AIM: To separate and identify the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human fetal bone and to study their differentiation to hepatocyte like cells under the action of chemical induction.METHODS: The MSCs from human fetal bone were isolated and purified according to the different growth characteristic of attaching to the wall of cell culture flask. The cell cycle and surface markers of MSCs were identified using flow cytometry. The MSCs were pre-induced by adding DMSO, ?-Me and 5-aza for 24 h, then adding the inductive medium of H-DMEM and rh-HGF to induce their differentiation to hepatocyte like cells (HLCs). HLCs were identified by the typical morphological change and the expression of special protein with the method of immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The MSCs derived from human fetal bone expressed adhesion molecules CD29+, CD44+, but not antigens of hematopoietic CD34, CD45, and not antigens related to GVHD, such as HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86. Exposure of these cells to above-mentioned inductive agents resulted in obvious morphological change and an increase in expression of AFP and ALB. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the existence of plentiful MSCs in human fetal bone. MSCs derived from human fetal bone can easily differentiate to HLCs, and they have a lower immunogenic nature, which may provide the ideal source for tissue engineering (bioartificial liver) for cellular therapeutics.

Objective To investigate the intracranial vascular stenosis and risk factors in different types of ischemic stroke. Methods 525 patients with ischemic stroke were assessed by a transcranial Doppler. Lipids including total cholesterol (CHO),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were examined. Results Intracranial vascular stenosis in diabetic and non-diabetic groups of patients,hypertension and non-hypertension groups of patients showed significantly difference (P

Aortic arch atheroma is one of the causes of embolic stroke. With the deepening of research on aortic arch atheroma, its relationship with stroke is more and more clear, particularly the aortic arch plaque thickness ≥4 mm, is associated with cryptogenic stroke, stroke recurrence, and other vascular events. Although aortic arch atheroma and clinical features of stroke have been further understood, there are still many doubts.

in mice with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis through a comparative study with Carve-dilol.Methods 150 BALB/c male mice were divided into four groups including control group (n=30), myocarditis group (n=40), Ivabradine treatment group (n=40) and Carvedilol treatment group (n=40). Viral myocarditis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CVB 3 in experimental mice , while mice in the control group were injected with PBS accordingly .The mice in four groups were respectively administered with PBS, PBS, Ivabradine and Carvedilol after 24 h of infection for 14 consecutive days .Heart specimens were collected from 8 mice of each group on days 4, 7 and 14 after measuring their heart rates .The patho-logical changes in heart tissues were observed through hematoxylin e-osin staining .Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to detect the expressions of MCP -1, IL-6 and TNF-αat mRNA and protein lev-els.CVB3 RNA was quantified by semi-quantitative RT -PCR as well .Results Compared with myocarditis group, the histopathological damages in myocardium were significantly alleviated in both Ivabradine group and Carvedilol group on days 7 and 14.The expressions of MCP-1,IL-6 and TNF -αat mRNA level were up-regulated in mice treated with Ivabradine and Carvedilol as compared with those in control group .Compared with myocarditis group , the expressions of TNF-αon day4 and IL-6 on day 7 at mRNA level were reduced in Ivabradine and Carvedilol treatment groups .MCP-1 expression at mRNA level was only down-regulated in Iv-abradine group on day 7.Concluison Ivabradine treatment could alleviate histopathological damages in my -ocardium of mice with CVB3-induced viral myocarditis , which was similar to the effects of carvedilol treat-ment.The treatment effects might be associated with the down-regulation of expressions of IL-6, TNF-αand MCP-1 at mRNA and protein levels .

Objective To study the effects of genistein(GST) on the expression of estrogen receptor ?(ER?) and the expression of c-fos gene in the aorta of ovariectomized rats.Methods Forty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham-operated(control),ovariectomized(OVX),ovariectomized with 17?-E2 replacement(OVX+E2),ovariectomized with genistein replacement(OVX+GST) group.After 8 weeks' replacement therapy,the rats were sacrificed and the expression of ER? and c-fos in the aorta was studied by immunohistochemistry.Results Ovariectomy significantly decreased ER ? expression and increased c-fos expression in aorta;while replacement therapy,GST and E2,attenuated the effect of ovariectomy manifested by increasing ER expression and decreasing c-fos expression in aorta.Conclusion GST may modulate the expression of ER? in the arteries of ovariectomized rats and play a beneficial effects on cardiovascular system which was associated with decreases in expression of c-fos gene in aorta.

