AIM:To study the effects of astragali radix extract(ARE)on renal resistance to atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP)in rats with experimental nephrotic syndrome.METHODS:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,adriamycin nephropathy(ADR),ADR treated with ARE(2.5 g? kg-1? d-1)and ADR treated with benazepril(10 mg? kg-1? d-1).After 6 weeks,rats received intravenous infusion of 2% body weight isotonic saline.Urinary cGMP excretion(UcGMPV),plasma ANP level,renal PDE5 activity and protein expression were also detected.RESULTS:ARE increased UNaV while ACEI was not natriuretic.Nephrotic rats had a blunted natriuretic response and reduced rate of UcGMPV after volume expansion despite higher plasma ANP concentration.ARE increased UcGMPV and restored partly natriuretic response to volume expansion.The activity and protein abundance of renal PDE5 were high in nephrotic rats.ARE significantly reduced the PDE5 activity and protein expression.CONCLUSION:ARE may ameliorate the renal resistance to ANP in rats with adriamycin nephropathy by inhibiting the PDE5.

Drug-Eluting Stents ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thrombosis ; etiology

Objective To analyze monitoring results of iodized salt and distribution characteristics of problem areas with non-iodized salt in Gansu province during 2001 - 2009 and to provide a basis to develop countermeasures to iodine deficiency disorders. Methods According to the criterion of "The National Scheme of Iodized Salt Surveillance", two levels of monitoring were carried out on production and wholesale-level(during 2001 -2007) and household-level(during 2001 - 2009). Salt iodine was determined by direct titration method (GB/T13025.7-1999), and Sichuan salt or special salt was determined with an arbitration method. Criteria for qualified iodized salt was (35 ± 15)mg/kg(20 - 50 mg/kg), and for non-iodized salt was ＜ 5 mg/kg. Results During 2001 - 2007, a total of 4900 salt samples at production and wholesale-levels were examined, with a qualification rate of 97.80% (4792/4900). Non-iodized salt rates were all below 5% in Gansu province, consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was higher than 90% after 2003. During 2001 - 2009, cities(states) with non-iodized salt problems appeared 23 times, with Linxia accounting for 39.1%(9/23), Wuwei accounting for 21.7%(5/23). During 2001 -2009, counties(districts) with non-iodized salt problem appeared 123 times, including 68 times of ethnic minorities and state poverty counties, accounting for 55.3%(68/123). During 2001 - 2005 and 2006 - 2009, ethnic minorities and state poverty counties were accounting for 49.4%(44/89) and 70.6%(24/34) in counties with non-iodized salt problem. Conclusions The quality of iodized-salt at production and wholesale level is satisfactory in Gansu province, household consumption rate of qualified iodized salt have reached national standard for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. But ethnic minorities and state poverty counties are main regions with non-iodized salt problem,these areas will be the key areas of prevention of iodine deficiency disorders in Gansu province in the future.

Objective To observe whether sodium arsenite(NaAsO2)can activate the expressions of hemeoxygenase-1(HO-1)of normal human liver cell line named Chang liver.Methods Chang liver cells were exposed to NaAsO2 at 10 μmoL/L,0(contml),2,6,12,24 h and at 0(control),5,10,25,50 μmol/L in 12 h, followed by the measuring of the expressions of HO-1 protein in ceUs with western blot.Results In 10 μmol/L groups Chang liver cells exposed for 6,12,24 h cultured in vitro,the expressions of HO-l protein(3.97±0.72, 12.92±2.98,23.29±3.82)was significantly higher than that of control(1.00±0.00),and compared with the control, the difference being statistically significant(F=85.83,P＜0.01;t=-9.42,-8.95,-13.83,respectively,P＜ 0.05 or＜0.01).In 12 h,5,10,25 and 50 μmol/L groups cultured in vitro,the expressions of HO-1(16.34±0.25, 7.75±0.39,7.93±0.14,12.48±0.35)was significantly higher than that of control(1.00±0.00).and compared with the control,the difference being statistically significant(F=85.83,P＜0.01;t=-36.25,-30.19,-86.40, -56.40,respectively,all P＜0.01).Conclusion Inorganic arsenic call induce the activation of HO-1,promote the expression of protein in a time-and dose-dependent manner.

Objective To evaluate the effect of health education on the target population of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture.Methods During 2006-2010,IDD health education was carried out in the target population of Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture,and IDD knowledge of 5th grade pupil and 20-50 years old child-bearing women were surveyed by stratified sampling and questionnaire survey methods to evaluate the effect of health education.Results After health education,IDD knowledge passing rate rose from 55.6％ (548/986) and 18.0％(118/657) to 90.0％(1103/1225) and 86.2％(687/797) among pupils and women,respectively.The awareness rates of iodine deficiency in causing goiter,mental retardation and birth born silly children,and the key role of iodized salt in controling IDD were increased from 79.2％ (781/986),76.5％ (754/986),51.7％ (510/986) and 82.3％ (811/986) to 88.8％ (1088/1225),85.6％ (1049/1225),68.7％ (842/1225) and 90.0％ (1103/1225) among pupils,and from 48.6％ (319/657),28.3％ (186/657),15.4％ (101/657) and 39.6％ (260/657) to 86.2％ (687/797),70.0％ (558/797),46.3％ (369/797) and 87.3％ (696/797) among women,and all the difference were significant,respectively.Belief rate held by students that health education can prevent iodine deficiency disorders was 87.3％ (1069/1225),and 52.9％ (648/1225) of the students told their parents about IDD.The rate of consciously purchase of qualified iodized salt was 87.1％ (694/797) after health education among women of childbearing age,and the consumption rate of iodized salt was 64.6％(515/797).More than 90％ of the people in relevant departments knew iodine deficiency disorders related knowledge,in particular,had a clear understanding of intellectual hazards caused by iodine deficiency,and actively supported and participated in health education in the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders.Conclusions Comprehensive health education measures taken through schools and religious organizations has promoted a shift in the behavior,beliefs and attitudes of its consciously purchase and consumption of iodized salt,and integrated knowledge,attitude and practice (KAP).It is a good model of health education through religious organizations in ethnic minority areas.It has promoted the health education feasibility and accessibility,and the effect is more durable.

Objective To understand the current situation of iodine deficiency diserders(IDD) in Longyan City and to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures of IDD in order to provide evidence for formulating prevention and control tactics. Methods During the year of 2006 and 2007, the 30 primary schools were screened by population proportion survey(PPS) from the 7 counties of Longyan City. Forty children aged 8-10 years in each school were randomly selected as a group to examine thyroid, and 7 children in each group were selected to measure the urine iodine and the salt iodine at the same time. The goiter rote, the median urinary iodine, the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt, the iodine salt coverage rate, the rate of qualified iodized salt and the non-iodized rate were detected. Results The goiter rate of children aged 8-10 years old in Longyan City was 0.94%(79/8438). The median urinary iodine was 259.12 μg/L. The consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.86% (1462/1494). The iodine salt coverage rate was 99.46%(1486/1494). The rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.38 (1462/1486), and the non-iodized rate was 0.54% (8/1494). Conclusions All indicators have reached the national standard of eliminating IDD in Longyan City.

OBJECTIVEThere is little knowledge on whether there is clustering of inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule1-1 (sICAM-1), and angiotensin II (Ang II), in individuals with hypertension in the Mongolian population. In the present study, we investigated this relationship in a Mongolian population in China.

METHODSA total of 2589 adult Mongolians, aged 20 years and older, were recruited as study participants. Data on demographics, lifestyle, family history of hypertension, blood pressure, and blood chemistry were collected, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in all participants.

RESULTSThe proportion of subjects with increased levels of two or three biomarkers was significantly higher in those with hypertension (21.0% and 6.0%, respectively) than in those with prehypertension (12.7% and 0.5%, respectively) or normotension (8.1% and 0.2%, respectively). The multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of hypertension associated with increased levels of one, two or three biomarkers were 0.94 (0.72-1.22), 1.42 (0.93-2.16), and 11.08 (1.45-84.80), respectively, compared with subjects with no increase in any biomarker.

CONCLUSIONHypertension was associated with a cluster of inflammatory biomarkers in the Mongolian population.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angiotensin II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; C-Reactive Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; China ; Female ; Genetic Markers ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; Inflammation ; genetics ; metabolism ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo carry out expert survey for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome characteristics of different clinical types of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODSBy using Delphi method, we carried out two rounds of nationwide expert surveys for modern TCM characteristics of syndrome elements and syndrome types of CAD.

RESULTSBased on expert consensus, qi deficiency, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, qi deficiency blood stasis, and intermingled phlegm and blood stasis are common TCM syndromes for different clinical types of CAD. Of them, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, heat accumulation, cold coagulation, yang deficiency, deficiency of both qi and yang were more often seen in patients with unstable angina than in those with stable angina. Qi deficiency, yin deficiency, and deficiency of both qi and yin were less seen. We could see more excess syndrome and less deficiency syndrome (such as qi deficiency, yin deficiency, etc.) in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Qi deficiency, blood stasis, water retention, yang deficiency, phlegm turbidity, yin deficiency, Xin-qi deficiency, and qi deficiency blood stasis induced water retention are the most common TCM syndrome types of CAD heart failure (HF). Blood deficiency, yin deficiency, heat accumulation, deficiency of both Xin and Pi, deficiency of both qi and blood, deficiency of both qi and yin, yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity were more often seen in CAD arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONSTCM syndrome distributions of different clinical types of CAD have common laws and individual characteristics. Results based on the expert consensus supplied evidence and support for clinical diagnosis and treatment of CAD.

Angina Pectoris ; Angina, Unstable ; China ; Coronary Artery Disease ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Coronary Disease ; diagnosis ; Data Collection ; Heart Failure ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Qi ; Syndrome ; Yang Deficiency ; diagnosis ; Yin Deficiency ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo study the role of protein kinase C-delta (PKC-delta) in hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cells.

METHODSTca8113 cells were treated at 43 degrees C in a heating water bath for 0, 40, 80, 120 min after pretreatment with Rottlerin, a specific inhibitor of PKC-delta, and equal volume dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 30 min, respectively. The cells were stained by propidium iodide (PI) and Rhodamine 123 to analysis apoptotic rate and the changes of mitochondrial transmembrane potential by flow cytometry (FCM). The total proteins were extracted for Western blotting analysis of activation and proteolysis of PKC-delta, and for colorimetric assay of relative activity of Caspase-3.

RESULTSHyperthermia could induce proteolysis and activation of PKC-delta, and this was attenuated by Rottlerin. Apoptotic rate, decreasing of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and activity of Caspase-3 which being induced by hyperthermia in Tca8113 cells were inhibited by PKC-delta specific inhibitor Rottlerin. There were significantly statistical differences in apoptosis rates, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and activity of Caspase-3 between Rottlerin- and non-Rottlerin-pretreated cells after hyperthermia for 40, 80, 120 min (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONActivated PKC-delta may facilitate hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in Tca8113 cells, and may be one of the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by hyperthermia.

Acetophenones ; Apoptosis ; Benzopyrans ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Protein Kinase C ; Protein Kinase C-delta

To investigate the inhibition of cyclosporin A (CsA) on neutrophil adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs, ECV-304) induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation and further explore its mechanism, a 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation model was reproduced using ECV-304. The adhesion rate of neutrophils to ECV-304 was determined by measuring the activity of endogenous hexosaminidase. The expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules of E-selectin and ICAM-1 was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA) and the activation of ERK1/2 was compared among experimental groups by Western blot. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by Fenton reaction. After being stimulated with 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation, ECV-304 showed an enhanced neutrophil adhensiveness in association with an increased surface expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1. In parallel, the content of ROS was also increased. These effects were significantly suppressed by the addition of CsA. Most importantly, the expression of CyPA was significantly increased following 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation, which was accompanied with an increased activation of ERK1/2. Treatment with CyPA inhibitor CsA and CyPA antisense oligonucleotides significantly inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and decreased the adhesion of neutrophils to ECV-304. The specific ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 caused an inhibition of neutrophil adhesion to hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated ECV-304. Our data confirm that CsA inhibits neutrophil adhesion to hypoxia/reoxygenation stimulated ECV-304 by a mechanism involving inhibition of the signal transduction of ROS, CyPA and ERK1/2.
Cell Adhesion ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclophilins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclosporine ; pharmacology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Neutrophils ; cytology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reperfusion Injury ; physiopathology ; Signal Transduction ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology