AIM: To observe the effect of piceatannol on the kidney of diabetic nephropathy rats in early stage, and to explore the possible mechanisms.METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, model group, low dose of piceatannol treatment group, medium dose of piceatannol treatment group and high dose of piceatannol treatment group.The rat model of diabetic nephropathy was induced accordingly, and the rats received 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg of piceatannol by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Blood glucose was detected by glucometer.The urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in the serum were measured by urease-glutamate dehydrogenase enzymatic and inosine acid oxidase methods, respectively, and 24 h urinary microalbumin was analyzed by immune transmission turbidimetry test.Moreover, the pathological changes of the kidney tissues were observed under microscope with HE staining.The protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 7 and the phosphorylation levels of Smad2 and Smad3 were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Compared with model group, piceatannol treatment significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and urinary microalbumin, but had no effects on serum creatinine.Furthermore, HE staining showed that the increased mesangial cells, matrix hyperplasia and degenerated epithelial cells in model group were markedly inhibited after piceatannol treatment.Additionally, piceatannol treatment also reduced the protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 7, and the phosphorylation levels of Smad2 and Smad3.CONCLUSION: Piceatannol attenuates pathological progression in the kidney of diabetic nephropathy rats in early stage, which may be through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether quantifiable changes in serum levels of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in response to 24 weeks of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFN-a 2a) treatment are predictive of therapeutic efficacy at 48 weeks of treatment in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and to investigate the efficacy of using an individualized antiviral treatment strategy.

METHODSNinety-six HBeAg-positive CHB patients with detectable HBeAg at week 24 of Peg-IFN-a 2a treatment were categorized according to the quantitative change in HBeAg (vs. pre-treatment baseline): group A, HBeAg decline more than 2 log; group B, HBeAg decline between 1 - 2 log; group C, HBeAg decline less than 1 log, which was then randomly divided into two sub-groups: C1 and C2. Group A, B, and C1 patients continued the original therapy for an additional 24 weeks, while group C2 patients were supplemented with lamivudine (3TC + Peg-IFN-a 2a) for the additional 24 weeks of treatment. All patients underwent liver biopsy at the end of treatment (week 48), and HBV covalently-closed circular (ccc)DNA was quantified as a measure of therapeutic efficacy. A, B, and C1 between-group multiple comparisons were made by the Nemenyi test; C1 and C2 between-group comparison was made by the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance of between-group differences in decreased HBV cccDNA vs. HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion was made by the Chi-squared test.

RESULTSAt week 48, the mean decrease of serum HBV cccDNA in each group was: A, 5.8 log10 copy/ml; B, 3.8 log10 copy/ml; C1, 2.8 log10 copy/ml; C2, 5.7 log10 copy/ml. Statistically significant differences were observed for group A vs. B and C1 (P less than 0.01) and C1 vs. C2 (P less than 0.01); however, the difference between group B and C1 did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.19). The mean decrease of HBeAg in each group was: A, 2.7 log10 S/CO; B, 1.9 log10 S/CO; C1, 0.9 log10 S/CO; C2, 1.6 log10 S/CO. Statistically significant differences were observed for group A vs. B and C1 (P less than 0.01) and C1 vs. C2 (P less than 0.01). The rate of patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA in each group was: A, 87.5%; B, 34.5%; C1, 17.4%; C2, 85.0%. Statistically significant differences were observed for group A vs. B and C1 (P less than 0.01) and C1 vs. C2 (P less than 0.01). The HBeAg seroconversion rates were: A, 75.0%; B, 24.1%; C1, 13.0%; C2, 25.0%. Statistically significant differences were observed only for group A vs. B and C1 (P less than 0.01). Finally, group A achieved greater reduction in levels of cccDNA in liver tissues than B or C1 (P less than 0.01); however, the differences between B and C1 and between C1 and C2 did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONCHB patients who showed an HBeAg decline of more than 2 log at week 24 of Peg-IFN-a 2a treatment had better treatment outcome at week 48 than those who showed HBeAg decline less than 2 log at week 24. Augmenting the Peg-IFN-a 2a treatment with 3TC can improve the clinical response. A change of quantifiable HBeAg at week 24 of Peg-IFN-a 2a treatment may be a useful predictor of therapeutic efficacy of a 48-week antiviral regimen.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Lamivudine ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

This study was aimed to explore the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on proliferation and activity of natural killer (NK) and NK-T cells. MSC was co-cultured with peripheral mononuclear cells from healthy donors in presence of IL-2, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and mouse anti-human CD3 McAb (culture condition known to expand NK cells). The ratio of NK cells and NK-T cells was measured by flow cytometry and the effect of MSC on killing activity of NK cells against K562 cells was detected by MTT method after co-cultured with different densities of MSC. The results showed that MSC inhibited the production of NK cells in a dose-dependent manner generally. At the densities of 0, 1 × 10(5) and 5 × 10(5)/ml, the ratios of NK cells in the co-culture conditions were (16.9 ± 4.6), (14.0 ± 8.6) and (6.4 ± 4.6), respectively (P < 0.05). However, MSC could promote the formation of NK cells at lower MSC density (1 × 10(4)/ml), the ratio of NK cells reached to (20.9 ± 7.1), which was higher than that of culture condition without MSC (P < 0.05). The different densities of MSC in the co-culture conditions had no much influence on the ratio of NK-T cells (P > 0.05). MTT assay showed that the killing activity of suspended cells in co-culture system against K562 cells was parallel with the ratio of NK cells. Different densities of MSC regulated bidirectionally killing activity of NK to K562 cells by regulating bidirectionally ratio of NK cells. It is concluded that the MSC can promote the formation of NK cells and enhance its activity against tumor cells in the lower doses, while suppress the formation of NK cells and attenuate its tumor-killing effect in higher dose condition.
Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; Coculture Techniques ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Killer Cells, Natural ; cytology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Natural Killer T-Cells ; cytology

This study was purposed to investigate the diagnosis, typing and influencing factors of the antibody (inhibitor) to coagulation factors in hemophilia. 500 hemophilia patients were enrolled in this study. The activities of coagulation factor FVIII and FIX were tested by one stage assay. The antibodies of FVIII and FIX were detected by Bethesda assay. All data were analyzed by statistical soft SPSS 10.0. The results indicated that there were 411 cases of hemophilia A, out of which 151 cases (30.2%) showed FVIII antibody positive, the titer was 3.50 ± 2.84 Bu/ml; there were 79 cases of hemophilia B, out of which 18 cases (3.6%) showed FIX antibody positive, the titer was 2.92 ± 2.19 Bu/ml. The other 10 cases were acquired autogeneic hemophilia (2.0%). The antibody was divided into three types: high-response (3 cases), intermediate-response (47 cases), and low-response (119 cases). Among the 169 cases with antibody positive, 157 cases (92.9%) were younger than 30 years old; among 151 (89.35%) cases of hemophilia A; 138 cases (81.66%) were moderate or severe hemophilia; 166 case (98.22%) showed intermediate or low-response antibody. There were 158 cases with allogeneic antibody positive, all of which received blood transfusion. It is concluded that the moderate and low responsive antibodies are the dominant in hemophilia patients, the age of patients and transfusion frequency of blood preparation are the influencing factors. The results of this study provide the basis for the hemophilia diagnosis, antibody typing and evaluation of factors influencing hemophilia, and also suggest that the repeated transfusion of blood preparation may influence the production of antibodies.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Factor VIII ; immunology ; Female ; Hemophilia A ; blood ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Drynaria fortunei J. Smith naringin (DFSN) on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLC).

METHODSCultured human periodontal ligament cells were treated with DFSN at different concentrations. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT method; cell differentiation was evaluated through the examination of alkaline phosphate (ALP) activities.

RESULTSDFSN in a concentration ranged from 0.01 mu mol/L to 10 mu mol/L showed a promoting effect on proliferation of hPDLC (P< 0.05), and it also promoted ALP activities of hPDLC (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONDrynaria fortunei J. Smith naringin can promotes the proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells.

Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flavanones ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; Polypodiaceae ; chemistry

Esomeprazole sodium is a widely used proton pump inhibitor which is mainly applied to the treatment of gastric ul-cer,duodenal ulcer,digestive esophagitis and gastritis. By reviewing the literature over the past decade on the asymmetric oxidation of esomeprazole sodium ,the paper summarizes the synthetic process and focuses on the comparison of the critical steps. To choose suit-able chiral catalyst to reduce the cost of synthesis of esomeprazole sodium,this paper compares beyond the yield,enantioselectivity and other aspects. The conclusion is that the catalysts used in the most of oxidation systems are with a large load and high cost ,and compared with the classical Kagan-Modena system,the Ti-salan catalyst has advantages in the synthesis of esomeprazole sodium,and can be widely used.

Objective To investigate the distribution of water fluoride and the present status of water- improving delluoridation projects in the endemic fluorosis areas in Gansu Province. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control in 2004" for the water improving projects, water fluoride content was determined from fluorosis villages in 34 counties of 11 cities in Gansu Province. The fluoride content in drinking water was assessed by F-ion selective electrode. Results Water fluoride content was determined in 1576 fluorosis villages of 34 counties. Water fluoride content of 7829 water samples was determined, and the fluoride content of 1891 samples was over standard. Water fluoride content was ≤ 1.00 mg/L(accounting for 75.19%) in 1185 villages and 1.00 mg/L(accounting for 24.81%) in 391 villages; the highest water fluoride content was 6.78 mg/L Nine hundred and ninety three water-improving and defluoridation projects were determined. Water fluoride content of 867 water-improving and defluoridation projects was determined; 768 projects had water fluoride content ≤1.00 mg/L(accounting for 87.67%) and water fluoride content of 108 projects was 1.00 mg/L(accounting for 12.33%),with the highest water fluoride content being 5.27 mg/L. Water-improving and delluoridation projects mostly relied on drilling a well to obtain under-grand water. Abandoned projects accounted for 30%. Conclusions In 34 counties of 11 cites(prefecture), nearly 30% of the villages had water fluoride content exceeding the standard. The situation of endemic fluorosis control is still serious in Gausu Province, countermeasures for endemic fluorosis must be carried out as soon as possible and surveillance of water-improving and defluoridation projects must be strengthened.

Objective To compare the efficacy of CT-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) treatment through the inside and outside of the foramen rotundum for primary trigeminal maxillary neuralgia.Methods Forty-eight patients of both sexes,aged 58-75 yr,suffering from primary trigeminal neuralgia the 2nd trigeminal branch pain,scheduled for elective CT-guided trigeminal RFTC,were divided into 2 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table:inside of foramen rotundum group and outside of foramen rotundum group.The needle was inserted until the lateral 1/3 of the foramen rotundum was reached under CT guidance in inside of foramen rotundum group or until the outside of the foramen rotundum was reached in outside of foramen rotundum group.High-temperature RFTC 95 ℃ was performed for 120 s,repeating for 2-3 cycles.The current sensory threshold at different frequencies was measured at 1 day before and after operation.Numeric rating scale score was performed at 1 day,30 days,1 yr and 2 yr after operation,effective RFTC treatment was defined as numeric rating scale score≤ 1,and the condition of postoperative effective RFTC treatment was recorded.The development of adverse reactions such as facial hematoma,corneal ulcer,injuring the other branch and cerebrovascular accidents was recorded.Results Compared with outside of foramen rotundum group,the current sensory threshold on the affected side at frequency of 2 000 Hz was significantly increased at 1 day after operation,the rate of effective RFTC treatment was increased 2 yr after operation (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the incidence of postoperative facial hematoma in inside of foramen rotundum group (P＞0.05).Conclusion The long-term curative effect of CT-guided RFTC treatment for primary trigeminal maxillary neuralgia through the inside of the foramen rotundum is better than that through the outside of foramen rotundum.

AIM To observe the effects of Taxilli Herba from six different hosts (Morus alba L.,Salix babylonica L.,Camellia oleifera Abel.,Castanea mollissima B1.,Liquidambar formosana Hance and Nerium indicum Mill.) on lowering blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).METHODS SHR were randomly divided into 14 groups,captopril positive group (20 mg/kg),model group,and Taxilli Herba groups of 6 different hosts,and each Taxilli Herba group was further divided into high-dose group (5.9 g/kg) and low-dose group (1.48 g/kg);WKY,in addition,was the blank control.And the 20-day consective correspondence medication was applied to the groups,each with eight rats.The caudal arterial systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff method before the administration,and on the 10th day and 20th day of the administration.Anaesthesia was performed at the blood collection 12 h after the last administration;and thus final serum contents of nitric oxide (NO) and changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,plasmatic contents of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were determined.RESULTS From the data before and after administration,an SBP drop among all SHR groups was observed on the 10th day of administration,among which the blood pressure lowering effect by high-dose Taxilli Herba from Morus alba L.was very obvious (P ＜ 0.01);remarkable SBP decrease on the 20th day of administration induced by Taxilli Herba from Salix babylonica L,Liquidambarformosana Hance and Camellia oleifera Abel,and high-dose Taxilli Herba from Morus alba L,low-dose Taxilli Herba from Castanea mollissima B1 were detected (P ＜ 0.01).No significant SBP variation was available between the model group and Taxilli Herba groups after10-day administration;all the Taxilli Herba groups exhibited obvious effect in lowering SBP except Taxilli Herba from Nerium indicum Mill,low-dose Taxilli Herba from Morus alba L.and high-dose Taxilli Herba from Castanea mollissimaBl.after 20-day administration,compared to the model group (P ＜ 0.05).Highdose Taxilli Herba from Morus alba L.and Salix babylonica L significantly decreased plasmatic Ang Ⅱ and ET-1 contents of SHR groups in comparison with the model group (P ＜0.01).High-dose Taxilli Herba from Morus alba L.,Salix babylonica L.and Liquidambarformosana Hance significantly increased serum NO release and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P ＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION Taxilli Herba from the five different hosts,except Nerium indicum Mill,can lower blood pressure,and there exists an effect difference due to the host variation.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of tamsulosin and solifenacin for mild and moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODSWe randomly divided 166 patients with BPH and concomitant OAB into a mild obstruction symptom group (n = 88) and a moderate obstruction symptom group (n =78), 48 of the former group treated with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin + 5 mg solifenacin and the other 40 with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin; 36 of the latter group treated with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin + 5 mg solifenacin and the other 42 with 0. 2 mg tamsulosin, all administered once daily for 12 weeks. We obtained the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urine storage period symptom score (USPSS), voiding symptom score (VSS), Qmax, residual urine volume, OAB symptom score (OABSS) and adverse reactions, and compared them among different

RESULTSAmong the patients with mild obstruction symptoms, the combination of tamsulosin and solifenacin achieved remark-groups. able improvement in IPSS, USPSS, Qmax and OABSS as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), but made no significant difference in the residual urine volume (P > 0. 05) , while tamsulosin improved IPSS only (P < 0.05). The combination therapy exhibited an obvious superiority over tamsulosin alone in improving IPSS (9.7 micro 3.0 vs 15.8 micro 3.3), USPSS (8. 1 micro 1.7 vs 12.3 micro 3.1), Qmax ([18.6 micro 2.3] ml/s vs [14.2 micro 2.3] ml/s ), and OABSS (5.3micro 1.3 vs 9.7 micro 2.7) (P < 0.05), but there were no obvious differences in residual urine, urine routine test results and adverse events between the two therapies ( P > 0. 05). In those with moderate obstruction symptoms, the combination therapy significantly improved IPSS, VSS, Qmax and OABSS (P < 0.05) but not the residual urine (P > 0. 05) in comparison with the baseline. The tamsulosin therapy achieved obvious improvement in IPSS, VSS, Qmax, OABSS and residual urine. The combination therapy showed a better effect than tamsulosin only in OABSS (4. 8 +/-1.5 vs 6.5 +/-2.5, P < 0.05), but no significant differences from the latter in IPSS, Qmax, VSS, routine urine test results, and adverse

CONCLUSIONCombination therapy of tamsulosin and solifenacin is obviously safe and efficacious in the treatment (P > 0.05). events of both mild and moderate BPH with concomitant OAB, and it is superior to tamsulosin alone.

Aged ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; complications ; drug therapy ; Quinuclidines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Solifenacin Succinate ; Sulfonamides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tetrahydroisoquinolines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive ; complications ; drug therapy