-bottom group, 49 in the oven-side group and 50 in oven-top group. WHO recommended NCTB was performed on coke oven workers and 36 controls from material conservation department; The contents of total superoxide dismutases (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood were determined by test kits.

RESULTSCompared with the controls, the coke oven workers showed lower levels of T-SOD and GSH (P < 0.01), significantly higher MDA levels in blood (P < 0.01), higher score on negative mood state, lower scores on positive mood state, and poorer performance in NCTB test (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that there was a weak positive correlation between neurobehavioral function changes and the level of lipid peroxidation with a coefficient lower than 0.25.

CONCLUSIONThe level of lipid peroxidation in coke oven workers' blood increased and coincided with neurobehavioral function impairment.

Adult ; Affect ; Anxiety ; Case-Control Studies ; Coke ; Fatigue ; Glutathione ; blood ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Young Adult

AIM To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single mark (QAMS) method for the simultaneous content determination of five constituents in Shanzhuyu Formulated Granules (Corni Fructus).METHODS The analysis of 80％ methanol extract of this drug was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Wondasil C18column (4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.3％ phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 335 nm.With morroniside as an internal standard,the relative correction factors of gallic acid,5-hydroxymethylfurfural,loganin and cornuside were established,followed by the determination of their contents.RESULTS Gallic acid,5-hydroxymethylfurfural,morroniside,loganin and cornuside showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 0.0120-0.120,0.026 8-0.268,0.074 4-0.744,0.058 6-0.586 and 0.0086-0.086 μg (r≥ 0.9999),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 103.43％ (1.45％),103.36％ (1.50％),104.47％ (0.30％),102.08％(1.74％) and 104.01％ (0.62％),respectively.The results obtained by QAMS approximated those obtained by external standard method.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Shanzhuyu Formulated Granules.

Objective To study the effects of a new phosphodiesterase inhibitor MS23 on the myogenic responses of diabetic rat coronary artery (RCA) and the myocyte potassium currents via the voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv).Methods Rats were rendered diabetic with a peritoneal injection of streptozocin at 60 mg · kg-1.At the 4th week after treatment,the diabetic rats were randomly divided into model group,low-dose,and high-dose groups of MS23 (0.3 mg · kg-1 and 1.0 mg · kg-1 orally administrated once a day for 8 weeks),while the normal rats were set as the control group.Model group and control group were fed with 0.9％ NaCl of equal volume once a day from the fourth week to the twelfth week.A wire myograph was used to observe the myogenic effects of isolated RCA.The Kv currents of single rat coronary arterial smooth muscle cell (RCASMC) were studied with patch clamp.Results After administration,the maximum vasorelaxations of RCA to acetylcholine in control group,model group,low-dose,high-dose group were (74.45 ± 6.30) ％,(56.84 ± 5.51) ％,(77.52 ± 5.27) ％,(86.33 ± 8.88) ％,respectively.The maximum vasorelaxations to sodium nitroprusside in the four groups were (88.50 ± 5.81)％,(56.65 ±8.62)％,(80.50 ±7.85)％,(91.60 ±5.97)％,respectively.The maximum RCASMC Kv current density in the four groups were (53.69±4.02) pA · pF-1,(28.25±3.69) pA · pF-1,(38.78±4.55) pA · pF-1,(63.35 ± 4.57) pA · pF-1,respectively.There were significant differences between the model group and the blank group/low-dose group/high-dose group (P ＜ 0.05).The maximum vasorelaxations of diabetic RCA to MS23 (30 μmol · L-1) was (70.69 ± 12.72)％,and preincubation with Kv inhibitor 4-AP (3 mmol · L-1) reduced the MS23-induced maximum relaxation to (34.47 ± 10.08) ％,with significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion MS23 relaxes diabetic rat coronary artery and enhances diabetic RCASMC Kv currents.

Objective To develop a double antibody sandwich ELISA assay for quantitative determination of recombinant human interferon α1b.Methods Mouse monoclonal antibodies with different binding site on rIFN-α1b were screened to select optimized candidates as coating and HRP-labeled index antibodies respectively.And a double antibodies sandwich ELISA was assembled; the reliable lower detection limit,specificity,accuracy and reproducibility were evaluated and validated.Results The quantitative sandwich ELISA had a reliable lower detection limit of 10 ng/ml,with a liner detection range 10-100 ng/ml (R2 =0.992),variation coefficient inter-plates is less than 10％.Conclusion The developed sandwich ELISA was a sensitive and specific,accuracy and reproducibility method for quantitative determination of recombinant human interferon αt1b in final product.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of lipid peroxidation injury and endoplasmic reticulum stress in Al-induced apoptosis.

METHODSNeurons from 0-3 day rats were cultured and treated with different concentrations of AlCl3.6H2O. Morphologic changes of neurons and endoplasmic reticulum were observed under fluorescent and transmission electron microscope; activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and ATP enzymes were detected.

RESULTSTypical morphologic changes in neurons apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum were found under fluorescent and transmission electron microscope; SOD enzyme viability and ATP enzyme viability were significantly increased in the low-dosage group, but reduced in mid and high-dosage group (P < 0.01), whereas MDA levels decreased in the low-dosage group, but increased in mid and high-dosage group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAluminum may induce neurons apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation injury in endoplasmic reticulum plays an important role in the apoptosis progression.

Aluminum ; toxicity ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; physiology ; Lipid Peroxidation ; physiology ; Neurons ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley