Objective: To observe the effect of Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) on the muscle strength in senile sarcopenia. Methods: Sixty-five old people with sarcopenia were randomized into Yi Jin Jing group and a blank control group. Thirty-three patients in Yi Jin Jing group practiced Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises), while 32 patients in the blank control group didn't receive any interventions. The muscle strength was measured before and after 12-week training. Results: During the study, each group had 1 dropout. The muscle strength was improved after 12-week training in Yi Jin Jing group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the blank control group (P>0.05). After the intervention, there was a significant difference between Yi Jin Jing group and the blank control group in comparing the muscle strength (P<0.05). Conclusion: Constant Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) training can notably improve skeletal muscle strength in senile sarcopenia.

Objective To explore the effect of nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-?B) on cardiac myocyte apoptosis and understand the molecular mechanism of decrease of heart function in septic shock rats.Methods Twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into the septic shock group and the normal control group.The septic shock group(n=10) were fixed with anaesthesia and made into 1.5 cm slices just along the abdomen midline.Then the roots of appendices were returned to the belly cavity after being ligated and punctured 4 times with the No.14 pinhead.After that,the slices were sewn up layer by layer.After 12 hours,the rats were all sacrificed,the blood taken and the serum separated.In the end,the heart specimens of the septic shock group were set aside.Meanwhile,the normal control group were dealt with in the same way except that they were not subjected to cecal ligation and puncture.Then NF-?B protein levels in cardiac tissue and the index of cardiac myocyte apoptosis were measured.Results NF-?B protein levels in the septic shock group(9 cases were strong masculine gender,1 case was middle masculine gender)elevated significantly compared with the normal control group(8 cases were negative gender,2 cases were weak masculine gender) in cardiac tissue(P

In-vitro assay methods were established to evaluate transactivation and binding activity of compounds on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y (PPARγ). Firstly, plasmids were constructed for transactivation assay of PPARγ response element (PPRE) triggered reporter gene expression, and for cell-based binding activity assay of the chimeric receptor, which was fused with PPARγ ligand binding domain (LBD) and yeast transcriptional activator Gal4. Secondly, by using PPARy competitive binding assay based on time resolved-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET), affinities of compounds and drugs to PPARγ were evaluated. In application of these above methods, the PPARγ activating potency and characteristics of different compounds were evaluated, and a novel benzeneselfonamide derivative, ZLJ01, was found to have comparable binding activity and affinity with the well-known PPARy agonist, but lack of PPRE mediated transactivation activity. In preliminary study on in-vitro hypoglycemic activity, ZLJ1 was found to promote insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by liver cells. Therefore, we believe that combining transactivation and binding activity as well as affinity evaluation, the system could be used to screen non-agonist PPARγ ligand as anovel PPARγ modulator
Genes, Reporter ; Hepatocytes ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; chemistry ; Ligands ; PPAR gamma ; agonists ; chemistry ; Plasmids ; Response Elements ; Sulfonamides ; chemistry ; Transcriptional Activation

OBJECTIVE To determine the distribution of allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Wenzhou area. METHODS Patients with AR symptoms from January 2013 to December 2014 were given skin prick test (SPT). The clinical data about SPT was retrospectively colleceted to analyze SPT results. RESULTS 1. Among 2991 individuals, the total positive rate of SPT was 82.0%, with Dermatophagoides farinae (Der. f) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der.p) as the most common allergens; the positive rate of inhalant allergen was obviously higher than that of ingestive ones, with significantly statistical difference(χ2=2006.557,P<0.01). Most of patients were allergic to double allergens; the intensity of Der.f and Der.p mainly presented as (++++), with no significant difference(Z=-0.391, P=0.696). 2. There was significant difference of variation with seasons(χ2=34.254, P<0.01). 3. No significant difference of positive rate were observed in different AR-courses(χ2=16.102, P<0.01). 4. Significant difference of positive rate was found among different age-groups; The positive rate was increased along with growing age, got peak at group of 10-12 years old, and then got down after that. CONCLUSION Dust mite was the main allergen coursed AR in Wenzhou area. Seasons and age were two important factors effecting on positive of SPT and onset of AR. The positive rate of allergens was related to age.

AIM AND METHODSThe distribution of ErbB2 in mouse testis, epididymidis, ovaries, oocyte-cumulus cells-complexes in oviducts and sperms was investigated immunohistochemically. To study the effect of c-erbB2 on mouse fertilization in vitro, various concentrations of c-erbB2 antisense oligonucleotides (c-erbB2 ASODNs) were incubated with sperms and oocyte-cumulus cells-complexes during fertilization in vitro. To explore possible mechanisms involved in fertilization, the relationship between c-erbB2 ASODNs and GABA, or dbcAMP, or verapamil during fertilization in vitro was also observed.

RESULTSErbB2 oncoprotein was observed in epithelial cells in epididymis, sperms and cumulus cells. C-erbB2 ASODNs inhibited the rate of fertilization in vitro in a dose-dependent way. The fertilization rate of the control group, low (5 micromol/L), medium (10 micromol/L), high (20 micromol/L) concentration c-erbB2 ASODNs group, and nonsense at oligonucleotides group (20 micromol/L) was 38.3%, 19.6%, 10.7%, 5.0%, and 33.8% respectively. Integral optical density immunostaining of ErbB2 in sperms was notably reduced. Medium and high concentration of c-erbB2 ASODNs notably inhibited cumulus cells adhering to inner wall of Petri dish. Treated alone with GABA or dbcAMP, the rate of fertilization was increased. Both GABA and dbcAMP partially inversed the ASODNs inhibition effect on fertilization rate, but neither of them showed significant effect on sperm integral optical density of ErbB2 immunostaining. In contrast, verapamil inhibited fertilization rate. Co-treated with c-erbB2 ASODN, verapamil showed synergic inhibiting effect on fertilization with c-erbB2 ASODN. Verapamil also inhibited the expression of c-erbB2 in sperms.

CONCLUSIONIt is suggested that c-erbB2 is closely correlated with fertilization. Ca2+ may inhibit fertilization in vitro through regulation the expression of c-erbB2 gene in sperm cells, while both of GABA and dbcAMP may affect the process of fertilization through the way other than c-erbB2 expression in sperm cells.

Animals ; Bucladesine ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; physiology ; Epididymis ; physiology ; Female ; Fertilization ; physiology ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; pharmacology ; Oocytes ; physiology ; Ovarian Follicle ; physiology ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; physiology ; Sperm-Ovum Interactions ; Verapamil ; pharmacology ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of single herb pilose antler (PA) on the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 in the cartilage of osteoarthritis (OA) rats.

METHODSOne hundred 3-month old female healthy SD rats, (200 +/- 20) g, were recruited and routinely fed for 1 week. They were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the low dose PA group, the high dose PA group, the normal saline control group, the model group, and the normal control group, 20 in each group. The model was prepared using classic Hulth method except the normal control group. After 6-week modeling, the model was confirmed successful by pathologic observation. PA at 0.021 g/100 g and 0.084 g/1 00 g was given by gastrogavage to rats in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group respectively. Normal saline was administered to those in the normal saline control group. No treatment was given to rats in the normal control group and the model group. Bilateral knee cartilages were harvested at week 2,4, and 6. mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 were detected by immunohistochemical assay, fluorescent quantitative PCR, and Western blot.

RESULTSOA model was successfully prepared by pathological observation. Results of immunohistochemical assay showed that Smad2 and Smad3 expressed extensively in the cartilage, and located inside the chondrocyte membrane. Compared with the model group, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2, 4, and 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, mRNA expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the chondrocytes of the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 2 and 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 2 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously increased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 4, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01). Compared with the same group at week 4 after gastrogavage, protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 obviously decreased in the low dose PA group and the high dose PA group at week 6, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS(1) The pilose antler could repair cartilages by regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3. (2) Up-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Smad2 and Smad3 might be one of important mechanisms for the pathogenesis of OA.

Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Cartilage ; cytology ; metabolism ; Chondrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Osteoarthritis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Smad2 Protein ; metabolism ; Smad3 Protein ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic damage in critically ill patients is associated with the progressive failure of multiple organs, but little is known about its clinical characteristics. At present, no guidelines are available for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic damage. This study was undertaken to analyze the clinical and pathologic characteristics of pancreatic necrosis in critically ill children, and to find some biological markers of pancreatic damage or pancreatic necrosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data, laboratory results, and autopsy findings of 25 children, who were admitted to Hunan Children's Hospital, China from 2003 to 2009, and died of multiple organ failure. The autopsy revealed pancreatic necrosis in 5 children, in whom sectional or gross autopsy was performed. RESULTS: The 5 children had acute onset and a fever. Two children had abdominal pain and 2 had abdominal bulging, flatulence and gastrointestinal bleeding. Four children had abnormal liver function, characterized by decreased albumin and 3 children had elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP). B-ultrasonography revealed abnormal acoustic image of the pancreas in all children, and autopsy confirmed pancreatic necrosis, which may be associated with the damage of the adrenal gland, liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney, intestine, thymus, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes and other organs. Children 1 and 2 died of acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis (AHNP);children 3-5 died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to pancreatic necrosis. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic damage or pancreatic necrosis in critically ill children is characterized by acute onset, severity, short course, multiple organ damage or failure. It may be asymptomatic in early stage, and easy to be ignored.

Objective To discuss the influences of Shenyanning on renal signal pathway of transforming growth factor-β_1(TGF-β_1)and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)in rats with IgA nephropathy.Methods All SD rats were randomly divided into the control group,model group,Western medicine group(benazepril and losartan),and Chinese medicine group(Shenyanning).The model of IgA nephropathy was established by the method of lipopolysaccharide+bovine albumin+carbon tetrachloride.All groups were given relevant drugs intragastrically.The expressions of TGF-β_1 and p38MAPK-mRNA were detected by applying IgA immunofluorescence test and RT-PCR at the end of the 15th week.Results The strength of IgA immunofluorescence and expressions of TGF-β_1 and p38MAPKmRNA decreased significantly in the Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group compared with those in the model group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Shenyanning may cure IgA nephropathy through inhibiting renal signal pathway of p38MAPK.

Although the basic principles for the function of peripheral auditory system have been known for many years, the molecular mechanisms which affect deafness are not clear. In recent years, the study of hereditary deafness associated mouse models has revealed the molecular basis which is related with the formation and function of the hair bundle and the mechanosensory organelle of hair cell. This review focused on the role of protein network, which is formed by the proteins encoded by the Usher syndrome type 1 genes, in hair-bundle development and mechanotransducer channel gating. And the review also showed how the stereocilia rootlets contribute to the hair bundle's mechanical properties and how the hair bundle produces suppressive masking. Finally, the review revealed multiple roles of the tectorial membrane and extracellular matrix in the hair bundles stimulating in the cochlea.
Animals ; Cochlea ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Extracellular Matrix ; physiology ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; pathology ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; genetics ; Humans ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular ; Mice ; Usher Syndromes ; genetics

Objective To analysis the metabolic index among diabetic patients in community in summer and winter,and to provide evidence for disease management.Methods During June and December,119 diabetic patients were seleted from communities living for more than a year by the method of stratified cluster sampling.The metabolic indexes were compared usingpaired t test ,and the rate of biochemical indicators were analyzed by McNemar 's test between two seasons .Results The values of HbA1c,GLU and HDL -C were higher in winter than in summer (P <0.01).The mean values of TC in summer and winter were the same.The detection values of triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were lower in winter than in summer,but the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05 ).The control rate of HbA1c was 56.36% in summer,and the control rate was 44.54% in winter,the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05).In summer, the control rate was 59.66%,higher than 45.38% in winter,and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The control rate of blood pressure was better than that in winter,while triglyceride and low density lipoprotein control was better than that in summer,but which was not statistically significant (P >0.05).Conclusion The metabolic index of diabetic patients in Zhoushan urban community was significantly affected by seasonal changes.Most indexes were better in summer than that in winter,which suggested that the intervention of diabetics should be enhanced in winter.