Objective To study the association between serum prolactin(PRL)level,prolactin receptor(PRLR)expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the disease activity in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods Serum PRL level was measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay(TrFIA)in113patients of SLE and in28gender-and-age matched control subjects,SLEDAI index was estimated.It was also investigated by logistic multiple regression analysis that the association between clinical manifestations,immunologic parameters,anti-dsDNA antibody titers and hyperprolactinemia in113patients of SLE.The specific binding(SB)rate of peripheral blood lymphocyte PRLR was measured by radioactive binding ligand assay(RLBA)and the mRNA expression of PRLR by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)in24active SLE patients,22inactive SLE patients and15gender-and-age matched control subjects.Results The serum PRL levels of63active patients were much higher than those of50inactive patients and28control subjects.The serum PRL levels ranged9~51.2?g/L in79.3%of active patients.It was also found that PRL level was in positive linear correlation with the titer of anti-dsDNA antibody.The concentration of interleukin2receptors in hyperprolactinemia group was higher than that in normal group.It was shown that proteinuria,low levels of complement3and high titers of anti-dsDNA antibody were associated with hyperprolactinemia by logistic multiple regression analysis.The SB rate of PRL receptor was5.03?2.51%(x?s),the total binding rate(TB)was15.4?6.98%in24active patients with SLE.The SB rate of active patients was much higher than that of22inactive patients(SB4.18?2.26%,TB rate14.03?6.54%)and that of15gender-and-age matched control subjects(SB1.62?1.05%,TB8.19?1.47%).The mRNA expression of PRLR in active patients(x?s,0.85?0.45)was much higher than in inactive patients(0.58?0.43)and that in control subjects(0.20?0.13).Conclusion The slightly increased serum level of PRL,high expression of PRLR and the increased specific binding rate are associated with the disease activity of SLE.

Objective To analyze the ultrasonic features of thyroid microcarcinoma (TMC) and the causes of misdiagnosis. Methods The ultrasonic features including shape, margin, echogenecity, microcalcification, vascularity and lymphadenopathy were analyzed retrospectively in 26 pathologically-proven TMC patients. Results In 26 cases, 11 cases were diagnosed correctly before operation (11/26, 42.31%), 12 cases were misdiagnosed (12/26, 46.15%) as adenoma or benign nodule, and 3 cases were missed diagnosed (3/26, 11.54%). Among the 23 cases detected on ultrasound, 21 cases were solid and hypoechoic (21/23, 91.30%);19 cases were ill-defined (19/23, 82.61%);12 cases were taller than wide in shape (12/23, 52.17%); 14 cases had microcalcification (14/23, 60.87%); 7 cases showed central or peripheral blood flow signals (7/23,30.43%) with arterial resistance index>0.70 in 3 lesions and<0.70 in 4 lesions. Conclusions Several ultrasonographic features are helpful in identiifcation of TMC, including hypo/iso-echogenecity, ill-deifned margin, taller-than-wide shape, microcalciifcation, arterial signals with high resistance index, and abnormal lymphadenopathy. Moreover, for cases with multiple lesions, to the potential co-existence of benign and malignant lesions should be considered.

Objective To investigate the activity change pattern and corresponding significance of gly- colytic enzymes including alsolase A(ALDA)and lactate dehydrogenase M(LDH-M)regulated by hy- poxia-inducible factor 1?(HIF-1?)in spinal cord injury(SCI)of rats.Methods SD rats were ran- domly divided into control group and groups at 12 hours,1,2 and 3 days,1 and 2 weeks after compres- sive SCI,in which the activity changes of ALDA and LDH-M in the injured spinal cord were observed at different time points by means of enzyme histochemistry.Results Opitical density(A)value of AL- DA continued significant increase from two days to one week after SCI(P＜0.05)and decreased gradual- ly at 2 weeks after SCI.A value of LDH-M began significant increase at day 1 after SCI and recovered to normal level at 2 weeks after SCI(P＜0.05).Conclusion Activities of ALDA and LDH-M regulated by HIF-1?in spinal cord injury is significantly increased.

Objective To retrospeetivley explore the expanded radicM resectable range and improved Surgical approach of the progressive pancreatic head cancer with metastasis of portal vein(PV) and liver,and try to improve the resectable rate.survival rate and quality of life.Methods The patients witll late pancreatic cancer sis of partial PV resection and 8 cases of left leaf or right leaf sectional hepatectomy partial were involved in 27 cases,reconstructed gastrointestinal tract with improved Whipple interposed Y-type jejunostomy and PV.27 cases were randomly divided into intervention chemotherapy of treatment groups(n=13) and control groups(n=14).Results Severe complications or dead cases were not found in 27 cases after operation.The 2-,3-,5-years survival rates were 61.5%,38.4%,23.0%,and 42.8%,21.4%,14.3% in treatment group and control group,respectively.The survival rate was statistically different(P<0.05).Conclusions The expanded radical pancreatoduodenectomy and its improved surgical approach can improve not only the survival rate but also the quality of life.

Objective To study the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients before and after treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antago- nists.Methods RA and AS patients treated with TNF antagonists infliximab and etanercept between 2003 and 2006 were followed up for the risk of TB infection.The protein purified derivative (PPD) test and chest anteroposterior and lateral view X-ray were done at screening for all these patients.Results Among 67 RA patients screened,1 was PPD positive.One patient developed right supraclavicular lymph node TB 4 months after study completion.Among 203 AS patients screened,27 patients were PPD positive,2 had calcified pul- monary TB foci and 2 had pulmonary TB.PPD positive rates and calcified TB foci or active TB found in RA and AS patients screened were significantly lower than national TB infection rates and prevalence (P＜0.01). Conclusion In this short-term clinical observation,increased risk of TB infection was not found after TNF antagonists treatment in RA and AS patients.However,it is necessary to screen patients for signs of TB infec- tion before TNF antagonists treatment.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain (NP)-inducced depression and autophagy in the cortex of the frontal lobe in rats.Methods Forty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats in which IT catheters were successfully placed,aged 8-10 weeks,weighing 200-220 g,were divided into 4 groups (n =10 each) using a random number table method:sham operation group (group S),group NP,NP plus dimethyl sulfoxide group (group ND) and NP plus autophagy inducer rapamycin group (group NR).The neuropathic pain model was established by ligation of the left fifth spinal nerve of anesthetized rats in NP,ND and NR groups.Rapamycin 0.1 μgwas intrathecally injected via the intrathecal catheter immediately after ligation of the spinal nerve and every day after ligation once a day for 21 consecutive days in group NR.The equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide was intrathecally injected instead of rapamycin in group ND.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured before ligation and at 1,3,7,10,14 and 21 days after ligation.The forced swimming test was performed at 3 days before ligation and 14 and 21 days after ligation.The rats were sacrificed after the last measurement of the behaviour testing,and the prefrontal cortex was removed for determination of the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 Ⅰ (LC3 Ⅰ) and LC3 Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and p62 (by Western blot).The ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ was calculated.Results Compared with group S,the MWT was significantly decreased after ligation,the time of immobility was prolonged,the expression of LC3 Ⅰ was down-regulated,the expression of LC3 Ⅱ,Beclin-1 and p62 was up-regulated,and the LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ ratio was increased in NP and ND groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group NP,the MWT was significantly increased after ligation,the time of immobility was shortened,the expression of LC3 [and p62 was down-regulated,the expression of LC3 Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was up-regulated,and the LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ ratio was increased in group NR (P＜0.05).Conclusion Enhanced autophagy in the cortex of the frontal lobe is involved in the endogenous antidepressant mechanism in rats with NP.

OBJECTIVETo construct a recombinant adenovirus vector for expressing interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) by homogenous bacterial recombination.

METHODSIP-10 gene was cloned into the shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-CMV that contained the coding sequence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The shuttle plasmid was then transformed into E. coli BJ5183 with pAdEasy-1 vector by chemical transformation. The recombinant adenovirus vector pAd/IP-10 was identified by enzyme digestion with Pac I and the linearized plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells.

RESULTSThe positive clones were identified with enzyme digestion and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were further verified by DNA sequencing. The recombinant adenovirus of high titration was obtained after transfection and packaging in HEK293 cells.

CONCLUSIONA recombinant adenovirus vector for expression of IP-10 has been constructed successfully and high-titer active adenovirus is obtained for functional study of IP-10 protein.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Chemokine CXCL10 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; Defective Viruses ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Virus Cultivation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of cyclin A protein in childhood acute leukemia (AL) and its significance.

METHODSBy using Western blotting analysis, cyclin A protein in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 47 newly diagnosed AL children and 33 non-hematological malignancy children was detected.

RESULTSThe expression of cyclin A in AL group (0.38 +/- 0.20) was higher than that in control group (0.03 +/- 0.15) (P < 0.01). The expression of cyclin A in high risk acute lymphocyte leukemia (ALL) group (HR-ALL) (0.62 +/- 0.38) was higher than that in standard risk ALL group (SR-ALL) (0.33 +/- 0.33) (P < 0.05). The expression of cyclin A in WBC > or = 50 x 10(9)/L group and in WBC < 50 x 10(9)/L group was (0.64 +/- 0.36) and (0.39 +/- 0.38), respectively (P < 0.05). Eight (44.4%) out of 18 patients with positive cyclin A expression achieved complete remission (CR). The CR rate was lower than that of patients with negative cyclin A expression (100%) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe higher expression of cyclin A may predict a poor prognosis for childhood ALL.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclin A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia ; metabolism ; Male

OBJECTIVETo study the modulatory effect of insulin on apoptosis of skeletal myoblast (L6 cells) by serum of scalded rat and its mechanism.

METHODSL6 cells cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% FBS were divided into control (C, added with 20% normal rat serum), serum from rat with scald injury (S, added with 20% serum from scalded rat), insulin (I, added with 20% normal rat serum and 100 nmol/L insulin), and serum of scalded rat + insulin (SI, added with 20% serum of scalded rat + 100 nmol/L insulin) groups according to the random number table. After being cultured for 48 hours, apoptosis was observed with Hoechst 33258 staining and its number counted, annexin V -FITC/PI double-labeling method was used to assess apoptosis rate, the protein levels of phosphorylated (p-) Akt, p-PI3K, Bax, Bcl-2, and active caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with grouped or paired t test.

RESULTS(1) The amount of apoptosis with typical morphological change in S group [(59.6 +/- 3.9) per visual field] was more than that in C, I, and SI groups [(4.9 +/- 2.6), (5.5 +/- 2.1), (19.7 +/- 2.3) per visual field, with t value respectively 28.53, 29.86, 21.53, P values all below 0.01]. (2) Apoptotic rate in S group was (18.5 +/- 1.8)%, which was markedly higher than that in C, I, and SI groups [(1.1 +/- 0.6)%, (1.5 +/- 0.3)%, (7.8 +/- 0.6)%, with t value respectively 22.41, 22.83, 13.92, P values all below 0.01]. (3) Compared with those in C group, the protein levels of Bax and active caspase-3 in S group were up-regulated (1.12 +/- 0.63 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.03, 2.15 +/- 0.51 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.03, with t value respectively 3.80, 10.69, P values all below 0.01), the protein level of p-Akt was lowered (0.20 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.07, t = -8.46, P < 0.01), and the protein levels of p-PI3K and Bcl-2 showed no statistical difference (0.19 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.09, 0.17 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.07, with t value respectively -2.73, - 1.14, P values all above 0.05). The protein levels of Bax (0.40 +/- 0.14) and active caspase-3 (0.83 +/- 0.18) in SI group were lowered (t = -3.23, P < 0.05; t = 6.66, P < 0.01) and the protein levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2, and p-PI3K in SI group were elevated (0.39 +/- 0.10, 0.78 +/- 0.03, 0.47 +/- 0.12, with t value respectively 4.07, 18.71, 5.05, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) as compared with those in S group.

CONCLUSIONSSerum from scalded rat can induce apoptosis in skeletal myoblast, and the effect can be inhibited by insulin through PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Burns ; blood ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Insulin ; pharmacology ; Male ; Myoblasts, Skeletal ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serum ; immunology ; Signal Transduction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study on the differences of metabolites in the blood of rats after injection or oral administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba and of 2-undecanone in order to validate hypothesis of network compatability and to establish the theoretical foundation of elucidating metabolic mechanism for multiple constituents in Chinese Material.

METHODA gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was employed for qualitative determination of the metabolites in blood of rats by injection or oral administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba and of 2-undecanone, which were compared with the differences between binary two drugs as well as two administration.

RESULTThere were 45 kinds of ingredients in volatile oil for original materials for Houttuyniae Herba, and 53, 69 kinds of metabolites were detected in blood of rats for oral administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba, and 2-undecanone, respectively, whereas 52, 42 kinds of metabolites were detected for injection administration. Although there were various constitutes, i. e. single versus multiple ingredients, administrated by various ways, i. e. oral versus injection, the metabolites were so similar with each manners, in which alpha-pinene and beta-myrcene occurred in two constitute forms and two administrations, while there were 18, 13 kinds of ingredients for oral or injection administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba, i. e. 34%, 25% of total ingredients, respectively, and 17, 15 kinds of ingredients, i. e. 24.6%, 35.7% for that of, 2-undecanone, respectively, on average of 29.8% that suggested one of third as co-metabolites.

CONCLUSIONThere are network compatibility existed in metabolism of the houttuynia volatile oil in rats, and similar metabolic pathways in accordance with original plant, among their ingredients no matter alone or multiple constitute forms and oral or injection administration.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Herb-Drug Interactions ; Houttuynia ; chemistry ; Injections, Intravenous ; Ketones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Oils, Volatile ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats