Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are a heterogeneous group of uncommon disorders which characterized by marked peripheral eosinophilia and function damage of target organ, with different etiologies, mechanisms and therapies in different subtypes. Formerly the prognosis was very poor, nowadays with great development in science and medicine, we can understand HES much better in classification, diagnosis and therapy, including the development of novel targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and humanized monoclonal antibodies, which increased the treatment selection and complexity of therapeutic decisions in HES. This review discusses the classification of HES and characters of different subtypes, including therapeutic methods, which can help clinical doctors to have a good understanding of HES.
Humans ; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome ; classification ; therapy

The study was purposed to investigate the differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into myocardial cells in vitro. Rat bone marrow-derived MSCs were labeled and co-cultured with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM) for 5 - 7 days. The expression of cell surface antigens was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of muscle-specific marker myosin and troponin T in labeled cells was detected by immunofluorescence. The results showed that in vitro cultured MSCs expressed CD90, CD44, CD105, CD54, not expressed CD34, CD45, CD31. After co-cultured with neonatal rat CM, labeled MSCs differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells expressing myosin and troponin T. It is concluded that MSCs can differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells when co-cultured with neonatal myocardial cells in vitro. In co-culture of two kind of cells in ratio of four to one showed obvious efficacy differentiating MSCs into CMs.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo study the accumulation of fluoride in rat hippocampus and its effect on cholinesterase activity.

METHODSRats were subchronically exposed to NaF, and fluoride concentration and cholinesterase activity in rat hippocampus were determined.

RESULTSFluoride concentration in rat hippocampus was significantly correlated with the dosage of fluoride, and there were significant differences among high dosage group [(13.03 +/- 1.79) micro g/g], low dosage group [(9.83 +/- 0.92) micro g/g] and control [(8.27 +/- 1.11) micro g/g], P < 0.01. Acetylcholinesterase activities among three groups [(0.111 +/- 0.031) micro mol/mg, (0.143 +/- 0.025) micro mol/mg, (0.183 +/- 0.027) micro mol/mg] were also significantly different (P < 0.01), which was negatively correlated with fluoride concentration in rat hippocampus (r = -0.700, P < 0.01). The activity of butylcholinesterase in high dosage group [(0.041 +/- 0.010) micro mol/mg] was different from that of control [(0.067 +/- 0.025) micro mol/mg, P < 0.05], but the activity was not significantly related with fluoride concentration in rat hippocampus (r = -0.317, P = 0.094).

CONCLUSIONFluoride may go through the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in rat hippocampus, and inhibit the activity of cholinesterase.

Acetylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Butyrylcholinesterase ; metabolism ; Fluoride Poisoning ; metabolism ; Fluorides ; pharmacokinetics ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Male ; Organ Size ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo introduce a new technique for reduction mammaplasty appropriate to moderate or heavy hypertrophic breast.

METHODSThe superior-lateral dermo-glandular pedicle flap including the nipple-areola complex was created. After the extra glandular tissue was removed, the superior-lateral dermo-glandular pedicle with the nipple-areola complex was rotated, adjusted, sculptured and fixed to the thoracic wall so as to fashion a breast with natural projection and proper shape. This method was used in 4 patients(8 breasts).

RESULTSThe operation results were satisfactory without complications. The breasts maintained nice configuration and good function, with well lactating in one case.

CONCLUSIONThe technique of reduction mammaplasty with the superior-lateral dermo-glandular pedicle is a reasonable method to obtain nice breast configuration and good function.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; surgery ; Mammaplasty ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Surgery, Plastic ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Cephalosporins ; administration & dosage ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections ; drug therapy ; Female ; Gentamicins ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Imipenem ; adverse effects ; Isosorbide Dinitrate ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Male ; Ofloxacin ; adverse effects ; Software

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential role of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in regulation of gene expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) in various tissues in rats with sepsis.

METHODSA sepsis model reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and 128 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n = 10), sham operation group (n = 10), CLP group (n = 60), AG490 treatment group (n = 24), and rapamycin (RPM) treatment group (n = 24). At serial time points animals in each group were sacrificed after CLP, then tissue samples were harvested to determine HMGB1 mRNA expression and STAT1/3 DNA binding activity.

RESULTSSTAT1 activities increased rapidly in the liver, lungs and small intestine after CLP, peaking at 6 - 12 h, while it increased slowly, and still kept at mild level from 2 to 48 h in the kidneys. Compared with STAT1, lower STAT3 activities were detected only in the liver and lungs, with negative detection in the small intestine and kidneys. HMGB1 mRNA levels significantly increased in liver, lungs and small intestine at various time points after CLP respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while they didn't change in the kidneys. Treatment with AG490 could markedly inhibit HMGB1 mRNA expression in the liver and small intestine at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and in lungs at 2 h following CLP (P < 0.01). Similarly, treatment with RPM significantly decreased HMGB1 mRNA expression in the lungs at 2, 6, 24 and 48 h, in the liver at 6 and 24 h, and in the small intestine at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, STAT1 and STAT3 activities in the liver and lungs were significantly correlated with corresponding tissue HMGB1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONSPeritoneal infection could extensively activate STAT1 and limitedly activate STAT3 in vital organs. Activation of JAK/STAT pathway might be involved in up-regulating the gene expression of HMGB1 and systemic inflammation secondary to severe septic challenge.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression ; physiology ; HMGB1 Protein ; genetics ; Janus Kinases ; metabolism ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; STAT Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Sepsis ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of Linggui Zhugan Decoction (LZD) combined calorie restriction on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), the insulin resistance (IR), and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) of IR model rats.

METHODSTotally 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the calorie restriction group, and the TCM + calorie restriction group, 12 in each group. Ordinary forage was given to those in the control group, and high fat diet was fed to those in the rest 3 groups for 12 weeks to establish the IR model. After successful modeling, rats in the control group and the model group were continually fed with the original farage for 4 days. The normal saline at the daily dose of 20 mL/kg was given to them by gastrogavage. The normal saline at the daily dose of 20 mL/kg was given to rats in the calorie restriction group by gastrogavage after 4-day calorie restriction. LZD at the daily dose of 20 mL/kg was given to rats in the TCM +calorie restriction group by gastrogavage after 4-day calorie restriction. The body weight, FPG, serum fasting insulin (FINS), insulin resistance index (IRI), and the protein expression of PPAR-y in the omental adipose tissue were compared.

RESULTSAfter 4-day calorie restriction, the body weight obviously decreased in the calorie restriction group and the TCM +calorie restriction group, when compared with the model group (P <0.01). There was no statistical difference between the former two groups (P >0.05). The FINS and IRI obviously decreased in the calorie restriction group (P <0.01, P <0.05). The FPG, FINS, and IRI significantly decreased in the TCM + calorie restriction group (P <0. 05, P <0.01). The protein expression of PPAR-gamma obviously decreased in the calorie restriction group and the TCM + calorie restriction group (P <0.01).The phlegm dampness state was alleviated, with more significant effects shown in the TCM + calorie restriction group.

CONCLUSIONSLZD combined calorie restriction could reduce the body weight, FPG, and IRI of IR rats. Besides, it showed better effects than calorie restriction alone. Its effects in improving IR might be correlated with inhibiting the activities of PPAR-gamma. Meanwhile, it might play a role in inhibiting the differentiation of fat cells.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Caloric Restriction ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

The study was aimed to investigate the association of FOXP3 gene expression in donor grafts with acute graft-versus-host disease after HLA-identical sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Twenty-six donor grafts (peripheral blood or bone marrow) and their respective clinical characteristics were evaluated. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to assess the percentage of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25(high) T cells in cord blood, healthy controls' peripheral blood and donor grafts. Relative transcripts of FOXP3 mRNA were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription -polymerase chain reaction with beta2-MG as the internal control gene. The specificity of FOXP3 and beta2-MG amplifications was confirmed by analyzing the dissociation curves and electrophoresis of the target amplicon. The results showed that the CD4+CD25+ T cells in peripheral blood, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) or BM grafts exhibited a continuous and primarily low expression of CD25 and the frequencies of CD4+CD25+ T and CD4+CD25(high) T in CD4+ T cells were (48.5 +/- 16.3)% and (9.6 +/- 2.5)%, (42.1 +/- 14.7)% and (13.1 +/- 4.2)%, (43.4 +/- 9.6)% and (14.6 +/- 4.5)%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequencies and absolute numbers of CD4+CD25(high) T cells between patients with aGVHD and patients without aGVHD (P > 0.05). The plot of log transfused cDNA amount versus DeltaCt had a slope of 0.0826 which indicated approximately equal efficiency of FOXP3 and beta2-MG amplifications in real-time PCR. The specificities of amplification were confirmed by analyzing the dissociation curves and electrophoresis of PCR products with the values of Tm 86.5 degrees C and 82.3 degrees C, respectively. The relative transcripts of FOXP3 in PBSC grafts of recipients without aGVHD were 318%high as those with aGVHD (median of 41.0 x 10(-5) and 12.9 x 10(-5), respectively) (P = 0.03). No significant difference was found in other related variables for GVHD. It is concluded that coexpression of CD4 and CD25 may be insufficient to identify regulatory T cells; FOXP3 mRNA expression may be specifically quantified with real-time quantitative RT-PCR using SYBR Green I chemistry. FOXP3 mRNA expression in donor grafts is significantly low in patients with aGVHD compared with patients without aGVHD. It indicated that the expression level of FOXP3 mRNA may be one of the useful indicators for in predicting aGVHD.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; genetics ; Graft vs Host Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; therapy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore influence factors of dietary supplement used in population aged above 45 years in Beijing.

METHODSUtilizing the data of the survey of dietary supplement (DS) used in Beijing in 2006 was to investigate the influence factors by using multi-factorial logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSAll 2487 samples were included in the analysis. Sex, age, average income of each month for each member of the family, experiences of deficiency of nutrition, attitude to nutrition knowledge, attitude to the need of DS and city-or-rural resident had shown effects on DS using. The percentage of using DS in female was higher than that in male being 19.3% and 11.8% respectively. The percentage grew up as the age became older. The same trend appeared as the economic-status going up, but not as education level change. Use of DS was greater in urban population (16.9%) than in rural population (14.6%). The percentage of using DS in people who had or just been diagnosed as malnutrition/deficiency disease or chronic disease, or those who thought themselves having got these diseases only by their own feeling were higher than those did not.

CONCLUSIONPeople the female, the elder, or those having higher income, having experiences of deficiency of nutrition, are more interested in nutrition knowledge, and more positive in need of DS and those living in rural should be the target population of nutrition education for DS use.

Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Dietary Supplements ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Sex Factors

This study was purposed to investigate the relationship between the catalysis of Bence Jones protein (BJP) in urine of patients with multiple myeloma(MM) and toxicity on the renal proximal tubular cells in vitro, and to explore the potential mechanism for the toxicity of BJP to renal impairment in patients with MM. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K(m)) and catalytic constant (k(cat)) of the amidase activity of BJP was calculated by Hanes equation. The LLC-PK1 cells were cultured with different concentration of BJP for 24 h, then proliferation of the cells were determined by MTT method and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that the BJP from the MM patients with renal impairment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, as compared with that from MM patients without renal impairment. The BJP with higher k(cat) had higher toxicity to LLC-PK1 cells. BJP could induce apoptosis and necrosis of LLC-PK1 cells when reached a certain concentration and this effect enhanced with increase of BJP concentration. It is concluded that the catalysis of BJP and its toxicity to renal tubular epithelial cells has a positive correlation, and toxic effect of BJP on renal tubular epithelial cells results from inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis and necrosis of the cells, which may be one of renal impairment mechanisms in MM patients.
Animals ; Bence Jones Protein ; metabolism ; toxicity ; Catalysis ; Coculture Techniques ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Kidney Tubules ; cytology ; LLC-PK1 Cells ; Multiple Myeloma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Swine