OBJECTIVETo explore the function of vascular endothelial cell (VEC) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) of Xin-blood-stasis syndrome.

METHODSSome vasoactive substances produced by VEC were detected and analyzed in patients with CHD of or without Xin blood stasis syndrome in group A (n=112) and group B (n=108) respectively, also in patients with non-CHD but of Xin-blood-stasis syndrome in group C (n=110), and healthy persons in group D (n=100), including nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET), angiotensin H (Ag II), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule -1 (sVCAM-1).

RESULTSThe abnormality degree of ET, Ag II , sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in various groups showed such a tendency as group A> group B> group D (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), while no significant difference in these criteria between group A and group C was shown (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe vasoactive substances secreted by VEC are closely related to the formation and progression of CHD, and are likely to be important pathological markers of blood-stasis syndrome in CHD.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Coronary Artery Disease ; physiopathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; physiology ; Endothelins ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of the side of cerebral lesion on the outcome in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 407 consecutive anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients within 14 days after symptom onset were recruited prospectively.The basic data ofthe e,~ISes were collected,such as the National Institutes ofHealth Stroke Scale (NU-ISS)and the side ofcerebral lesion.The modified Rankin Scale(mRS)was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at 6 raomhs.Results Of the 407 patients recruited,230 patients (56.5%)Were left hemisphere stroke,177(43.5%)were fight hemisphere stroke.After multivariable logistic recession analysis,the age(odds ratio[OR]1.022,95% confidence interval[CI]1.001-1.043,P=0.040),the side of lesion(OR 1.999.95%CI1.179.3.389.P=0.010),the time from onset to admission(OR1.006,95%(7/1.002-1.010,P=0.007),the outcome of the anterior circulation ischcmic stroke at 6 months aftel"onset.The outcome of the right hemisphere stroke Was significantly worse than that of the left hemisphere stroke.The onset-admission time in patients with right hemisphere stroke(median 12 h,median 39.61 h)was significantly delayed compared to the patients with left hemisphere stroke(median 12 h,median 22.72 h;Z=-2.962,P=0.003).Condusions The outcome of the left hemisphere stroke at 6 months after onset is superior to the right hemisphere stroke,and it mau be associated with the delayed admission.

Objective To study a possible correlation between the duration of reproductive period ( from puberty to menopause) and the prognosis of ischemic stroke. Methods Female in-patients with acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT/MRI in the Neurology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 09/03/2006 to 08/30/2008 were enrolled in this study. The probable risk factors of prognosis were analyzed and recovery was assessed by modified Rankin score (MRS) at 6 months followup. Multivariate Logistic regression was used for statistic analysis. Results 371 female patients were enrolled. The average age was (66. 2 ± 10. 0) years; average menopause age was (48. 5 ± 3.9 ) years and average duration of reproductive period was (33.3 ± 4. 3) years. There is a negative correlation between the duration and MRS (OR =0. 285, 95% CI: 0. 095-0. 850, P =0.024). There is no correlation between menopause age and prognosis of stroke. Conclusions Duration of reproductive period is a predictor for prognosis of ischemic stroke. Patients with longer reproductive period have better prognosis.

The crude extracts of the fermentation broth from a marine sediment-derived actinomycete strain, Saccharothrix sp. 10-10, showed significant antibacterial activities against drug-resistant pathogens. A genome-mining PCR-based experiment targeting the genes encoding key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites indicated that the strain 10-10 showed the potential to produce tetracenomycin-like compounds. Further chemical investigation of the cultures of this strain led to the identification of two antibiotics, including a tetracenomycin (Tcm) analogs, Tcm X (1), and a tomaymycin derivative, oxotomaymycin (2). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data analysis, including UV, 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and MS spectra. Tcm X (1) showed moderate antibacterial activities against a number of drug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pathogens, with the MIC values in the range of 32-64 microg x mL(-1). In addition, 1 also displayed significant cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines, including HL60 (leukemia), HepG2 (liver), and MCF-7 (breast) with the IC 50 values of 5.1, 9.7 and 18.0 micromol x L(-1), respectively. Guided by the PCR-based gene sequence analysis, Tcm X (1) and oxotomaymycin (2) were identified from the genus of Saccharothrix and their 13C NMR data were correctly assigned on the basis of 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis for the first time.
Actinomycetales ; chemistry ; genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Benzodiazepinones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Data Mining ; methods ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Enterococcus faecalis ; drug effects ; Fermentation ; Genomics ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Marine Biology ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Molecular Structure ; Naphthacenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Phylogeny ; Staphylococcus epidermidis ; drug effects

BACKGROUNDRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has been established as an effective and curative therapy for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and severely symptomatic premature ventricular contraction (PVC) from the outflow tract in structurally normal hearts. This study aimed to investigate electrophysiologic characteristics and effects of RFCA for patients with idiopathic VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus.

METHODSCharacteristics of body surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and endocardiogram in a successful RFCA target were analyzed in 16 patients with idiopathic VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus. Additionally, the ECG characteristics of VT or PVC were compared with those of manifest Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome originating from the same site of origin in 15 patients.

RESULTSThirteen patients were successful, 2 recurrent and 1 failed. The recurrent cases underwent successful ablation the second time guided by the Ensite 3000 mapping system. In all patients with the WPW syndrome, the characteristics of QRS morphology were well matched with those of the VT and PVC that originated from corresponding sites of origin.

CONCLUSIONSRFCA is an effective curative therapy for VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus. There are specific characteristics in ECG and the ablation site could be located by means of the WPW syndrome accessory pathway's algorithm.

Adult ; Aged ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ventricular Premature Complexes ; physiopathology ; surgery

Dioscin has a wide range of biological effects and broad application prospects. However the studies concerning the toxicology and mechanism of dioscin is small. This article is to study the hepatotoxicity of dioscin and the effect of dioscin treatment on expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mRNA and CYP1A mRNA and protein in HepG2 cells in vitro. Dioscin 0.5-32 µmol · L(-1) exposed to HepG2 cells for 12 h, cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay and the release rate of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was to evaluate cell membrane damage. HepG2 cells morphologic changes were quantified by inverted Microscope, and the effect on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of CYP1A and AhR was evaluated by RT-RCR. The protein expression of CYP1A1 was detected by western blot. The cell viability was significantly inhibited after HepG2 cells were exposed to dioscin 0.5-32 µmol · L(-1). Compared with the control, the LDH release rate and ROS were significantly increased. The expression of CYPlA and AhR mRNA was increased. The expression of CYP1Al protein was increased after dioscin treatment, and resveratrol, an AhR antagonist, could downregulate the expression of CYP1A1. It follows that large doses dioscin has potential hepatotoxicity. The possible mechanism may be dioscin can active aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and induce the expression of CYP1A.
Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; etiology ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; genetics ; Diosgenin ; analogs & derivatives ; toxicity ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; secretion ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon ; genetics

To research the effect of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata compatibility on cardiac toxicity in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and explore the endogenous markers and molecule mechanism. Different compatibility of Shenfu decoction were given to male Wistar rats at dosage of 20 g · kg(-1) for 7 days, collected the serum, and analyze the endogenous metabolites effected by Shenfu formulation by principal component analysis and partial least-squares analysis. Results showed that content of glutathione, phosphatidylcholine and citric acid decreased in mixed-decoction group, while ascorbic acid, uric acid, D-galactose, tryptophan, L-phenylalanine increased. The results showed cardiac toxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in Shenfu mixed-decoction. Shenfu co-decoction group showed a similar or weaker trend compared with control group, but most of them do not have a statistically significant. The results indicated the scientific basis of Shenfu compatibility by comparison of co-decoction group with mixed-decoction group. Shenfu compatibility can reduce cardiac toxicity induced by Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, and citric acid, glutathione, phosphatidyl choline, uric acid might be regarded as potential markers of cardiotoxicity.
Animals ; Biomarkers ; Cardiotoxicity ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Glutathione ; blood ; Least-Squares Analysis ; Male ; Metabolomics ; methods ; Principal Component Analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective: To investigate the effects of mono-carbonyl analogues of curcumin (L6H21) on paraquat (PQ) -induced injury in HK-2 cell line and explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cultured HK-2 cells were challenged by PQ with or without L6H21 treatment. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Gene expressions and protein levels of apoptotic and inflammatory factors were assessed by RT-PCR, ELISA, and western blot. Intracellular ROS production was detected by DCFH-DA staining. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined by chemical colorimetry. Results: 1) PQ challenge significantly inhibited HK-2 cells proliferation, which was prevented by L6H21 administration. PQ dramatically induced HK-2 apoptosis evidenced by increasing expressions of caspase-9, caspase-3 and Bax, while decreasing Bcl-2 level. However, PQ induced these apoptotic effects in HK-2 cells were reversed by L6H21. Similarly, PQ exposure obviously enhanced activity of NF-κB and levels of cytokines (TNF-α、IL-6) in HK-2 cells, which was inhibited by L6H21. Furthermore, administration of L6H21 inhibited PQ induced ROS and MDA production, and promoted SOD level in HK-2 cells. Conclusion L6H21 administration inhibits PQ-induced apoptosis in HK-2 cells possibly by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage.

AIMTo study the lignan glycosides from the roots of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium. Chromatography methods was used to isolate compounds and chemical and spectral methods were used to identify the structures of isolated compounds.

RESULTSTwo lignan glycosides were isolated from the roots of B. scorzonerifolium and their structures were identified as 2, 3-E-2,3-dihydro-2-(3'-methoxy-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-5-(3"-hydroxypropenyl )-7-methoxy-1-benzo [b] furan (1) and 2, 3-E-2, 3-dihydro-2-( 3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-5-( 3"-hydroxypropenyl)-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1-benzo[b]furan (2), both of them which were the mixture of (+)2S,3R- and (-)2R,3S-type diastereoisomer and in both of them the amount of (+)2S,3R-type was a little more than that of the (-)2R,3S-type.

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1 and 2 were isolated from B. scorzonerifolium for the first time. (+)2S, 3R-2, 3-Dihydro-2-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-hydroxymethyl-5-(3"-hydroxypropenyl)-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1-benzo[b] furan is a new compound.

Bupleurum ; chemistry ; Glycosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lignans ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Conformation ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of B7-H3 mRNA and B7-H3 protein in gastric carcinoma and their clinical significance.

METHODSThe expression of B7-H3 mRNA and B7-H3 protein in gastric carcinoma and the nearby normal tissue of 38 patients was detected by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay respectively.

RESULTSB7-H3 mRNA was expressed both in gastric carcinoma and nearby normal tissue, but the expression level in gastric carcinoma was much lower than that in nearby normal tissue. There were no significant differences of B7-H3 mRNA expression among gender, age, histological type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and invasive depth (all P >0.05). The positive rate of B7-H3 protein expressed in gastric carcinoma was 39.5%. There were no significant differences of B7-H3 protein expression among gender, age, histological type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and invasive depth (all P >0.05), but there were significant differences among groups of clinical stage (P=0.022) and pathological grade (P=0.039). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that disease-free survival or overall survival of the patients with positive B7-H3 expression were significantly longer than those with negative B7-H3 expression (P=0.009 and P=0.010 respectively).

CONCLUSIONDetection of B7-H3 expression in gastric carcinoma will be beneficial to the judgment of the prognosis of gastric carcinoma and the choice of individualized treatment.

Antigens, CD ; genetics ; metabolism ; B7 Antigens ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptors, Immunologic ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology