Objective To study the effects of found in inflammatory zone 1(FIZZ1) on the migration of cul- tured mouse vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMC) and the potential mechanism.Methods Using Boyden chamber, immunofluorescence and Western blot,the migratory effects,F-actin content and Akt/Akt1 expression were deter- mined in VSMC after stimulation by FIZZ1.Results FIZZ1 markedly increases the migratory ratio,F-actin con- tent and the Akt1 expression of VSMC.Ly294002,a PI3K inhibitor,attenuated migratory ratio,F-actin content and the Akt1 expression of VSMC promoted by FIZZ1 in a dose-dependent manner (10-30 ?mol/L).Conclusion Our data demonstrated FIZZ1 by activating PI3K/Akt1 pathway induced the expression of F-actin of VSMC,and promoted the migration of VSMC.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Xiaozheng Rongmu Powder (XRP) for the treatment of progressive CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

METHODSRat liver cirrhosis model was established by subcutaneous injection of 50% CCl4-olive oil 2 mL/kg twice a week for 12 weeks. Experimental rats were divided into the control group treated by saline and the two treatment groups, treated with XRP and Xiaochaihu Decoction, respectively, with the treatment starting from the 9th week of modeling. Rats were sacrificed at the terminal of experiment, the death rate, character of ascites, liver histological changes, liver function, mRNA expression of hepatocyte mitosis and the liver fibrosis associated markers in rats were observed.

RESULTSAt the end of the 8th week of modeling, serum levels of ALT, AST and TBil were increased, and Alb decreased significantly in rats (P < 0.01), cirrhosis formation with ascites could be seen in all rats. Meantime, levels of vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin, transforming growth factor-beta1, collagen I A2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tissue inhibitor of melalloproteinase-1 mRNA increased, while matrix melalloproteinase-13 mRNA were decreased significantly (P < 0.01), with visible liver proliferation to some extents. Further changes of above-mentioned abnormalities and clear suppression of hepatocytes mitosis were found in the modeled rats at the end of the 12th week. As compared to those occurred in the control group, changes in the XRP treated group were significantly milder at the corresponding duration, and clearly active hepatocytes mitosis was shown.

CONCLUSIONXRP, a Chinese drug with the effect of dissolving phlegm, removing stasis and supplementing qi, could reverse the progress of cirrhosis formation induced by CCl4, and it brings potential new hope for the treatment of advanced cirrhosis by Chinese medicine.

Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

The present study investigated the relationship between DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines. The dose-survival relationship for NPC cell lines, CNE1 and CNE2, was analyzed using clonogenic formation assay, the activity of DNA-PK of the two cell lines was measured using the Signa TECT DNA-PK assay kit, and the localization and expression of Kus (a heterodimer) and DNA-PKcs protein in CNE1 and CNE2 before irradiation and 15 min, 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after 4 Gy irradiation were analyzed by immunofluorescence, laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and Western blot. The results showed that the surviving fraction of CNE1 was higher than that of CNE2 at each dose. The DNA-PK activity of CNE1 was also significantly higher than that of CNE2 before and after irradiation (P<0.05), while the expression of total Ku70/Ku80 in CNE1 and CNE2 had no significant difference. Increasing translocation of Ku70 and Ku80 from the cytoplasm to the nuclei in the two cell lines was observed with increase of irradiation time as detected by Western blot, and the immunofluorescence of the DNA-PK complex subunits showed greater nuclear translocation in CNE1 than CNE2 after irradiation. The results suggest that the relatively higher radio-resistance of CNE1 correlates with the higher activity of DNA-PK as compared to that of more radiosensitive CNE2 (or lower radio-resistance) before and after irradiation. Thus, DNA-PK activity may be a useful predictor of radiosensitivity of NPC.
Carcinoma ; Cell Line, Tumor ; enzymology ; radiation effects ; DNA-Activated Protein Kinase ; metabolism ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Radiation Tolerance

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and diagnostic approach of chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA).

METHODSSeven cases of chronic EAA diagnosed by open lung biopsy or lung transplant were enrolled into the study. The clinical and pathologic features were analyzed and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTSThere were altogether 4 men and 3 women. The age of the patients ranged from 30 to 65 years (mean = 48 years). All cases represented chronic form and five cases diagnosed by open lung biopsy also showed features of recent aggravation, leading to hospitalization. Four cases had known history of exposure to inciting gases, pollens and pets, and only 2 cases were positive for allergens. High-resolution CT scan showed ground-glass attenuation and reticular pattern that often had a patchy distribution and central predominance. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis showed marked lymphocytosis, with CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio less than 1. Lung function test demonstrated a restrictive ventilatory defect, with decreased compliance, reduced diffusion capacity and high airway obstruction. Five cases had open lung biopsy performed and two cases had undergone lung transplantation. Pathologic examination showed bronchiolocentric cellular interstitial pneumonia, interstitial fibrosis, non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, epithelioid histiocytic infiltrate in the respiratory bronchioles and intraluminal budding fibrosis. The five cases with open lung biopsy performed also showed neutrophilic infiltrate in the alveoli. The two lung transplant cases were complicated by severe fibrotic changes.

CONCLUSIONSChronic EAA demonstrates characteristic pathologic features. Definitive diagnosis requires correlation with clinical and radiologic findings due to possible morphologic mimicry of other diffuse parenchymal lung diseases.

Adult ; Aged ; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Biopsy ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Chronic Disease ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial ; pathology ; Lung Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoidosis ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of the CDH13 gene and BCR/ABL fusion gene in chronic myeloid leukemia(CML) patients at different stages and explore their relationship.

METHODSRNA was isolated from peripheral blood in 30 healthy adults, 22 primary CML patients and 25 blastic crisis of CML patients. We examined the expression of the CDH13 gene and BCR/ABL fusion gene using EVA Green real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe expression of the BCR/ABL fusion gene in the patients with blastic crisis CML was 4.72 folds as that of the patients with primary CML. The expression of the CDH13 gene in the primary and blastic crisis CML patients was significantly reduced to 36% and 25% of that in healthy controls, respectively. Moreover, negative correlation was found between the expressions of these two genes.

CONCLUSIONThe study showed that the reduction of the CDH13 expression at different clinical stage of CML may account for the defective cell adhesion in CML, and the expression of the CDH13 gene was probably down-regulated by the BCR/ABL fusion gene.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cadherins ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To explore the distribution of arsenic speciafion and to estimate the effect of arsenic on glutathione(GSH)levels in the blood and liver of mice exposed to different concentrations of inorganic AsⅢ through drinking water.Methods Mice drank water containing arsenite at concentrations of iAsⅢ of 0(contr01),25,50,100 ms/L for 6 weeks.Blood and liver were sampled to asses$the levels of inorganic arsenic(iAs),monomethylarsenic acid(MMA),dimethylarsenic acid(DMA)by the method of hydride generation trapping and ultra-hypothermia coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry,and the level of GSH by the method of 5,5'-Dithio-bis (2-Nitrobenzoic acid).Results Leveh of iAs.MMA and DMA in blood and in liver increased along with the increase of iAs concentrations in drinking water.Primary methylated index(PMI)and secondary methylation index (SMI)of liver and blood were significantly higher in exposed groups than those in control group(P＜0.05).SMI of liver in 50 mg/L exposed group[(50.45±2.94)%]was significantly higher than those in 25 mg/L and 100 mg/Lgroups[(41.68±7.09)%and(41.19±8.87)%,respectively],the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).The ratio of iAs.MMA and DMA in blood and liver in exposed group were 2:3:5 and 4:3:3,the percentage of level of organic arsenic(MMA+DMA)were 80%and 60%.GSH in blood and liver in exposed group decreased along with iAs concentrations in drinking water and had significant differences compared with those in control group (P＜0.05).However,levels of GSH in liver and blood did not differ significantly between exposed groups and control group(P＞0.05).Conclusions Membolism of iAs in liver is maximized when the iAs concentrations in drinking water increases to a certain level.However,the percentage of arsenic speciation in blood is different from that in liver,suggesting that other organs and tissues may be capable of methylation of inorganic arsenic.The level of GSH in liver and blood in mice is a good mark tO reflect the toxicity of arsenic.

Objective: To observe the effects of different doses of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on serum trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) levels, as well as the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa of rats with spleen deficiency syndrome, therefore, to explore the possible mechanism and the dose-effect characteristics of ginger-partitioned moxibustion in spleen deficiency syndrome. Methods: Seventy-five SPF grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (group A), a model group (group B), a 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C1), a 6 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C2) and a 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C3) using random number table method, 15 rats in each group. Except group A, rats in the other groups received intragastric administration of 4 ℃200% concentrated Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) to prepare spleen deficiency syndrome model. After successful modeling, rats in group B received no treatment; rats in group C1, C2 and C3 were treated with 3, 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) respectively for 8 continuous days. The general symptom score of rats was observed. The serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of EGFR protein in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: After the treatment, compared with group A, the spleen deficiency symptom score was increased in group B, the levels of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC, the EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues of group C1, C2 and C3 were significantly increased (all P<0.01); compared with group B, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C1, C2 and C3, and the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, as well as EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with group C1, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C2 and C3, the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, and the expression of EGFR protein in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01), however, there was no significant difference between group C2 and C3 (all P>0.05). The mechanism may be related to the increase of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC levels and activation of EGFR protein. Conclusion: Ginger-partitioned moxibustion can improve the symptoms, as well as promote the proliferation and repair of gastric mucosa in rats with spleen deficiency. The therapeutic efficacy of 6 or 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion is better than that of 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion, while the efficacies are equivalent between 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion groups.

Objective To observe the association between job stress (effort-reward imbalance model) and blood lipids among university staff in Yunnan province. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1244 university staff in Yunnan province. The job stress was measured by the validated Chinese self-reported Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI). Blood lipids were measured in all participated staff members. Results After adjustment for relevant confounding factors, it was found that the risk of increased serum triglyceride was 3.5 folds higher in male staffs with high extrinsic effort compared those with low extrinsic effort (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.32-9.04) while the risk of increased serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was 2.9 folds higher in male staffs with high overcommitment compared those with low overcommitment (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.03-7.96). The risk of elevated serum triglyceride increased in proportion to increasing job stress: 3.5 folds increase in male staffs with moderate job stress (OR = 3.43,95% CI: 1.24-9.53) and 4 folds increase in male staffs with high job stress (OR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.42-12.17) compared those with low job stress. However, there was no significant association between job stress and lipid profile in female staffs. Conclusion Our results show that job stress (effort-reward imbalance) is positively associated with abnormal blood lipids in male university staffs.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathologic features of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH).

METHODSThe clinical and pathologic profiles of 2 PCH cases were evaluated. Immunohistochemical study (EnVision method) was performed on fixed tissues. The biologic behavior was analyzed with follow-up data.

RESULTSThe main presenting symptom was dyspnea. Chest radiography of the two cases depicted diffuse, ground-glass nodules, accompanied by enlarged central pulmonary arteries. Microscopically, the most distinctive feature was proliferation of capillary channels within pulmonary interstitium and alveolar walls, accompanied by muscularization of arterioles. Immunohistochemical study showed an abundance of mast cells in the lesion, and staining for platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) localized to vascular smooth muscles surrounding the proliferating capillaries and the mast cells. The index of Ki-67 was less than 1 percent and the p53 was negative.

CONCLUSIONSPCH is a rare vascular proliferative disease of yang patients. Increased number of mast cell and the up-regulation of PDGFR-β may suggest mechanism for PCH. The clinical and radiologic diagnosis of PCH can be very difficult, and the histological examination is regarded as the most reliable means to establish the diagnosis. Pathologists should improve their knowledge on PCH.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemangioma, Capillary ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; Lung Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; metabolism ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult