OBJECTIVETo study the proliferation and apoptosis of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on leukemic U937 cells and its possible mechanism.

METHODThe inhibitory effect of TMP on the proliferation of U937 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were examined by the flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of bcl-2 and P27 were determined by the Real-time PCR. Western blot was carried out to detect bcl-2, caspase-3, cyclin E1, CDK2 and P27 expressions.

RESULTTMP inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose-and-time dependent manner, with IC50 value of 160 mg x L(-1) at 48 h. In addition, TMP could induce the apoptosis of U937 cells and block the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. According to the results of Real-time PCR and Western blot, TMP could down-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related molecule bcl-2, cycle-related protein cyclin E1 and CDK2 and up-regulate caspase-3 and P27.

CONCLUSIONTMP shows the effects in inhibiting the proliferation of leukemic U937 cells and inducing the apoptosis. Its mechanism may be related to the impacts on the cell cycle distribution, down-regulation of the bcl-2 expression, which finally activates caspase-3, starts the apoptosis path and causes the cell apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 ; analysis ; Humans ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Pyrazines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; U937 Cells

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recognized as the only method of curing chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Lmatinib mesylate (STI571) is a competitive inhibitor of the bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, as a represent of synthetic gene-targeting drug in recently, which has been used more and more on the Philadelphia chromosome positive CML patients.OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of STI571 to related allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of CML patients.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A controlled observation between ST1571 treated group and transplantation group was performed in the Department of Hematology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between April 2002 and October 2006. PARTICIPANTS: All 90 patients with CML in the chronic phase were selected from Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and they were diagnosis based on the examinations of bone marrow morphologic, cytogenetics and/or molecular genetics. METHODS: All 90 patients with CML in the chronic phase were divided into two groups. 67 patients received oral STI571 (400 mg/day) in succession at the beginning time from April 2002 to June 2006, and the observation ended until October 2006, Blood routine will be done weekly, and bone marrow morphologic and cytogenetic examination would be done every three months. Other 23 patients selected from Union Hospital from March 1999 to April 2006 accepted allo-HSCT, with BuCy2 or modified BuCy2 as conditioning regimens. Cyclosporin A combining with short-term MTX were used in all patients for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hematology responses, eytogenetic response and two years survival in two groups were observed. RESULTS: Complete cytogenetic response was achieved in 60% and 100% of the patient treated with STI571 and transplantation respectively (P < 0.01). But two years survival of ST1571 and transplantation were 83.33% and 77.03% respectively, and no difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). No one died or discontinued therapy for adverse effects, and 4 out of 67 (5.97%) had grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and/or leucopenia in the ST1571 group. Moreover, in transplantation group, 7 patients (30.4%) developed grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD, but 4 died of failed treatment. CONCLUTION: Compared with transplantation, patients treated with ST1571 achieved low complete cytogenetic responses and the treatment-related complications were mild and manageable or no need for treatment.

Through retrieval of all medical journals of CNKI and VIP from Jan. 1996 to Oct. 2012, ninety-nine articles were selected and analyzed. The result shows that reliable effect can be found in pain relieving, especially in pain of muscles and soft tissues. In mechanism research, action mechanism of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) on pain relieving is expounded through theory of traditional medicine and modern medicine. Although the effect of FSN on pain relieving has been confirmed by numerous clinical trials, it is still lack of explanation on mechanism revealing. The further studies should focus on mechanism expounding, improving research methods and selecting more objective and reasonable evaluation system. Therefore, the effectiveness and scientificalness of FSN can be further enhanced.
Acupuncture Analgesia ; instrumentation ; methods ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Pain Management ; instrumentation ; methods ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Objective To explore the reliability of relevant electrocardiogram(ECG) indexes in evaluating isoprenaline(ISO)-induced rat acute ischemic myocardial injury and provide reference for future scientific applications of these models. Methods Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly equally assigned to ten groups according to their body weight: 5,10,20,40,80,160,320,640, 1280 and 2560 μg/kg dose groups. All rats were tail intravenously given corresponding doses of saline diluted isoprenaline according to their body weight. Standard limb Ⅰ , Ⅱ, Ⅲ-lead ECG of all rats were recorded before, immediately after and 1,24,and 72 hour after injection, respectively.Changes of heart rate, T-wave amplitude of Ⅱ -lead and Q-T interval were measured. Results Significant differences were found in heart rates, T-wave amplitudes and Q-T intervals at different time points(F = 15.03,11.28,13.64, all P ＜ 0.01 ), while differences among the ten ISO-dose groups were statistically insignificant (F= 1.45, 1.17,1.09, all P ＞ 0.05). No interaction between observation time and ISO dose was observed on heart rates, T-wave amplitudes and Q-T intervals(F= 0.79,0.82,0.59, all P ＞ 0.05). Immediately after injection of ISO, the heart rates were significantly increased compared with that of pre-injection in all groups(all P ＜ 0.05), of which 320 and 640μg/kg dose groups increased most significantly [(550 ± 47), (521 ± 43)times/min]. T-waves decreased significantly compared with that of pre-injection (all P ＜ 0.01 ), and 20 μg/kg dose and above groups decreased particularly evident, and partly inverted. Q-T intervals of rats in each group were significantly shorter than that of pre-injection(all P ＜ 0.01 ), and 320, 640, 1280 μg/kg groups shortened more pronounced[(0.070 ± 0.006),(0.072 ± 0.005), (0.068 ± 0.005)ms]. One hour after injection, the heart rate of rats in each group decreased,except 320 and 640 μg/kg dose groups[(518 ± 43), (487 ± 36)times/min], which were still higher than that of pre-treatment[(450 ± 40), (448 ± 51 )times/min, all P ＜ 0.05], the rest groups no longer had significant differences (all P ＞ 0.05). ECG T-wave in each group was significantly recovered compared with that of instantly medication (all P＜0.05), and 40 μg/kg dose and above groups recovered more than a big margin, but there were still differences compared with that of pre-treatment (P ＜0.05), while T-waves of 40 μg/kg dose and below groups had returned to the level of pre-treatment. Q-T interval in each group had varying degrees of recovery, except 1280 and 2560 μg/kg dose groups[(0.080 ± 0.004), (0.076 ± 0.011 )ms]which were still less than that of pre-treatment[(0.086 ± 0.007),(0.085 ± 0.006)ms, all P ＜ 0.05], other groups had no significant difference compared with that of pre-treatment (all P ＞ 0.05). Twenty-four hours after injection of ISO, the heart rates of 1280 and 2560 μg/kg dose groups [(389 ± 31 ), (398 ± 23)times/min]decreased significantly compared with that of pre-treatment[(427 ± 43), (438 ±26)times/min, all P ＜ 0.05], while other groups had returned to the level of pre-treatment. Seventy-two hours after injection of ISO, the heart rates, T-wave amplitudes and Q-T intervals of all doses groups had returned to the level of pre-treatment (all P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions There has no significant ST segment in the electrocardiogram of rat.Isoprenaline has an exact effect on shortening Q-T interval. T-wave amplitude and Q-T interval can be used as reliable indexes of ECG for assessment of this animal model.

Objective:To study the mechanism of ginsenoside Rh2 inhibiting HepG2 cells migration.Methods:HepG2 cells in logarithmic growth phase were cultured in 96-well plates,which were induced by different concentration Rh2,respectively for 24,48,72 hours.The cell inhibition was detected by Cell Counting Kit.Transwell chambers was used to checked HepG2 cell migration ability;luciferase was tested by Luciferase Reporter Assay system reagent;The expressions of P-ERK,ERK,P-P38,P-38,P-JUK,JUK,MMP3 proteins were detect by Western blot;the expression of AP1,MMP3 gene were detected by Quantitative PCR;The expression of AP1, MMP3 fluorescence protein were observed by fluorescence microscopy.Results:Administrated with different concentration of Rh2 after 24 ,48 ,72 h,the proliferation of HepG2 cells were inhibited ( P<0.05) ,and in dose-and time-dependent manner.Transwell assay showed Rh2 could significantly inhibited migration of HepG2 cells.The expressions of P-ERK , MMP3 proteins were significantly decreased,the expressions of P-JUK, P-P38 proteins were significantly increased, expression levels of ERK, P-38, JUK were no significant difference.Expression of AP1,MMP3 gene were significantly decreased,the expressions of AP1,MMP3 fluorescence proteins were significantly decreased.Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rh2 can activate MAPK pathway to inhibit the migration of HepG2 cells.

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Rh2 on HepG2 cells and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods: We used lentivirus carrying β-catenin to infect HepG2 cell, and detected expression of β-catenin using fluorescence microscopy.The effect of Rh2 on proliferation of HepG2-β-catenin and HepG2 cells was measured by CKK-8 assay,and flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis.The activity of Gsk-3βwas checked by ELISA kit.The expression of Gsk-3β,β-catenin,Bax,Bcl2,CyclinD1,MMP3 genes were measured by qRT-PCR.In order to checked the relationship between β-catenin and TCF4,CHIP assay kit was used,the expression of Bax,Bcl2,CyclinD1,MMP3 genes were measured by PCR.The expressions of Gsk-3β,β-catenin,Bax,Bcl2,CyclinD1,MMP3 proteins were examined by Western blot.Results:HepG2 cells were successfully infected by pLOV-EF1a-MCS-3FLAG-β-catenin lentivirus,named HepG2-β-catenin.CCK-8 showed that ginsenoside Rh2 could effectively inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 and HepG2-β-catenin cells in vitro,which exhibits a dose-dependent manner at range of 10-160 μmol/L Rh2.The IC50 of Rh2 exposure on HepG2 cell for 48,72 h were 100 μmol/L and 58.12 μmol/L,but the IC50 of Rh2 exposure on HepG2-β-catenin for 48,72 h were 129.2 μmol/L,83.33 μmol/L,respectively.The IC50 of Rh2 exposure on HepG2-β-catenin cell was higher than HepG2 cell, compared with HepG2 group the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.01 ).Flow cytometry indicated that Rh2 could arrest HepG2 and HepG2-β-catenin cells in G0/G1 phase;the cell population in G0/G1 phase of HepG2+Rh2 group was(64.57±0.65)%,HepG2-β-catenin+Rh2 group was(58.61±2.01)%.Flow cytometry indicated that Rh2 could induced early apoptosis in HepG2 and HepG2-β-catenin cells.The apoptosis rate of HepG2 +Rh2 group was (17.27 ±2.77)%,HepG2-β-catenin +Rh2 group(9.02 ±1.76)%.The ELISA results indicated that HepG2 cells was induced by Rh2 for 12,24,48,72 h,the activity of Gsk-3βgradually increased,peak in 48 h,then decreased.Compared with control group,Rh2 induced HepG2 and HepG2-β-catenin cells for 48 hours, Gsk-3βactivity were increased, and their activity reduced after adding Bio, there were no significant differences between HepG2+Rh2 and HepG2-β-catenin+Rh2 groups.The PCR,CHIP and WB results showed that the expression of Gsk-3β,Bax gene and proteins increased,while theβ-catenin,CyclinD1,Bcl2,MMP3 gene and proteins down-regulation in HepG2 and HepG2-β-catenin cell induced by Rh2.Compared with HepG2-β-catenin +Rh2 group, the expression of other gene and proteins changed significantly,however,Gsk-3βwas no significant difference.Conclusion:Over-expression of β-catenin may weaken the phar-macological effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on HepG2 cells.The activity of Gsk-3βwas increased by ginsenoside Rh2 to degradeβ-catenin, affecting the expression of downstream genes,promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells and inhibiting metastasis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the surgical outcomes of unilateral lumbar pedicle screw fixation and intervertebral body fusion in treating far lateral lumber disc herniation.

METHODSFrom June 2007 to June 2009, 25 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation were treated with unilateral lumbar pedicle screw fixation and intervertebral body fusion. There were 12 males and 13 females,which ranged in age from 37 to 68, with an average of 54.6 years. The course of disease was from 3 to 36 months with an average of 8.8 months. All the patients had pain and/or numbness and/or soreness in front and/or the back of unilateral leg and buttocks; muscle strength, sensation and tendon reflexes had declined of different degrees. Lumbar CT or MRI showed far lateral lumbar disc herniation. Neurological function and lumbar function were respectively evaluated according to JOA 29 score system (including subjective, objective symptom and bladder function) and Oswestry disability index (ODI).

RESULTSAll the patients were followed-up from 12 to 36 months with an average of 24 months. Postoperative wound healed well and no perioperative complications and follow-up complications were found. Neurological function of patients obtain recovery of difference degrees. At final follow-up, JOA score and ODI improved compared with that of preoperative data (P < 0.01); the mean improvement rate of JOA score was 94.3%. All patients got good bone fusion and no recurrence cases were found.

CONCLUSIONUnilateral lumbar pedicle screw fixation and intervertebral body fusion could increase the initial stability after fusion, restore and maintain the intervertebral height, and elevate the improvement rate in treating far lateral lumber disc herniation. The surgical method is safe, effective and reliable, but need to strictly control indications.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Screws ; Decompression, Surgical ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Fusion ; methods

AIMTo explore the effects of shenmai (Chinese transitional medicine) injection on lipid peroxidation in the lung following with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of limb.

METHODSThe models of I/R injury of limb were constructed in rabbits. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in into and out-flowing pulmonary blood (IPB, OPB) and lung tissue were measured, as well as the effects of shenmai injection were observed.

RESULTSCompared with sham group, the activity of SOD in IPB, OPB and lung tissue were decreased, and the content of MDA was increased after 4 h ischemia followed by 4 h reperfusion. SOD increased and MDA decreased significantly by icy shenmai injection 30 min before reperfusion. The correlation analysis indicated that MDA was negatively correlated with SOD .

CONCLUSIONOxygen free radicals metabolic confusion of lung occurred in the course of I/R, shenmai injection can alleviate lipid peroxidation, get rid of free radicals and inhibit the damage of lung.

Animals ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Extremities ; blood supply ; Ischemia ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Lung ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Reperfusion Injury ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

AIMTo select higher thrombolytic and lower toxic single component of earthworm fibrinolytic enzymes (EFE).

METHODSEFE containing total components were obtained by affinity chromatography from Eisenia fetida. Using ion-exchange chromatography to separate three main components EfP-0-2, EfP-I-1 and EfP-I-2 from EFE, their thrombolytic activity and toxicity were compared with EFE.

RESULTSAmong these components, EfP-I-1 had higher thrombolytic activity in vitro. When 4.5 mg x kg(-1) of these components were injected, the contents of fibrinogen in rat serum were not affected, but only EfP-I-1 exhibited distinct thrombolytic activity. When 6.0 mg x kg(-1) of them were injected intravenously, the bleeding time was not evidently delayed only by EfP-I-1. The acute toxicity test showed that the LD50 of EfP-I-1 was higher than EFE by 2. 17 times.

CONCLUSIONBecause of distinct thrombolytic activity, lower toxicity in vivo, higher content in EFE and easy to purify, EfP-I-1 was adapted to be developed as a single component medicine for treating thrombus.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Bleeding Time ; Dogs ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Fibrinolytic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Male ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Molecular Weight ; Oligochaeta ; chemistry ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sequence Analysis, Protein ; Spectrophotometry, Infrared ; Venous Thrombosis ; blood ; drug therapy

BACKGROUNDTissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has provided an objective means to quantify global and regional left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function with improved accuracy and greater reproducibility than conventional echocardiography. This study was conducted to assess RV myocardial systolic activation by TDI in subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

METHODSA total of 30 patients with PAH and 30 healthy volunteers, all comparable in age and sex, underwent standard Doppler echo and TDI. Using pulsed Doppler echocardiography combined with TDI, the following regional parameters were evaluated in three different myocardial segments (RV basal lateral wall, basal septal, and LV basal lateral) on apical 4-chamber view: systolic (Sm), early- and late-diastolic (Em and Am) peak velocities. RV myocardial systolic activation delay was defined as the difference in time to peak TDI systolic velocities between the RV basal lateral wall and basal septal. In addition, RV end-diastolic and end-systolic areas were measured to calculate RV fractional area change from the same apical 4-chamber view.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, patients with PAH showed increased RA and RV end-diastolic diameter (RA: (4.5 +/- 1.2) cm vs (3.0 +/- 0.8) cm, P < 0.05 and RV: (4.8 +/- 1.9) cm vs (3.4 +/- 0.5) cm, P < 0.05) and reduced RV fractional area change; (35 +/- 14)% vs (56 +/- 9)%, P < 0.05. These PAH patients showed lower myocardial peak velocities and a significant activation delay compared with controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, a strong correlation between RV myocardial systolic activation delay and RV fractional area change was shown in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (r = -0.82).

CONCLUSIONSIn PAH, RV myocardial systolic activation was markedly delayed, which was directly related to the RV fractional area change. RV myocardial systolic activation delay assessed by TDI could offer a unique approach to predict RV dysfunction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Diastole ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Systole ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right ; etiology ; Ventricular Function, Right