OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of a drug pair of Radix Astragali and Rehmanniae Radix combined with glucocorticoid (GC) in treating lupus nephritis (LN) patients and its influence on some experimental indices.

METHODSTotally 52 LN patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (treated by routine Western medicine and a drug pair of Radix Astragali and Rehmanniae Radix, 25 cases) and the control group (treated by Western medicine, mainly by GC and cyclophosphamide, 27 cases). All patients received 6-month therapy. The GC dosage, the withdrawal and reduction dosage of GC, clinical efficacy, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score, adverse reactions, and laboratory indicators were recorded.

RESULTS(1) All patients got relieved to some degree with the dosage of GC reduced. The total withdrawal and reduction dosage of GC was slightly higher in the treatment group than in the control group [(50.23 +/- 12.43) mg vs (48.76 +/- 13.61) mg, P > 0.05]. Besides, the prednisone dosage in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group, but without statistical difference (P > 0.05). The ratio of patients in need of adding prednisone for aggravating disease was 24.0%, significantly lower than that in the control group (44.44%, P < 0.05). (2) There was no statistical difference in the SLEDAI score, inflammatory indicators, liver and renal functions, blood electrolytes, blood glucose, blood and urine routines between the two groups (P > 0.05). The 24-h urinary protein count was (1.06 +/- 0.22) g/L in the treatment group, obviously lower than that in the control group (1.43 +/- 0.55 g/L, P < 0.05). (3) There was no statistical difference in the incidence rate of infection, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, psychoneuroses, Cushing's syndrome, cardiovascular anomalies, and femoral head necrosis between the two groups (P > 0.05). But the incidence of adverse reactions such as insomnia, tidal fever, spontaneous sweat, and obesity was less in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSUsing a drug pair of Radix Astragali and Rehmanniae Radix combined with GC in treating LN could withdraw the dosage of GC and relieve symptoms it induced. It was advantageous in reducing the dosage of GC and stabilizing patients' conditions.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lupus Nephritis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products ; metabolism ; Fibrinolysis ; drug effects ; Glycoproteins ; blood ; Humans ; Injections ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; blood ; Platelet Aggregation ; drug effects ; Pulmonary Heart Disease ; blood ; drug therapy ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator ; blood

An instrumental analysis method for the determination of stable silicon isotope ratio using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( MC-ICP-MS) was established. In dry plasma mode, silicon isotopes suffered from the spectrum polyatomic interferences of C, N, O, H at medium resolution. The sample gas flow had significant effect on the silicon sensitivity and signal stability. Besides, higher sample gas flow lead to higher production of 14N16O. Consistent δ29Si and δ30Si within 0. 04‰ (1σ) could be obtained over a mass range of ca. 9 milli-amu at the lower mass side of silicon at medium resolution. The analyte concentrations of the sample and reference material were matched within 20% to avoid concentration effect on the determination of silicon isotopes using standard-sample-bracketing correction method. The measurements were not sensitive to the acid molarity and Cl matrix. An internal precision of less than 8×10-6(1σ) could be achieved for 29 Si/ 28 Si and 30 Si/ 28 Si by taking an integration time of 8 seconds. The long-term reproducibility of 0 . 06‰-0 . 10‰ ( 2σ, n=20 ) was obtained for δ29 Si and δ30 Si by repeating the analysis of the silicon reference materials, whilst the determined isotopic value for GBW04421 and GBW04422 were in good agreement with the recommended data, suggesting the precision and robustness of this method. The measured silicon isotopic values of fresh waters ( river and lake waters ) , saline waters and seawater demonstrated the capability of applying this method to trace the biogeochemical processes of silicon in natural waters.

Objective To study the expression of Stat5,E-cadherin and Vimentin in thyroid carcinoma and the correlation among them. Method The expression of Stat5,E-cadherin and Vimentin in 149 cases of thyroid specimens(including 23 cases of nodular goiter and 126 cases of thyroid carcinoma)was detected by immunohisto-chemistry SP method and the correlation analysis was conducted with the main clinical pathological parameters. Results The positive rate of Stat5 and Vimentin in thyroid carcinoma was 85.71% and 77.78% respectively, which was significantly higher than that in nodular goiter(26.09%and 8.70%)(P<0.05)and the positive rate of E-cadherin in thyroid carcinoma was 25.40%,lower than that in nodular goiter(86.96%)(P<0.05). Three kinds of protein expression were not significantly correlated with gender and age (P > 0.05),but obviously with lymph node metastasis and pathological type(P<0.05). Stat5 was negatively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin (r=-0.335,P=0.000)but positively with the expression of Vimentin(r=0.218,P<0.05). Conclusion The high expression of Stat5 and EMT in thyroid carcinoma tissues indicate that Stat5 may be involved in the EMT process of thyroid carcinoma ,thus it can promote the invasion and metastasis of thyroid carcinoma.

Objective To investigate flow patterns at carotid bifurcation in vivo by combining computational fluid dynamics(CFD)and MR angiography imaging.Methods Seven subjects underwent contrast-enhanced MR angiography of carotid artery in Siemens 3.0 T MR.Flow patterns of the carotid artery bifurcation were calculated and visualized by combining MR vascular imaging post-processing and CFD. Results The flow patterns of the carotid bifurcations in 7 subjects were varied with different phases of a cardiac cycle.The turbulent flow and back flow occurred at bifurcation and proximal of internal carotid artery (ICA)and external carotid artery(ECA),their occurrence and conformation were varied with different phase of a cardiac cycle.The turbulent flow and back flow faded out quickly when the blood flow to the distal of ICA and ECA.Conclusion CFD combined with MR angiography can be utilized to visualize the cyclical change of flow patterns of carotid bifurcation with different phases of a cardiac cycle.

Objective To investigate the synergistic effect of 11 β-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase (11 β-HSD1) and S100A16 on the differentiation of3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its mechanism.Methods Lentiviral vectors PLJM1-11β-HSD1 and PLJM1-S100A16-GFP were respectively constructed and co-transfected into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.The cell strains expressing 11 β-HSD1/S100A16 were screened with 2.5 μg/ml puromycin for two weeks.Western blot was employed to verify the lentiviral carrier transfection effects.The expressions of marker genes related to the adipocyte differentiation were detected by mean of realtime PCR.Oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid droplet accumulation and the content of triglyceride was measured after differentiation of preadipocytes.The effect of 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 on PPARγ promoter activity was detected by luciferase reporter gene.Results Compared with the empty vector group,the expressions of 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 protein in the lentivirus cotransfected 3T3-L1 cell strain were significantly higher.After 3T3-L1 cell strain co-expressing 1 1β-HSD1 and S100A16 was induced to differentiate for 8 days,the lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride content were siginificantly increased,along with increased expressions of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as PPARγ,CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α,lipoprotein lipase,fatty acid synthase,and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein,in comparison with 11 β-HSD1 or S100A16 overexpression.The result of reporter gene indicated that 11 β-HSD1/ S100A16 enhanced PPARγ promoter activity.Conclusions 11β-HSD1 and S100A16 may jointly promote the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through a synergistic effect on PPARγexpression and play a critical role in the development of obesity.

Objective: To investigate the expression of microRNA-154-3p (miR-154-3p) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines, and explore the role of miR-154-3p in metastasis process of NSCLC. Methods: The expression levels of miR-154-3p in NSCLC tissues and the corresponding paracarcinoma tissues, metastatic and non-metastatic NSCLC tissues, NSCLC cell lines (A549, H292, H1975, 95D and SPC-A-1) and human embryo lung WI38 cells were detected by realtime fluorogenic quantitative-PCR (RFQ-PCR). The miR-154-3p-negative control (miR-154-3p-NC, as a negative control) or miR-154-3p-mimics was transiently transfected into A549 and H292 cells by liposome. The effects of miR-154-3p on migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC A549 and H292 cells were determined by wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay. The expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins E-cadherin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) (epithelial marker), N-cadherin and vimentin (mesenchymal marker) induced by miR-154-3p overexpression were detected by Western blotting. The bioinformatic softwares were used to predict the potential targets of miR-1 54-3p, and the interested target genes were further validated by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay and Western blotting. Results: The expression levels of miR-154-3p were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues (P < 0.001), metastatic NSCLC tissues (P < 0.05) and NSCLC cell lines (P < 0.01) than those in their corresponding controls. Overexpression of miR-154-3p attenuated the migration and invasion abilities of both A549 and H292 cells (P < 0.05). The expressions of E-cadherin and ZO-1 proteins were up-regulated in A549 and H292 cells (all P < 0.05), whereas the vimentin expression in A549 cells and N-cadherin expression in H292 cells were down-regulated (both P < 0.05). Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay and Western blotting results revealed that miR-154-3p could negatively regulate the expression of BMI1. Conclusion: MiR-154-3p is lowly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of miR-154-3p can inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells and block the EMT progression. BMI1 may be one target gene of miR-154-3p.

OBJECTIVETo isolate and identify nisin resistance determinant (NSR) gene from Lactococcus lactis.

METHODSThe Lactococcus lactis strains harboring NSR gene were isolated from different milk samples by selective culture supplemented with nisin and confirmed by PCR detection of 16S rRNA. Nisin resistance determinant gene was determined by PCR amplification, enzyme digestion and sequencing.

RESULTSThirty nisin-resistant Lactococcus lactis strains from fresh milk samples were obtained. Three of these strains contained NSR gene of about 1000 bp as determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and further confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequence analysis. The NSR gene was located on the plasmid of Lactococcus lactis.

CONCLUSIONComplete NSR gene, located on the bacterial plasmid, has been successfully isolated from nisin-resistant Lactococcus lactis strains from fresh milk.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Cattle ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; genetics ; Lactococcus lactis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Milk ; microbiology ; Nisin ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Liuweidihuang Pills in relieving cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality, oxidative injury, and cell apoptosis in the rat testis.

METHODSThirty adult male SD rats were equally randomized into a normal, a radiated, and a Liuweidihuang group, the animals in the latter two groups exposed to electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz cellphone frequency 4 hours a day for 18 days. Meanwhile, the rats in the Liuweidihuang group were treated with the suspension of Liuweidihuang Pills at 1 ml/100 g body weight and the other rats intragastrically with the equal volume of purified water. Then all the rats were killed for observation of testicular histomorphology by routine HE staining, measurement of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels by colorimetry, and determination of the expressions of bax and bcl-2 proteins in the testis tissue by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSCompared with the normal controls, the radiated rats showed obviously loose structure, reduced layers of spermatocytes, and cavitation in the seminiferous tubules. Significant increases were observed in the MDA level (P < 0.01) and bax expression (P < 0.01) but decreases in the GSH level (P < 0.01) and bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01) in the testis issue of the radiated rats. In comparison with the radiated rats, those of the Liuweidihuang group exhibited nearly normal testicular structure, significantly lower MDA level (P < 0.05), bax expression (P < 0.01), and bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONLiuweidihuang Pills can improve cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality of the testis tissue and reduce its oxidative damage and cell apoptosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Cell Phone ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Radiation-Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Seminiferous Tubules ; drug effects ; radiation effects ; Spermatocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; Staining and Labeling ; Testis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiation effects

Endophytic bacteria which was producing indoleacetic acid was screened from Panax ginseng by using the Salkowski method. The active strain was also tested for its ability of nitrogen fixation by using the Ashby agar plates, the PKV plates and quantitative analysis of Mo-Sb-Ascrobiology acid colorimetry was used to measure its ability of phosphate solubilization, for its ability of potassium solubilization the silicate medium and flame spectrophotometry was used, for its ability of producing siderophores the method detecting CAS was used, for its ability of producing ACC deaminase the Alpha ketone butyric acid method was applied. And the effect on promoting growth of seed by active strain was tested. The results showed that the indoleacetic acid producing strain of JJ5-2 was obtained from 118 endophytes, which the content of indoleacetic acid was 10.2 mg x L(-1). The JJ5-2 strain also had characteristics of phosphate and potassium solubilization, nitrogen fixation, producing siderophores traits, and the promoting germination of ginseng seeds. The JJ5-2 strain was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis by analyzing morphology, physiological and biochemical properties and 16S rRNA gene sequences.
Bacteria ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Endophytes ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids ; metabolism ; Panax ; microbiology