Some unhealthy life habits, such as long-term smoking, heavy drinking, sexual overstrain and frequent stay-up could induce the Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria. Stems of Dendrobii officinalis flos (DOF) showed the efficacy of nourishing Yin. In this study, the hyperthyroidism Yin deficiency model was set up to study the yin nourishing effect and action mechanism of DOF, in order to provide the pharmacological basis for developing DOF resources and decreasing resource wastes. ICR mice were divided into five groups: the normal control group, the model control group, the positive control group and DOF extract groups (6.4 g · kg(-1)). Except for the normal group, the other groups were administrated with thyroxine for 30 d to set up the hyperthyroidism yin deficiency model. At the same time, the other groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs for 30 d. After administration for 4 weeks, the signs (facial temperature, pain domain, heart rate and autonomic activity) in mice were measured, and the facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow were detected by laser Doppler technology. After the last administration, all mice were fasted for 12 hours, blood were collected from their orbits, and serum were separated to detect AST, ALT, TG and TP by the automatic biochemistry analyzer and test T3, T4 and TSH levels by ELISA. (1) Compared with the normal control group, the model control group showed significant increases in facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), serum AST, ALT (P < 0.01), T3 level (P < 0.05), TSH level (P < 0.05) and notable deceases in pain domain (P < 0.01), TG level (P < 0.01). (2) Compared with the model control group, extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1)) could notably reduce facial and ear micro-circulation blood flow, facial temperature and heart rate (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and AST (P < 0.05) and enhance pain domain (P < 0.01) and TG (P < 0.01). Extracts from DOF (4 g · kg(-1)) could remarkably reduce AST and ALT levels (P < 0.01, 0.05). Extracts from DOF (6 g · kg(-1) 4 g · kg(-1)) could significantly reduce T3 and increase serum TSH level (P < 0.05). DOF could improve Yin deficiency symptoms of zygomatic red and dysphoria in mice as well as liver function injury caused by overactive thyroid axis. According to its action mechanism, DOF may show yin nourishing and hepatic protective effects by impacting thyroxin substance metabolism, improving micro-circulation and reducing heart rate.
Animals ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Phytotherapy ; Thyroxine ; metabolism ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effects of antihypertension and reversing left ventricular hypertro- phy by carvedilol or bisoprolol in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.Methods 40 cases of mild to moderate essential hypertension patients were selected for this random single-blind,paralleling controlled clinical study.Results Patients were randomized to take 12.5～25mg carvedilol tablet orlce daily or bisoprolol 2.5～5mg once daily if DBP was still in the range of 12.0～14.6kPa(90～110mmHg)after 2 weeks' placebo baseline. Carvedilol group included 20 cases,bisoprolol group included 20 cases,and the course was 24 weeks.Blood pressure and heart rate were measured and symptoms and signs were recorded.At the end of placebo and in 24 weeks heart ultrasound,blood routine,serum glucose,blood lipid,hepatic function and renal function were examined.SBP,DBP and heart rate of patients in two groups decreased obviously.There were significant differences between the two groups.Ventricular hypertrophy of carvedilol group improved than that in pretherapy.There were significant differ- ences between the two groups.Conclusion Carvedilol was well-tolerated with less side effects such as mild headache,tiredness,dizziness,slightly elevating of serum glucose.Carvedilol could well treat the mild moderate essen- tial hypertension effectively and safely by 12.5～25mg once daily.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of sulindac on proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells and its antineoplastic mechanisms.

METHODSHuman gastric cancer BGC-823 cells were incubated with sulindac at various concentrations and for different times. Morphological changes of BGC-823 cells were observed under an inversion microscope. MTT colorimetric assay was used to examine the effect of sulindac on the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine cell apoptosis morphology. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of COX-2, bcl-2 and ki-67 in the cells.

RESULTSsulindac induced morphologic alterations in BGC-823 cells, inhibited cell proliferation, increased the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and decreased the proportion of cells in S phase, induced apoptosis of BGC-823 cells, and decreased expressions of COX-2, bcl-2, ki-67 in the cells. All the effects were in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Some characteristic morphologic features of apoptosis were revealed by transmission electron microscopy.

CONCLUSIONsulindac may inhibit the growth of gastric cancer BGC-823 cells in vitro and the anti-tumor mechanism may be related to changes in cell cycle distribution, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of expression of COX-2, bcl-2, and ki-67.

Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Sulindac ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo better understand the acquired factor V (FV) inhibitors.

METHODSThe clinical features, laboratory manifestations, treatment options and prognosis of 3 cases were reported and related literature were reviewed.

RESULTSAll the 3 patients were older than 50 years without family history and related disease. Their clinical manifestations included spontaneously mucous bleeding, hematuria, epistaxis and encephalic bleeding. Laboratory test showed prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The FV levels decreased and the presence of FV inhibitor was confirmed by Bethesda method. All patients were treated with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents. The haemorrhages of two patients stopped but their coagulation test and FV level recovered slowly. One patient died from encephalic bleeding.

CONCLUSIONSAcquired FV inhibitor is a rare coagulation disorder with variable clinical symptoms. Immunosuppressive agents are effective to eliminate the inhibitors. The prognosis of acquired FV inhibitors seemed to be strictly related to the basic disease.

Coagulation Protein Disorders ; Factor V ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

To explore the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies in HIV-1 CRF07_BC infections among intravenous drug users (IDU), the gp120 fragments of HIV-1 env gene were amplified from plasma samples collected from 6 CRF07_BC infected persons using single genome amplification and sequencing (SGA/ SGS) method, and 11 to 28 sequences were obtained from these samples, respectively, A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to describe the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies. The Simplot, segments' phylogenetic trees and diversity plots based on average pairwise distance (APD) were used to identify the recombination events between quasispecies. The SGA sequences derived from single specimen formed a large monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and showed the complex topologic structures of viral quasispecies. Of the 6 CRF07_BC infected patients, only one possessed the high genetic homogeneity, whereas the other five individuals showed high heterogeneity, with two to four subclusters inside the monophyletic cluster for each specimen. In addition, the recombinant events were identified among viral quasispecies from 3 cases. The results show SGA technique and phylogenetic analyses are useful tool to investigate the intrahost CRF07_BC gp120 complex quasispecies variation and high genetic diversity.
Adult ; Drug Users ; Female ; HIV Infections ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; virology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the immune effect of a chimeric adenovirus type 5 vector with type 35 fiber (rAd5/F35) vaccine in BALB/c mice.

METHODSThe expression of HIV Gag protein was determined using indirect immunofluorescent staining. The rAd5/F35-mod.gag vector was injected intramuscularly to mice. The IgG antibody was detected by ELISA and CTL response was detected by intracellular cytokine stain assay.

RESULTSThe rAd5/F35-mod.gag vector could express HIV Gag protein in vitro and generate strong HIV-specific immune responses in vivo. But anti-Ad5 immunity could limit its immunogenicity in vivo.

CONCLUSIONThe rAd5/F35-mod.gag vector can elicit specific CTL response and IgG antibody in animal model. In mice with high Ad5 vector-specific immunity, Ad5/F35-mod.gag showed lower level of Gag specific CTL and antibody response than in mice without pre-existing adenovirus type 5 immunity. The results indicated that fiber exchange alone does not evade pre-existing Ad5 immunity.

AIDS Vaccines ; genetics ; immunology ; Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Gene Products, gag ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; HIV Antibodies ; blood ; HIV-1 ; genetics ; immunology ; Immunization ; methods ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Random Allocation ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism

Hypertension is a common complication after renal transplantation. Among post-transplantation patients died of cardiovascular diseases, about 41% have hypertension. Hypertension is an independent risk factor for kidney transplant failure. Post-transplantation hypertension can be caused by many factors, including the use of immunosuppressants. When the blood pressure exceeds 130/90 mmHg in a kidney transplant recipient, it is reasonable to provide active medical intervention. In summary, prevention and treatment of hypertension is important to prolong the survival of kidney transplant recipients.
Humans ; Hypertension ; diagnosis ; etiology ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Kidney Transplantation ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; etiology ; prevention & control ; therapy

Kidney transplantation has become an important method in treating advanced renal failure. Immunosuppressants play a key tool in this progress. It is important to understand the goal, mechanism, and adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy, so as to appropriately use these drugs in post-transplantation patients on a customized basis.
Aftercare ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Kidney Transplantation ; Long-Term Care

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between a blood pressure variability (BPV)-based scoring system (BPVSS) and the target organ damage in patients with hypertension.

METHODSWe selected 95 consecutive inpatients with essential hypertension admitted between January and June, 2015 in the Department of Cardiology of Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command. The BPV indices were analyzed for their correlation with the parameters of target organ damage (IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R, and IMT_L/R). The patients with a BPVSS of 3.9 or higher (control, 43 cases) and those with a lower BPVSS (observation group, 52 cases) were compared for differences in IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R, IMT_L/R and the proportion of carotid plaques.

RESULTSSimilar with the traditional BPV indices, BPVSS was negatively correlated with IMT_L/R (r=-0.278/-0.324, P<0.05). BPVSS was also negatively correlated with IVSd (r=-0.241), LVPWd (r=-0.223), and baPWV_L/R (r=-0.468/-0.373) (P<0.05). IVSd, LVPWd, baPWV_L/R and IMT_L/R were all significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (t=2.307, 2.516, 3.250/2.790, and 2.372/3.425, respectively; P<0.05). The proportion of carotid plaques in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (Χ(2)=27.833, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONBPVSS indicates the severity of target organ damage in patients with hypertension. A greater BPV is correlated with a lower BPVSS score and more severe damages of the heart and blood vessels.

Blood Pressure ; Carotid Stenosis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Essential Hypertension ; Humans ; Hypertension ; pathology

BACKGROUNDOur previous in vivo study in the rat demonstrates that Shenfu injection, a clinically used extract preparation from Chinese herbs, attenuates neural and cardiac toxicity induced by intravenous infusion of bupivacaine, a local anesthetic. This study was designed to investigate whether bupivacaine could induce a toxic effect in primary cultured mouse spinal cord neuron and if so, whether the Shenfu injection had a similar neuroprotective effect in the cell model.

METHODSThe spinal cords from 11- to 14-day-old fetal mice were minced and incubated. Cytarabine was added into the medium to inhibit the proliferation of non-neuronal cells. The immunocytochemical staining of beta-tubulin was used to determine the identity of cultured cells. The cultured neurons were randomly assigned into three sets treated with various doses of bupivacaine, Shenfu and bupivacaine + Shenfu, for 48 hours respectively. Cell viability in each group was analyzed by methyl thiazoleterazolium (MTT) assay.

RESULTSThe viability of the cultured neurons treated with bupivacaine at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.08% was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Although the Shenfu injection at concentrations ranging from 1/50 to 1/12.5 (V/V) had no significant influence on the viability of cultured neurons (P < 0.05 vs control), the injection significantly increased the cellular viability of cultured neurons pretreated with 0.03% bupivacaine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAlthough Shenfu injection itself has no effect on spinal neurons, it was able to reduce the bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in vitro.

Anesthetics, Local ; toxicity ; Animals ; Bupivacaine ; toxicity ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Injections ; Mice ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Spinal Cord ; cytology ; drug effects