Objective To develop a quantitative method to determine vitexin in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Methods The chromatographic conditions were as follows: column C18(250 mm? 4.6 mm, 5 ? m) , mobile phase being MeOH ∶ 1 % HAC (25 ∶ 75) for 20 mins and then being MeOH ∶ 1 % HAC (30 ∶ 70) after 20 mins, flow rate at 1.0 mL/min, and wavelength at 339 nm. Results The good linearity of this method was in the range of 0.104 4～ 0.522 ? g (r=0.999 4), and the average recovery of vitexin was 100.11 % ( RSD =0.63 % ).Conclusion The method is simple and sensitive with good stability, it can be suitable for the quality control of vitexin in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp..

Objective To determine collateral circulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke using capillary index score (CIS)in order to evaluate the prognosis of endovascular treatment. Methods From January 2013 to December 2015,46 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment at the Department of Neurology,Central Hospital of Baotou were enrolled retrospectively. Angiography was performed before endovascular treatment in order to complete CIS score. The patients were divided into a good prognosis group (n = 21)and a poor prognosis group (n = 25)according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS)scores. Univariate analysis was used to compare the baseline data and the clinical data of the two groups,including age,sex,history of diabetes,pretreatment systolic blood pressure,conducting intravenous thrombolysis or not,time from ictus to intravenous thrombolysis,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)score,Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS),vascular filling,time from onset to revascularization,and postoperative vascular recanalization (the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI]). Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the effect of CIS score on good prognosis. Results There were no significant differences in age,sex,history of diabetes,pretreatment systolic blood pressure,conducting intravenous thrombolysis or not,time from ictus to thrombolysis,and number of mechanical thrombectomy between the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group (all P > 0. 05). There were significant differences in the NIHSS score (15 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 4),ASPECTS score (8 [7,10]vs. 6 [5,8]),filling well 85. 7% (18 / 21)vs. 44. 0% [11 / 25]),time from ictus to recanalization (363 ± 42 min vs. 398 ± 53 min),and postoperative vascular recanalization (mTICI≥Ⅱb)(100. 0% [21 / 21]vs. 68. 0%[17 / 25];all P < 0. 05). CIS (OR,8. 600,95% CI 2. 670 -33. 800)and mTICI grade (OR,5. 720, 95%CI 12. 170-22. 300)were significantly associated with the prognosis. Conclusion The CIS score can be used to evaluate brain perfusion. fCIS is closely associated with the good clinical prognosis. When screening the suitable patients for endovascular therapy,increasing the CIS score to evaluate the salvageable brain tissue is effective and feasible.

Objective To investigate the effects of ketamine combined with moderate hypothermia on brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest. Methods Fifty healthy Wistar rats of both sexes aged 4.0-4.5 months, weighing 410-510 g were randomly allocated into 5 groups (n = 10each): group Ⅰ sham operation (group S), group Ⅱ asphyxial cardiac arrest (group ACA), group Ⅲ ketamine (group K), group Ⅳ moderate hypothermia (group MH) and group Ⅴ K + MH. The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal (IP) phenobarbital 20 mg/100 g, tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated (RR 60 bpm,FiO2 50%), PaCO2 was maintained at 35-45 mm Hg. Cardiac arrest was induced by clamping tracheal tube until ECG activity disappeared and MAP ＜ 15 mm Hg. Resuscitated was started 5 min later. MAP ＞ 60 mm Hg and HR ＞ 250 bpm were considered to be signs of successful resuscitation. Dead animals and animals in which resuscitation time was longer than 5 min were excluded from the study. In group K ketamine 100 mg/kg was administered IP at 5 min before asphyxia. In group MH hypothermia was started as soon as asphyxia was started and body temperature was maintained at 30-35 ℃. After successful resuscitation, the animals were sacrificed. Their brains were removed for determination of brain water content and p-caspase-3 expression in hippocampus. Results Brain I/Rsignificantly increased brain water content and p-caspase-3 expression in group ACA. MH alone significantly attenuated 1/R-induced brain edema and decreased p-caspase-3 expression, while ketamine alone only significantly decreased p-caspase-3 expression but did not decrease I/R-induced brain edema. MH + K decreased p-caspase-3expression further but did not reduce brain edema further as compared with MH alone. Conclusion Ketamine combined with moderate hypothermia provides better protection against brain I/R injury.

Objective The method transcranial Doppler (TCD)and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (ETCO2 ) was used to investigate the cerebrovascular reserve capacity in patients with intracranial artery stenosis.Including the cerebral vasodilator reserve,contracted reserve and the overall reserve.Methods The 72 cases were enrolled in this study,include of 42 patients with one or two sides middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis,or other intracranial artery stenosis and 30 normal persons. All the patients were routinely examined with TCD,and the TCD QL software was used to evaluate the cerebrovascular reserve. Hypercapnia was induced by inhaling the CO2 who breathed himself,and hypocapnia was induced by voluntary hyperventilation. The changes of velocities were recorded in both side of MCA,and the ETCO2 was recorded by the external measuring device. Results ( 1 ) The cerebral vasodilator reserve of one side of MCA stenosis group ( ( 3.65% ± 2. 62% )/mm Hg),the heavier side of multi-vessel stenosis group ( ( 1.99% ± 2. 78% )/mm Hg ),and normal control group ( left ( 3.54% ± 1.66% )/ mm Hg; right (3. 81% ± 1.63% )/mm Hg) had significant difference( F = 3. 755 ,P ＜ 0. 05 ). The heavier side of multivessel stenosis group' s cerebral vasodilator reserve were significantly lower than normal control group ( t =- 2. 546,P ＜ 0. 05 ). (2) The overall reserve of one side of MCA stenosis group ( ( 3.22% ± 1. 27% )/mm Hg),the heavier side of multi-vessel stenosis group( (2. 30% ± 1.14% )/mm Hg),and normal control group(left (3. 19% ±0. 81% )/mm Hg;right (3. 23% ±0. 70% )/mm Hg)had significant difference(F=5. 894,P ＜0. 01 ). The heavier side of multi-vessel stenosis group' s overall reserve were significantly lower than normal control group( t = - 3. 357,P ＜ 0. 01 ) and they were also significantly lower than one side of MCA stenosis group (t = 2.471,P ＜ 0. 05 ). (3) The extent of vascular disease correlated inveresely to the cerebral vasodilator reserve( r = - 0. 322,P ＜ 0. 05 ) and the overall reserve( r = - 0. 364,P ＜ 0. 05 ) in the heavier side of patients who have vascular disease.Conclusions ( 1 ) TCD with ETCO2 is a simple,economic and effective method for assessing CVR. (2)The capacity of cerebrovascular reserve was reduced in patients with intracranial artery stenosis.

Objective To investigate the correlation between carotid intraplaque neovascularization and acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Methods The patients examined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound were enroled and divided into either a symptomatic group or an asymptomatic group according to their cerebral ischemic symptoms. The patients were also divided into a low-echo group, an equal-echo group, and an heterogeneous echo group according to the plaque echo characteristics on conventional ultrasound. The carotid intraplaque neovascularization was evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the correlation between carotid intraplaque neovascularization and acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Results A total of 73 patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease were enroled, 32 patients in the symptoms group (19 ischemic stroke, 13 transient ischemic attack), 41 patients in the asymptomatic group. Plaque echo characteristics: low-echo 15, equal-echo 41, and heterogeneous echo 17. The proportions of the patients with plaque enhancement (84. 4% vs. 61. 0% ; χ2 = 4. 802, P = 0. 028) and enhanced intensity (21. 78 ± 8. 50 dB vs. 15. 93 ± 8. 82 dB; t = 2. 440, P = 0. 018) in the symptomatic group were significantly higher than those in the asymptomatic group. The proportions of the patients with enhanced plaque in the low-echo, equal-echo and heterogeneous echo group were 93. 3% , 58. 5% , and 82. 4% , respectively (χ2 = 7. 826, P = 0. 020 ). The low-echo group and heterogeneous echo group were significantly higher than the equal-echo group (al P < 0. 05), but there was no significant difference between the low-echo group and the heterogeneous echo group (P > 0. 05). The intraplaque enhanced intensities in the low-echo group, equal-echo group, and heterogeneous echo group were 22. 62 ± 9. 33 dB, 14. 38 ± 8. 02 dB, and 18. 15 ± 9. 64 dB, respectively (F = 3. 877, P = 0. 027). The low-echo group was significantly higher than the equal-echo group (P = 0. 024 ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that carotid intraplaque neovascularization (odds ratio 3. 456, 95% confidence interval 1. 103 - 10. 828; P = 0. 033) was independently associated with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions Carotid intraplaque neovascularization is closely associated with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease.