OBJECTIVESTo investigate the changes of nuclear factor (NF-)κBp65 and inflammatory chemotactic factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL-2), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α/CCL-3), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in brains of the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and reveal the correlation of these factors.

METHODSTen patients with AD and 8 age-matched control subjects were selected in the study. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein expression of NF-κBp65, MCP-1, MIP-1α and GFAP. Double-immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of GFAP and β-amyloid peptide 1-42 (Aβ(1-42)) in the hippocampus, temporal and frontal cortices.

RESULTSAs compared to age-matched controls (the numbers of the positively stained neuronal cells: 0.31 ± 0.20, 0.25 ± 0.20 and 0.25 ± 0.20, respectively), the immunoreactivities of NF-κBp65 in the hippocampus and the temporal and frontal cortices (numbers of the positively stained cells: 3.6 ± 1.5, 2.2 ± 1.2 and 2.2 ± 1.2, respectively) were significantly increased in AD brains. The levels of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in the hippocampus, and the temporal and frontal cortices (numbers of the positively stained neuronal cells: 8.0 ± 1.3, 8.8 ± 1.0, 9.3 ± 1.4, respectively;and 8.1 ± 1.5, 12.5 ± 1.1, 6.4 ± 1.1, respectively) with AD were significantly higher than those of controls (the numbers of the positive neuronal cells: 4.5 ± 0.9, 4.5 ± 0.6, 4.0 ± 1.8, respectively; and 5.0 ± 1.9, 6.3 ± 2.2, 3.8 ± 1.5, respectively). An increased number of glial cells stained with GFAP were observed to extensively distribute around the senile plaques in AD brains. There were significant correlations between NF-κBp65 and these inflammatory chemotactic factors in AD brains.

CONCLUSIONCorrelative expressions of NF and inflammatory chemotactic factors were found in the brains of AD patients, through a mechanism that may involve the inflammatory response induced by Aβ in the processing of AD.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; pathology ; Brain ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Chemokine CCL3 ; metabolism ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; metabolism ; pathology ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Neuroglia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Plaque, Amyloid ; metabolism ; pathology ; Temporal Lobe ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transcription Factor RelA ; metabolism

The chemical structures of P1 A was identified by complete acid hydrolysis, partial acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation-Smith degradation, methylation analysis, IR and NMR. The results showed that P1 A had a backbone consisting rhamnose, mannose, glucose and galactose. The side chain possessed arabinose and xylose. 1-->, 1-->6 and non-reducing terminal linkages existed in polysaccharide P1A, but there are doubling amount of 1-->2 and 1-->4 linkages. Oxidable linkage of P1 A accounted for 45%, and inoxidable linkage of P1A accounted for 55%. Mannose, glucose and galactose were mainly linked by 1-->2 linkage. Rhamnose, arabinose and xylose were mainly linked by 1-->2 and 1-->4 linkages. PlA contained beta-Glc(1,6)-,beta-Gal(1,3)-,beta-Man(1,4)-beta-Rha,-Glc(1,4)-, Glc(1)-,-Gal(1,4)- and Man(1)-.
Acanthaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Molecular Structure ; Molecular Weight ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical roles of Jiawei Shentong Zhuyu Decoction (JSZD) in preventing the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and to observe its effect on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

METHODSTotally 100 patients prepared for surgical operation due to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group according to random number table, 50 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group additionally took JSZD, one dose per day, taken in two portions, once in the morning and once in the evening. Those in the control group took Celecoxib Capsule (200 mg each time, once per day) and Mecobalamin Tablet (0.5 mg each time, 3 times per day). They only took Mecobalamin Tablet from the 11th day. All patients were treated for 30 days. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was performed before treatment, at week 1, after treatment, at 6 months of followed-ups, and at 12 months of followed-ups. And the levels of TNF-alpha in the peripheral blood were observed before treatment and at one month after treatment.

RESULTSTotally 93 patients completed the followed-up study. The JOA scores were improved after treatment, at 6 and 12 months of followed-ups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The JOA score at 6 months of followed-ups was superior in the treatment group to that of the control group (P < 0.05). Five patients (accounting for 10.6%) suffered from FBSS in the treatment group, while 9 (accounting for 19.6%) suffered from FBSS in the control group. The treatment group was superior to the control group (P < 0.05). The TNFalpha level was improved after treatment in the two groups. Of them, the improvement of TNF-alpha in the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe application of JSZD was effective for preventing the occurrence of FBSS, and improved the serum TNF-alpha level.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Young Adult

Objective To study the effect of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ1-42) on expressions of synaptophysin (Syn), dynamin Ⅰ (Dyn Ⅰ) and adaptor protein 180 (AP180) in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 and 5 μmol/L Aβ1-42, and control cells were given no treatment. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2- yl) - 2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]reduction of the cells was measured by spectrophotometry. The protein levels of Syn, Dyn Ⅰ and AP180 in SH-SY5Y cells treated with 0.5 and 1 μmol/L Aβ1-42 were surveyed by Western blotting. The mRNA levels of Syn, Dyn Ⅰ and AP180 were detected by Real-time PCR in SH-SY5Y cells treated with 1 μmol/L Aβ1-42. Results SH-SY5Y cells showed obviously decreased reduction rates of MTT after exposure to Aβ1-42(0.1 μmol/L) as compared with the controls (P＜0.05), and dose-dependent negative correlation was noted in these SH-SY5Y cells. The protein level of Dyn Ⅰ in cells treated with 0.5 μmol/L Aβ1-42 was significantly decreased as compared with that in controls (P＜0.05). The protein and mRNA levels of Syn and Dyn Ⅰ in cells treated with 1 μ mol/L Aβ1-42 Were obviously decreased as compared with those in controls (P＜0.05), but the levels of AP180 were not changed. Conclusion Aβ1-42 reduces the levels of Syn and Dyn Ⅰ in SH-SY5Y cells, which might be a mechanism in eonnection with cognitive deficit of AD.

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of two different types of digestive tract reconstruction on the life quality, nutritional status and tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of a total of 107 patients treated in our department from January 2005 to december 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 49 patients underwent digestive tract reconstruction with functional jejunal interposition (FJI group) and 58 patients underwent Roux en-Y jejunal P-type anastomosis (PR group) after total gastrectomy. 79 of 107 (73.8%) patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX regimen. The digestive complications and tolerance to chemotherapy were assessed respectively.

RESULTSNeither severe complications nor surgery-related or chemotherapy-related death were observed among the 107 patients. There were statistical differences in the incidence rate of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome between the FJI and PR groups (P < 0.05), but no significant statistical difference in incidence rate of reflux esophagitis (P > 0.05). 28 of 40 (70.0%) patients in the FJI group completed all six cycles of chemotherapy, while 12 (30.0%) patients interrupted the treatment due to chemotherapy-related toxicity. 39 patients in the PR group received chemotherapy, 19 (48.7%) of them completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy but 20 (51.3%) patients interrupted. There was a significant difference in the incidence rate of grade III/IV chemotherapeutic toxicity and completion rate of chemotherapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth functional jejunal interposition and Roux-Y operation are reasonable and safe procedures of digestive tract reconstruction. The incidence rates of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome are lower in the patients with FJI, showing a better tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy than Roux en-Y jejunal p type anastomosis.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; methods ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Jejunum ; surgery ; Nutritional Status ; Postoperative Period ; Quality of Life ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery

The characteristics of purinoceptors in the membrane of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons were studied by using whole- cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that most of neurons examined (78.9%, 142/180) were responsive to ATP in a concentration-dependent manner; the others (21.1%, 38/180) were ATP insensitive. Of the ATP-sensitive cells, the majority (95.1%, 135/142) responded to ATP with an inward current, a few (2.1%, 3/142) with an outward current, and the rest (2.8%, 4/142) with biphasic current. Small sized cells (<30 mum) responded to ATP with a rapid desensitizing inward current and were highly sensitive to vanilloid; the medium sized cells (30~40 mum) responded to ATP with slow desensitizing inward current and were not sensitive to vanilloid; while the majority of large sized cells (>40 mum) did not respond to ATP and vanilloid. The waveform of ATP-activated inward currents was related to the cell diameter. The I-V curves for both small and medium sized cells manifested obvious inward rectification. Furthermore, we studied the kinetic features of ATP-activated currents and the effects of P2 purinoceptor agonists and antagonists on I(ATP). The findings suggest that ATP receptor-ion channels are expressed differently among different types of rat TG neurons.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; metabolism ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Neurons ; metabolism ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X ; physiology ; Trigeminal Ganglion ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology

BACKGROUNDThe large phage antibody library is used to obtain high-affinity human antibody, and the Loxp/cre site-specific recombination system is a potential method for constructing a large phage antibody library. In the present study, a phage antibody library vector pDF was reconstructed to construct diabody more quickly and conveniently without injury to homologous recombination and the expression function of the vector and thus to integrate construction of the large phage antibody library with the preparation of diabodies.

METHODSscFv was obtained by overlap polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with the newly designed VL and VH extension primers. loxp511 was flanked by VL and VH and the endonuclease ACC III encoding sequences were introduced on both sides of loxp511. scFv was cloned into the vector pDF to obtain the vector pDscFv. The vector expression function was identified and the feasibility of diabody preparation was evaluated. A large phage antibody library was constructed in pDscFv. Several antigens were used to screen the antibody library and the quality of the antibody library was evaluated.

RESULTSThe phage antibody library expression vector pDscFv was successfully constructed and confirmed to express functional scFv. The large phage antibody library constructed using this vector was of high diversity. Screening of the library on 6 antigens confirmed the generation of specific antibodies to these antigens. Two antibodies were subjected to enzymatic digestion and were prepared into diabody with functional expression.

CONCLUSIONSThe reconstructed vector pDscFv retains its recombination capability and expression function and can be used to construct large phage antibody libraries. It can be used as a convenient and quick method for preparing diabodies after simple enzymatic digestion, which facilitates clinical trials and application of antibody therapy.

Bacteriophages ; genetics ; Digoxin ; immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Genetic Vectors ; Immunoglobulin Fragments ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Peptide Library

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical characteristics of gastric cancer between young and elderly patients,and bring forward corresponding countermeasures.

METHODSClinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis between 79 young (or= 65 years old) patients were compared.

RESULTSThe constituent ratio of gender between young and elderly group was not significantly different (P=0.226). There was no particularity of early symptom in young patients, but they had shorter course of disease (165 d vs 400 d, P=0.029) and more frequent inferior part of cancer (49.4% vs 41.7%, P=0.038) as compared to elderly patients. There was significant difference between two groups in pathological stage ratio (P=0.027). The median total survival time of young and elderly patients was 1006 d and 530 d respectively, which was not significantly different (P=0.108). Furthermore, median survival time of young and elderly patients after radical resection were 1197 d and 919 d respectively, and the difference was not significant as well (P=0.242).

CONCLUSIONSCharacteristics of young patients with gastric cancer are lower incidence, larvaceous symptoms, more malignancy and quick development, which still remain general features of gastric cancer. By correct therapy, the efficacy of above young patients is similar to elderly patients. The key to improve prognosis is to further fortify cognition for gastric cancer and elevate early diagnostic rate.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Carcinoid Tumor ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; Survival Rate

An investigation on the chemical constituents of the 90% EtOH extract of Perovskia atriplicifolia led to the isolation of fifteen compounds from the EtOAc fraction. Based on the detailed spectral analysis (MS, 1D and 2D NMR), as well as comparison with the literatures, the structures of compounds 1-15 were determined as cirsimaritin (1), salvigenin (2), syringaldehyde (3), vinyl caffeate (4), 2α, 3α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid (5), 2α, 3α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid (6), niga-ichigoside F1 (2α, 3β, 19α, 23- tetrahydroxyurs - 12-en-28-oicacid- O-β-D- glucopyranoside, 7), sericoside (8), 4-epi-niga-ichigoside F1 (2α, 3β, 19α, 24-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 9), 2α, 3β, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2) - β-D-glucopyranoside (10), pruvuloside A (11), asteryunnanoside A [2α, 3β, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-β- D- glucopyranoside,12], rosmarinic acid methyl ester (13), β-sitosterol (14), and daucosterol (15), respectively. Compounds 1-13 were isolated from the Perovskia genus for the first time. All the compounds were obtained from P. atriplicifolia for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lamiaceae ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization