OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) between the acupuncture-moxibustion therapy and the medication of Qianliekang tablets.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a Qianliekang group, 64 cases in each one. In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied to Shenshu (BL 23), Pangguangshu (BL 28), Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Shuidao (ST 28), and the warm moxibustion therapy with moxa stick was used at Shenshu (BL 23), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Shenque (CV 8), once every day. In the Qianliekang group, Qianliekang tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 4 tablets each time, three times a day, for 3 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and the changes in residual urine (Ru) and maximal urine flow rate (Qmax) determined with the ultrasonic B test were compared before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTSThe results of I-PSS, Qmax and Ru were improved obviously after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were much more obvious than those in the Qianliekang group [8.62 +/- 2.18 vs 15.26 +/- 2.81, (16.04 +/- 4.33) mL/s vs (12.47 +/- 2.13) mL/s, (10.43 +/- 2.14) mL vs (32.13 +/- 3.24) mL, all P < 0.01]. The total effective rate was 89.1% (57/64) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group, which was better than 68.7% (44/64) in the Qianliekang group.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture-moxibustion therapy achieves the significant efficacy on BPH, which is better than the oral administration of Qianliekang tablets.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Urination

A multi-functional microfluidic chip with multi-orifice flow fractionation ( MOFF) and magnetic capture technique was developed to specifically separate and capture the HepG2 cells in artificial samples. The chip contained a glass substrate and a polydimethylsiloxane ( PDMS) microchannel cover plate. The PDMS cover plate consisted of 3 injection channels of 10-mm-long, a MOFF separation zone and a hexagonal cavity cell enrichment-detection zone. Among which, the MOFF separation zone had a total length of 20 mm and was consisted of 80 semi-rhombic shrinkage / expansion units with a length of 0. 18 mm, a depth of 50 μm, a shrinkage area width of 0. 06 mm, and an expansion area of 0. 20 mm. The angle between each group of shrinkage / expansion units was 103. 0°. In this experiment, HepG2-blood cell suspension was used as the sample. Based on the principle that the magnetic bead surface-modified c-Met antibody could specifically bind to HepG2 cells, an immunomagnetic bead ( Anti-MNCs) suspension at a concentration of 50 μg / mL was prepared by surface carboxylated beads, EDC (1 mg / mL), NHS (1 mg / mL) and c-Met antibody. Under the optimized flow rate (50 μL/ min), a few HepG2 in suspension samples were efficiently captured at the detection zone of chip via a magnetic field; the carbon quantum dots were prepared by microwave heating with citric acid and thiourea to label HepG2 cells which achieved in-situ fluorescence visualization of captured HepG2. Cells captured in the chip detection area were counted by microscope. The capture rate of HepG2 cells was 88. 5% ±6. 7% (106 blood cells and 10 HepG2 cells per 500 μL). The results demonstrated that the developed multifunctional microfluidic chip may serve as a promising tool for separation and capture of tumour cells.

Objective To investigate the expressions of survivin, cyclooxyenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their relationship with angiogenesis in condyloma acuminatum (CA) tissues. Methods Immunohistochemistry using PowerVision staining kit was performed to detect the expression of survivin, COX-2 and VEGF protein in 60 CA tissue samples from patients and 21 normal skin samples from the foreskin of human controls. At the same time, the microvessel density was determined in CA tissues by staining blood vessel endothelium with anti-CD105 monoclonal antibody. Results The positivity rate of survivin and COX-2 expression was 56.67% and 63.33%, in CA tissues, 9.52% and 0 in normal skin tissues, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups of tissue samples in the positivity rate and intensity of survivin and COX-2 expression (all P < 0.05). VEGF was expressed in all of the CA tissues and normal skin tissues, while the intensity of VEGF expression was statistically different between the two groups of tissue samples (P < 0.05). The MVD was 16.38 ± 5.46 and 0.62 ± 0.44 in CA tissues and normal skin tissues, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the expressions of survivin, COX-2 and VEGF, as well as between MVD and the expressions of survivin and COX-2 in CA tissues. Conclusion The expression levels of survivin, COX-2 and VEGF are significantly higher in CA tissues than in normal skin tissues.

An acute myeloid leukemic HB-1 cell line was cloned and established from the spleen cells of irradiated CBA/N mice. Acute myeloma leukemia-like syndrome would be induced in normal CBA/N mice after intravenous injection of HB-1 cells, and the death of mouse happened within about two weeks. In general, leukemic cells transplanted into the mice would infiltrate into the hematopoietic organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. An interesting observation in our study was that HB-1 cells were present not only in the lung, kidney, and liver but also in the cerebrum and cerebellum. It was beyond our expectation that the leukemic cells could go through the blood-brain barrier in most circumstances. On the basis of the observation, we expect that HB-1 cells could be used as a very useful model to elucidate the mechanism of infiltrating the blood-brain barrier for certain type of cells.
Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; physiopathology ; Brain ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; Leukemia, Experimental ; pathology ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred CBA ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Transplantation

Objective To evaluate the relationship between G894T(Glu298Asp) polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)gene and essential hypertension in Chinese population from difierent regions.Methods Odds ratios(Ors) of G894T genotype and allele distributions in essential hypertension patients against healthy controls were analyzed.All the relevant studies were screened with poor-qualified studies eliminated.Meta-analysis software MIX(Meta-analysis with interactive explanations-version 1.71),was applied for investigating and analyzing heterogeneity among individual studies and summarizing the effects across studies,and the risk of publication bias was evaluated.Results A total of 1900 cases and 1216 controls from 10 studies were included.The heterogeneity between studies Was significant(P=0.013;P=0.011) and there were substantial sources of Publication bias(P=0.049;P=0.038).The pooled OR(with 95% CI) of GT+TT vs.GG genotype was 1.79(1.33-2.42)(Z=3.83,P<0.001),and the pooled OR (with 95% CI) of T vs.G allele Was 1.73(1.32-2.27)(Z=3.92,P<0.001).Conclusion In Chinese population,mainly the Hans ethnic group,894G→T mutation in the eNOS appeared to be related to essential hypertension.

In this study, the active components and potential molecular .mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula in treatment on dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma were investigated using network pharmacological methods. Sterols and pentacyclic triterpenes, with high moleculal network degree, revealed promising effects on anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, and immune-regulation, according to D-T network analysis. On the other hand, the targets with high degree were involved in inflammatory, coagulation, angiopoiesis, smooth muscle contraction, and cell reproduction, which showed the novel function in anti-dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma. Furthermore, the formula was indicated to play a key role in smooth muscle proliferation, inhibition of new vessels, circulation improvement, reduction of hormone secretion, alleviation of smooth muscle, block of arachidonic acid metabolism, and inflammation in uterus. Thus, the main mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula was summarized. In conclusion, Guizhi Fuling formula was proven to alleviated dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma by acting on multiple targets through several bioactive compounds, regulating 21 biological pathways.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Dysmenorrhea ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate JAK2 exon 12 mutations in patients with Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and the clinical characteristics of patients with JAK2 exon 12 mutants.

METHODSAllele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) was applied to identify JAK2 V617F mutation. Genomic DNA corresponding to exon 12 of JAK2 gene and epigenetic regulator gene (TET2, ASXL1, EZH2) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Identification of mutants was by direct sequencing and classification of mutation types by sequencing followed by plasmid cloning. SNP genotyping of two 46/1 tag SNPs, rs12340895 and rs10974944, was analyzed using commercially available Taqman assays on the 7500HT real-time PCR instrument according to standard protocols.

RESULTSNo JAK2 exon 12 mutation was detected in patients with ET, PMF or JAK2 V617F positive PV. Among 13 JAK2 V617F negative PV patients, JAK2 exon 12 mutation was detected as N542-E543del in 2(15.4%) patients who presented with a phenotype of predominant erythrocytosis and erythroid colonic grown from their bone marrow samples in the absence of exogenous EPO, reduced serum erythropoietin (EPO) level, and no mutations in TET2, ASXL1 or EZH2 genes. One of the affected patients was heterozygous for 46/1 but the second was negative for this haplotype.

CONCLUSIONThere was no need to detect JAK2 exon 12 mutation in ET, PMF or MPN-U patients without JAK2 V67F mutation. Ph negative MPN patients with JAK2 exon 12 mutations had somewhat unique clinical and laboratory features.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Marrow Neoplasms ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Exons ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Janus Kinase 2 ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; genetics ; Philadelphia Chromosome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore a new approach to the management of malignant biliary obstruction using percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency and endoprothesis.

METHODSPercutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency and endoprothesis were performed in 2 cases of malignant biliary obstruction, including 1 of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 1 of pancreatic head carcinoma. The tumor was ablated with radiofrequency followed by placement of matched metal stents into the biliary duct.

RESULTSThe surgical procedures were carried out smoothly in the 2 cases. The symptoms of the patients were obviously improved after the operation with a significant decrease in the serum levels of total bilirubin, and CA-199 level decreased to the normal level in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONSThis new approach is safe for management of malignant biliary obstruction. Compared with the more conventional interventional therapy, radiofrequency can reduce the intraoperative bleeding and arrest the local tumor growth to promote the patency of the stent as well as the postoperative survival of the patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; etiology ; surgery ; Male ; Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Stents

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in tissue and cell lines of squamous cervical carcinomas and its clinical significance, and to explore the molecular mechamisms of angiotensin II and AT1R activity in the process of cervical carcinogenesis.

METHODS(1) The levels of AT1R mRNA were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction( RT-PCR) in paraffin-embedded tissues from 35 cases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, 15 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 15 cases of normal cervix, and in Siha and C33a cells. The expression of AT1R protein in 65 specimens of cervix tissue sections was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The corelation between the expressions of AT1R and its clinicopathologic features was analyzed accordingly. (2) After the Siha and C33a cells were treated at different concentrations of Angiotensin II (0, 10(-10) mol/L, 10(-9) mol/L, 10(-8) mol/L, 10(-7) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L, 10(-5) mol/L) for different time in culture, the cell proliferation was determined by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was examined by enzyme-linked immuno-absordent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS(1) AT1R mRNA expression was detected in the two cervix cancer cell lines. The positive rate of ATIR mRNA was 77.1%, 40.0% and 0, respectively, in squamous cell carcinomas, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and normal cervical tissues, while their mRNA quantities were 0.3863 +/- 0.041, 0.0768 +/- 0.035 and 0, respectively. There was statistically a significant difference between them (P < 0.01). The average staining intensity of AT1R protein was stronger in invasive carcinoma cells than that in dysplasia tissues and normal ones (P < 0.01). Among 65 cases of squamous cell carcinomas, the expressions of AT1R mRNA and protein increased with pathological grading (P < 0.05), while it was neither correlated with clinical stage nor pelvic lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). The level of AT1R protein expression corresponded to that of its mRNA. (2) Angiotensin II promoted the cell growth of cervical cancer cell lines Siha and C33a and induced secretion of VEGF from cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01), and the expression of VEGF was reversed by the addition of valsatan (an antagonist of angiotensin II type 1 receptor) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAngiotensin II is involved in the progression of cervical carcinoma, since it may increase the proliferation activity of cancer cells, induce secretion of VEGF through AT1R synchronously, and results in an increase of angiogenesis in tumors. It suggests that use of AT1R antagonists may be an useful therapeutic strategy for cervical carcinoma.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cervix Uteri ; metabolism ; pathology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Valine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Valsartan ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; secretion

OBJECTIVETo explore the frequencies of heterozygosity in X-linked G6PD, P55, BTK, and FHL-1 gene exonic polymorphic loci among Chinese females and the value of determination of hematopoietic clonality by detection of these X-chromosome exonic polymorphisms based on X-chromosome inactivation patterns (XCIP)-transcription-based clonality assays (TCA).

METHODSGenomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 446 Chinese healthy females. Allele-specific PCR (ASPCR) or PCR-restriction enzyme digestion method was applied for detecting G6PD, P55, BTK and FHL-1 polymorphisms. Those heterozygotic loci were used as markers to examine the hematopoietic clonality of bone marrow mononuclear cells by TCA from essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients with JAK2V617F mutation and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with abnormal karyotype.

RESULTSAmong the total 446 genomic DNA samples, the frequencies of heterozygosity in G6PD, P55, BTK and FHL-1 loci were 12.8%, 29.4%, 52.0% and 46.4%, respectively. About 81.4% of females were heterozygous at one or more loci. All 10 ET patients with JAK2V617F mutation and 2 MDS patients with abnormal karyotype, which were heterozygotic in either locus, had monoclonal/oligoclonal hematopoiesis.

CONCLUSIONClonality detection based on X chromosome inactivation patterns-transcription based clonality assays is applicable to about 80% of Chinese females.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; Exons ; Female ; Genes, X-Linked ; Genetic Carrier Screening ; Genetic Linkage ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Hematopoiesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; X Chromosome Inactivation ; Young Adult