Objective To explore the quality of life (QOL) and its influential factors among patients with 3 major rheumatic diseases. Methods A total of 216 patients with rheumatic diseases (84 patients with systemic lu- pus erythematosus, SLE, 83 with rheumatoid arthritis, RA, and 49 with ankylosing spondylitis, AS) were recruited. The information with regard to their quality of life, sociopsychological factors and the evaluation of disease activity were obtained by using the medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36) and clinic documents. Results Patients with rheumatic diseases scored significantly lower with each subscale of SF-36 as compared to those of a healthy popu- lation in China (P

Hirudin (HV) is known as the most potent and specific inhibitor of thrombin. Although hirudin has many advantages , it has the bleeding side effect and this is the great shortage of hiudin for clinical application. In order to alleviate bleeding side effect of hirudin, fusion protein, named as FHV (fusion hirudin linked with FXa recognition peptide) was designed. The fusion protein gene ( fhv) was cloned into plasmid pPIC9K. FHV engineered Pichia pastoris containing high copies was chosen for fermentation and purification at 30 L fermentor scale, finally, FHV with purity of above 97% was obtained. To investigate the function of FHV in vivo, mouse tail thrombosis model was used. In the mice thrombus tail model induced by carrageenan, FHV decreased the length of tail thrombus significantly, similar to that of HV control, and had no obvious effects on the TT, PT and APTT. In conclusion, FHV is constructed and expressed in yeast. FHV fusion proteins is obtained by fermentation and purification. FHV has antithrombotic effects not influencing IT, PT and APTT after administration immediately in animal models. Therefore, FHV is a promising anticoagulant and antithrombotic drug.

Objective To assess the feasibility of a novel 99Tcm labelled polypeptide analogue for interleukin-11 receptor ( IL11R) imaging in a bone metastases model for prostate cancer. Methods A novel circular polypeptide analogue of IL11 ( c( CGRRAGGSC ) ) was indirectly labeled with 99Tcm and the product was named as 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11 RR. The labeling efficiency, radiochemical purity and stability of the product were measured with paper chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biodistribution of 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11RR was investigated in 28 ICR normal mice. The organ radioactivity was measured as percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue ( %ID/g). The models of bone metastases from prostate cancer were established at the tibias of BALB/c nude mice bearing human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The tumor bearing ( n= 5 ) and standard closed fracture nude mice models underwent both 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11RR and 99Tcm-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) scintigraphy study. The images were acquired at 0.5, 1,2, 4, 6, 8, 24 h after intravenous injection of the tracers. The competitive inhibition imaging was perfomed in three tumor bearing mice. One-way variance analysis was used. Results The labeling efficiency was 90.7%. The radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11RR in normal saline solution was (99.57 ±0.09)%, (99.29 ±0.18)%, (98.95 ±0.78)%, (98.67 ±0.11)%, (96.53 ±0.91)%, (95.20±0.70)%, (88.38 ±0.22)% and (36.17±1.29)% at room temperature after0, 1,2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h, respectively. The tracer radiochemical purity in the blood of ICR mice remained over 90% at 37 C for 6 h. The labeling compounds were excreted mainly through kidney. The peak uptake of bone ( ( 1.910 ±0.109) %ID/g) and liver ( (0.366 ±0.030) %ID/g) was at 4 h after injection. In the tumor bearing mice, the uptake of spine marrow and large joints of extremities was mild. The highest uptake at tumor region was at 4 h and persistent at 6-8 h after injection. The tumor to non-tumor ratios (T/NT) were 1.17 ±0.17, 2.20 ±0.29, 3.20 ±0.15, 3.67 ±0.23, 13.61±0.85, 9.45 ±0.37 and 3.33 ±0.30 at 0.5,1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h, respectively (F=621.54, P＜0.05). In the standard closed fracture models,high uptake of 99Tcm-MDP was shown at the fracture site, with no increased 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11RR uptake noted. The tumor uptake was significantly depressed after a pre-injection of the unlabeled polypeptide analogue. Conclusions The synthesis of 99Tcm-DTPA-IL11RR is stable and the labeling efficiency is high. It may be a potential molecular probe in metastatic bone imaging for prostate cancer.

Objective To investigate the direct inhibitory effects of 153Sm- DTPA-c (Cys-Gly-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gly-Gly-Ser-Cys) NH2 ( 153 Sm-DTPA-c (CGRRAGGSC)) on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Methods 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was synthesized by the reaction of 153SmCl3 with DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) using indirect synthesis method. PC-3 cells in vitro culture were divided into four study groups, groug A ( the control, with PBS only), group B with 1.5 mg/L c ( CGRRAGGSC), group C with 370 kBq 153 SmCl3 and group D with 370 kBq 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC). PC-3 cell growth was assayed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl ) -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression changes of interleukin 11 (IL11 ) and IL11 receptor (IL1 1 R) in PC-3 cells were examined by Western Blot. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-t test were applied for statistic analysis. Results The labeling yield of 153Sm-DTPA-c (CGRRAGGSC) was 85% and the radiochemical purity was 95.8%. The specific activity of 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was 1.32 × 105 MBq/μmol. Significant inhibitory effects on the growth of PC-3 cells were found in both group C and D, with a time-dependent manner. However, no obvious inhibition was found either in group A or in group B. After 48 h,significant differences of sub-G1 peak area were found among groups, (0. 98 ± 0. 18)%, (0. 35 ±0. 10)%, (4.05 ±0.28)% and (13.38 ±0. 89)% for group A, B, C and D, respectively. Furthermore,sexpression of ILl 1R in group D was significantly lower than that in group B and C with absorbance values 0. 339 ~ 0.014, 0.338 ~ 0.019, 0.226 ~ 0. 015 for group B, C and D, respectively. Absorbance values in groups B and C were not significantly different after treatment, compared with those before treatment; however, there was difference between absorbance values after and before treatment in group D ( t = 0. 405,1. 163,135.989,P>0.05 >0.05, <0.05). Conchluion 153Sm-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) can directly in hibit the cell growth and expression of human prostate cancer cells PC-3.

The recombinant fusion protein staphylokinase-hirudin(rSFH) was purified from the high density-fermented engineered E.coli by means of ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) and gel filtration (GF). The purity of rSFH reached to more than 98% determined by RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE, and the yield was up to 0.7g per liter of fermentation broth. The analysis of homologous dimmer of rSFH appeared during the purification and calculation of the surface hydrophobic area had been carried out by means of hydrophobic chromatography and MALD-TOF. The influence of sodium chloride and temperature on the behavior of rSFH reversible dimerization was analyzed by high performance sized- exclusive chromatography(HPSEC). It is concluded that the hydrophobic interaction played an important role in the reversible dimerization of rSFH.

Abdominal Pain ; etiology ; Capsule Endoscopy ; Child ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; etiology ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases ; complications ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Intestine, Small ; blood supply ; pathology ; Male ; Telangiectasis ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology

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

OBJECTIVETo explore the protective effect and mechanism of ligustrazine (LGT) and propofol (PRO) on peri-operational liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI).

METHODSThirty-six patients scheduled for hepatic surgery were randomly divided into the control group, the LGT group, the PRO group and the LGT + PRO group, 9 patients in each group. Changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide (LPO), ratio of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, and the ultrastructure of liver tissue were dynamically observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, SOD activity was significantly higher, LPO concentration, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1alpha ratio and ALT value were significantly lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in the LGT group, the PRO group and the LGT + PRO group during HIRI, with the abnormal changes of hepatic ultrastructure 25 min after reperfusion significantly alleviated in the three treated group.

CONCLUSIONCombination of ligustrazine and propofol shows protective effect on liver by decreasing oxygen free radical level, reducing lipid peroxidation and adjusting TXA2/PGI2 imbalance after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in patients undergoing hepatic cancer surgery.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha ; blood ; Adult ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxides ; blood ; Liver ; blood supply ; Liver Neoplasms ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Propofol ; therapeutic use ; Pyrazines ; therapeutic use ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the risk factors of lateral lymph node metastasis in advanced lower rectal cancer and its correlation with local recurrence and prognosis.

METHODSData from 96 consecutive patients with advanced lower rectal cancer underwent curative surgery with lateral dissection were retrospectively analyzed. The correlations of lateral lymph node metastasis with clinicopathologic characteristics, local recurrence and prognosis were investigated.

RESULTSLateral lymph node metastasis was observed in 14.6 (14/96) of the cases. In 40 patients with tumor diameter > or = 5 cm, 10 (25.0%) patients were found with lateral lymph node metastasis; while in the other 56 patients, only 4 (7.1%) cases were found with lateral lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Lateral lymph node metastasis was more frequent in patients whose tumor infiltrated full range of the intestinal wall (70%) than patients with 3/4, 2/4 and 1/4 intestinal wall was infiltrated (12.0%, 6.7% and 6.3%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Lateral lymph node metastasis rate of poorly differentiated carcinomas was significantly higher than those of moderate and well-differentiated ones (30% vs. 9.1% and 4.5%, P < 0.05). Local recurrence occurred in 18.8% (18 of 96 cases) of patients. Local recurrence in patients with positive lateral lymph node metastasis was 64.3%, while 11.0% in those without lateral lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant improvements in median survival for patients with negative lateral lymph node metastasis over patients with lateral lymph node metastasis (80.9 +/- 2.1 vs. 38 +/- 6.7 months, log-rank P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTumor diameter, degree of tumor infiltration and histological differentiation are significant risk factors of lateral lymph node metastasis in advanced lower rectal cancer. Lateral lymph node metastasis is an important predictor of local recurrence and prognosis of patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo explore the indication and efficacy of transanal local excision for low rectal cancer.

METHODSA total of 40 consecutive patients undergoing transanal local excision of low rectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe mean operative time was 50 (30-85) minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 40 (10-100) ml. The mean hospital stay was 5 (2-10) days. The local recurrence rate was 20.0% (8/40). The 5-year survival rate was 90.0%. Local recurrence rate was 17.9% (5/28 cases) for T1, and 25.0% (3/12) for T2 lesions. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.61). Local recurrence rate was significantly lower for moderate differentiated than that for well-differentiated cancer [12.9% (4/31) vs. 44.4% (4/9), P=0.037]. Tumor diameter less than 3 cm was associated with a significantly lower local recurrence rate as compared to the counterparts (10.7% vs. 41.7%, P=0.03). No significant correlations were found between local recurrence and other variables including tumor location (P=0.93), tumor classification (P=0.53), and method of surgical excision (P=0.41).

CONCLUSIONSIndications for transanal local excision of low rectal cancer include T1 and T2 tumors with well differentiation and the diameter less than 3 cm. Clinical outcome may be favorable if patients are carefully selected for transanal local excision.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Rectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome