OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of Yixintai Granule (YG) on mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP2 in renal medulla of chronic heart failure (CHF) rabbits.

METHODSCHF rat model was established by ear marginal vein injection of adriamycin. Successfully modeled rabbits were divided into the model group, the high (8.4 g/kg), middle (4.2 g/kg), and low dose (2.1 g/kg) YG group, and the Furosemide group (2 mg/kg). Besides, a normal control group was set up. Equal volume of physiological saline was administered to rabbits of the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. YG at different doses was administered to rabbits of the 3 YG groups by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks, once per day. After treatment the urine volume and pathomorphological changes of renal medulla tissue were observed. mRNA and its protein expression levels of AQP2 were detected.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the urine volume decreased significantly, mRNA and protein expression levels of renal medulla AQP2 increased significantly in the model group (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the urine volume increased significantly, and mRNA and protein expression levels of renal medulla AQP2 decreased significantly in all medicated groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the low dose YG group, the urine volume significantly increased and the mRNA expression level of renal medulla AQP2 significantly decreased in the middle and high dose YG groups (all P < 0.01). The expression level of AQP2 protein significantly decreased in the high dose YG group (P < 0.01). Pathological changes of the renal medulla was the most obviously seen in the model group. But they were alleviated to various degrees in all medicated groups. They were more obviously attenuated in the middle and high dose YG groups.

CONCLUSIONYG could improve CHF possibly through down-regulating mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP2 in renal medulla, and elevating the urine volume.

Animals ; Aquaporin 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Chronic Disease ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

ObjectiveTo explore the effects ofYixintaiGranules on expression of C-Myc mRNA and its protein in myocardial tissues of rabbits with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods CHF rabbit models were established by ear marginal vein injection of adriamycin. Successfully modeled rabbits were divided into the model group, the Losartan Potassium group, the high-, medium-, and low doseYixintaiGranules groups. Besides, a normal control group was set up. Administration groups were given relevant medicine for gavage, equal volume of physiological saline was administered to rabbits of the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks, once per day. Echocardiographic indexes and mRNA and protein expression levels of C-Myc in myocardial tissue were detected after 4 weeks of medication.Results Compared with the normal group, the LVEF, LVFS, and E/A of the model group decreased significantly (P<0.01), but mRNA and protein expression levels of C-Myc in myocardial tissues increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LVEF, LVFS, and E/A of YG groups and Losartan Potassium group increased significantly (P<0.01), but mRNA and protein expression levels of C-Myc in myocardial tissues decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01).ConclusionYixintaiGranules can effectively inhibit the expression of mRNA and protein expression of C-Myc, and improve cardiac function.

Objective To explore the effect of Yixintai granule on myocardial remodeling in rabbits with chronic heart failure ( CHF) .Methods The rabbit model of CHF with adriamycin was established. These successful CHF models of rabbits were divided into model group, high,middle, and low dose of Yix-intai groups, losartan potassium group, and normal control group.Echocardiographic indexes and myocardi-al remodeling indexes were measured after 4 weeks of medication.Results Compared to the model group, the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDs), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole ( LVIDd) , cardiac index ( CI) , and left ventricular mass index (LVWI) of the treatment groups were decreased ( P <0.05 or P <0.01), and the interventricular septum ( IVS) of the middle and high Yixintai groups was decreased significantly ( P <0.01 ) .Compared to the low dose of Yixintai group, the IVS, LVPW, CI, and LVWI of the middle and high Yixintai groups were decreased ( P <0.05 or P <0.01) , and the LVIDs and LVIDd of the high Yixintai group were decreased ( P <0.05 ) .Conclusions Yixintai granule can improve myocardial remodeling in rabbits with CHF. Meanwhile, the curative effect of medial and high groups of Yixintai is better than the low dose group.

OBJECTIVETo investigate results of total knee arthroplasty using the long-stem tibial component combined with metallic wedge of knee prosthesis for the treatment of proximal defects.

METHODSFrom January 2011 to May 2013, 10 patients (11 knees) were treated with total knee arthroplasties using the long-stem tibial component with metallic tibial wedge of knee prosthesis. All the patients were female and the average age was 67 years old (ranged, 60 to 77 years old). All the patients were osteoarthritis. All the patients were classified as T2A style. The patients were evaluated according to knee score system (KSS).

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 12 months on average (ranged 3 to 29 months). The clinical outcome was assessed using KSS score, including knee pain score, knee stability score, knee range of motion score and knee walking score, knee stairs score. There were significantly differences at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months between pre-and postoperative KSS score.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanical stability of tibial fixation in primary TKA is significantly increased by using the long-stem tibial component with metallic wedge of knee prosthesis, even in the presence of poor proximal bone.

Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Knee Prosthesis ; Male ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tibia ; abnormalities ; physiopathology ; surgery

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina at head and abdomen for headache due to phlegm turbidity. Methods:A total of 56 patients with headache due to phlegm turbidity were randomized into a tuina group and a Chinese medicine group by the random number table, with 28 cases in each group. The tuina group was treated mainly with tuina at the head and abdomen, while the Chinese medicine group was treated with oral administration of Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang(Pinellia, Atractylodes Macrocephala and GastrodiaDecoction). The course of treatment was 30 d. The scores of headache index, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scale, and the therapeutic efficacy were observed. Results:There were 2 dropouts in each group during treatment. The total effective rate was 92.3％ in the tuina group, significantly higher than 76.9％ in the Chinese medicine group (P<0.05). The scores of headache index and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scale in both groups decreased after treatment (bothP<0.05), and scores in the tuina group were lower than those in the Chinese medicine group (bothP<0.05). Conclusion:Tuina mainly at head and abdomen is effective in treating headache due to phlegm turbidity, and has a better effect than Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, Atractylodes Macrocephala and GastrodiaDecoction).

Objective To study the relationship between TGF-?signaling pathway and pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma.Methods The expression of TGF-?RⅠ,TGF-?RⅡand Smad4 protein was deter- mined by immunohistochemistry in normal gastric mucosa(26 cases),intestinal metaplasia(22 cases),dysplasia (20 cases)and gastric carcinoma(43 cases).Results The positive expression rate of TGF-?RⅠ,TGF-?RⅡand Smad4 decreased following the malignant degree in gastric tissues(P

OBJECTIVETo analyze the effects of long-term microwave exposure on hippocampal structure and function in the rat.

METHODSExperiments were performed on 184 male Wistar rats (three exposure groups and a sham group). Microwaves were applied daily for 6 min over 1 month at average power densities of 2.5, 5, and 10 mW/cm2. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus. Hippocampal structures were observed by histopathological analysis.

RESULTSFollowing long-term microwave exposure there was a significant decrease in learning and memory activity in the 7 d, 14 d, and 1 m in all three microwave exposure groups. Neurotransmitter concentrations of four amino acids (glutamate, aspartic acid, glycine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid) in hippocampus were increased in the 2.5 and 5 mW/cm2 groups and decreased in the 10 mW/cm2 group. There was evidence of neuronal degeneration and enlarged perivascular spaces in the hippocampus in the microwave exposure groups. Further, mitochondria became swollen and cristae were disordered. The rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited sacculated distension and there was a decrease in the quantity of synaptic vesicles.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that the hippocampus can be injured by long-term microwave exposure, which might result in impairment of cognitive function due to neurotransmitter disruption.

Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cognition ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microwaves ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo clone the sequence of human Angiostatin cDNA and obtain the protein of recombinant angiostatin for further development.

METHODSFresh human liver tissue was used for the extraction of total RNA and amplified the Angiostatin cDNA through RT-PCR method . After the recombinant plasmid pET30a-Angiostatin was constructed and confirmed, it was transduced into Rosetta (DE3). Then the transformation was used for fermentation and induced expression. The protein was identified by Western Blot and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography.

RESULTSThe sequence of human Angiostatin cDNA was identical with genebank. Angiostatin (K1-3) was expressed and purified. The target protein made up 30% of the total bacterial protein. The purity is above 90%.

CONCLUSIONAngiostatin K (1-3) can be reached using fusion vector pET30a. The product have the biological activity.

Angiostatins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism

Background Functional magnetic resonance imaging technique based on a manganese (Mn2+) tracer makes labeling the optic nerve in vivo possible.However studies on the optimal concentration and dynamic change after injection of Mn2+ are rare.Objective This study was designed to explore the time- and dose-dependent response for Mn2+-enhanced MRI of visual pathway after intravitreal injection of MnCl2.Methods Different concentrations of MnCl2(0.5,1,2,5,10,15,20,40mmol/L) with a volume of 25μl were intravitreally injected into the left eyes of 48 pigmented rabbits and were randomly divided into eight groups according to the drug concentrations.No reagent reg was injected into the right eyes as controls.MRI was performed at 4,6,8,12,24,48,96 and 168 hours after the administration of MnCl2 to examine the imaging of the optic nerve,chiasma,optic tract,lateral geniculate body and epithalamus.The signal-noise ratio of MRI in visual pathway was calculated and the optimal concentration and best imaging time after injection of MnCl2 were assessed.The use of the animals followed the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results The imaging of the optical nerve in the left eyes was enhanced in comparison with the right eyes 24 hours after injection of 0.5-1 mmol/L MnCl2 with a significant difference in SNR value between these two groups (t=1.17,t=0.95,P>0.05).24 hours after the injection of 2 mmol/L MnCl2 into the left eyes,the SNR value of the optic nerve on the left side was higher than the right side t=8.43,P<0.05),but no image of lateral geniculate body and epithalamus was found in the left side compared to the right side (t=0.04,t=0.22,P>0.05).The strongest imaging signal in optical nerve was seen in 24 hours after the intravitreal injection of 10-40 mmol/L MnCl2 and decayed gradually from 24 to 168 hours with a transportation speed of (3.32±0.19) mm/h in rabbit visual pathway.SNR value of optic nerve showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of MnCl2 with the regression equation Y=77.786+2.467X(F=20.102,P=0.004,R2=0.770).Conclusion Manganese-enhanced MRI is a viable method for temporospatial visualization of optic never in the pigmented rabbits.The image intensity of MRI is associated with the dose of Mn2+.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEAnemia can not only reduce the quality of life of patients with cancer, but also affect their survival. This study was to investigate the prognostic value of hemoglobin (Hb) level in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy.

METHODSClinical data of 520 NPC patients received definitive radiotherapy between 2000 and 2002 at Sun Yat sen University Cancer Center were analyzed. Patients were stratified into normal Hb level and anemia groups according to their Hb levels before, during, and after radiation. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria as Hb level < 130 g/L in men and < 120 g/L in women. Hb continuous decrease group and non decrease group were defined according to Hb changes in the patients during radiotherapy. Loco regional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model to analyze the prognostic factors.

RESULTSBefore radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 60.9% in anemia group and 63.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.337); the 5 year OS rates were 65.2% and 71.0%, respectively (P = 0.299). During radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 56.7% in anemia group and 67.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.013); the 5 year OS rates were 61.0% and 75.9%, respectively (P = 0.001). After radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 59.6% in anemia group and 64.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.169); the 5 year OS rates were 65.0% and 71.9%, respectively (P = 0.090). The 5 year LRFS and OS rates were significantly lower in Hb continuous decrease group than in Hb non decrease group (59.1% vs. 69.3%, P = 0.032; 66.2% vs. 76.4%, P=0.011). Multivariate analysis showed that the continuous decrease of Hb was an independent prognostic factor for OS.

CONCLUSIONThe change in Hb level during radiotherapy is an important prognostic factor affecting the OS of NPC patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Anemia ; blood ; etiology ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Particle Accelerators ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Radiotherapy, High-Energy ; adverse effects ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult