OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of irradiation on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.

METHODSMC3T3-E1 cells were irradiated 24 h after initial seeding. Gamma-radiation was administered at 0, 4, and 8 Gy as single doses by using a 60Co source. Cell proliferation was assessed at days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-irradiation by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte-trazolium bromide assay. The collagen secretion of the cells was measured through sirius red staining at day 12 post-irradiation. The expressions of osteogenesis-related genes were assessed through real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction at day 16 post-irradiation. The matrix mineralization caused by cells was evaluated through alizarin red staining at day 28 post-irradiation.

RESULTSThe cells exposed to 4 Gy or 8 Gy demonstrated significantly lower proliferation rates compared with the non-irradiated group. Doses of 4 Gy or more significantly inhibited the expressions of osteogenesis-related genes (Osterix and osteocalcin). Collagen secretion and cell mineralization were significantly reduced by the 8 Gy dose.

CONCLUSION60Co gamma-rays dose-dependently suppress the proliferation, collagen secretion, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, radiation seems to dose-dependently inhibit the expressions of osteogenesis-related genes of the cells.

Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis

OBJECTIVETo research the effect of icariin (ICA) on the proliferation and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to study its influence on the expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in the progress of BMSCs differentiating into osteoblast, for providing an experimental evidence to explain the mechanism of ICA, also for exploring the feasibility of establishing a platform upon TGF-beta, and BMP-2 to screen out the medicine in preventing and treating osteoporosis.

METHODSAfter the most effective concentration of ICA for promoting the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblast was judged with the indices like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), etc., a grouped experiment was conducted for the sake of studying the effect and mechanism of ICA in its process of inducing BMSCs differentiation into osteoblast through detecting expression of ALP and calcium nodes, as well as the expressions of TGF-beta1, and BMP-2 with ELISA.

RESULTSThe most effective concentration of the ICA on the BMSCs differentiation was judged as 1 x 10(-9) mol/L, ICA of that concentration showed effects in enhancing the expressions of osteoblast-indices and increasing the secretion of TGF-beta1, and BMP-2. Besides, the increase of TGF-beta1, and BMP-2 was revealed in all the groups, in which ICA showed its influence visibly.

CONCLUSIONICA could promote the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblast; the up-regulation of TGF-beta1, and BMP-2 expressions is possibly one of the action mechanisms of various interventional drugs in their differentiation promoting progress.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; Rabbits ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation

Seven acylated triterpene saponins were isolated from the roots of Securidaca inappendiculata by means of various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel, MPLC, preparative HPLC, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified as securioside A(1), securioside B(2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(3), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3) ] -4-O-[(E/Z)-3, 4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(3/4), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-4-O-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(5), polygalasa- ponin XLV(6), and polygalasaponin XLVI (7) on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis and physicochemical properties. Among them, compounds 5-7 were isolated from the plants in genus Securidaca for the first time and compounds 3, 3/4 were isolated from the species for the first time. The cytotoxicity assay showed that compounds 2, 3/4, 5 have moderate cytotoxic activities against Lewis lung carcinoma LLC cells with IC50 values of 41.10, 38.17, and 48.92 µmol · L(-1), respectively; compound 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 47.93 µmol · L(-1).
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Securidaca ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo establish an ion chromatography (IC) method for determination of ammonia in air of workplace.

METHODSAmmonia in workplace air was collected in silica gel tube, desorbed with 10 mmol/L methanesulfonic acid by ultrasonic for 10 min, determined by IC.

RESULTSThe linearity range was 0.02-1.00 microg/ml. The linear equation was Y = 12041X-187 (r = 0.9997). The limit of quantification was 0.13 mg/m3 (the air volume was 1.5 L). Collection efficiency was 100%. Extraction efficiency was 99%. The relative standard deviation was 4.2%-6.3%. The penetration capacity was more than 264 microg. Sample could be stored for 14 days at least by ambient storage.

CONCLUSIONThis method is convenient, applicable and sensitive, suitable to determinate ammonia in air of workplace.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Ammonia ; analysis ; Chromatography, Gas ; methods ; Specimen Handling ; Workplace

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex of type 2 diabetic rats with cognitive impairment (CI), and to explore the mechanism of EA in improving the learning and memory abilities. Methods: A total of 100 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group (n=10) and a model group (n=90) by random number table method. Rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of streptozotocin (STZ) to establish the type 2 diabetic models, after being fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 1 month. Twenty CI rats were selected from the 50 successful model rats by the Morris water maze (MWM) test and randomly divided into a model group and an EA group according to the blood glucose level and MWM data (n=10). Rats in the EA group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44) and Yishu (Extra), of which Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) were stimulated by EA apparatus, 20 min/time, once a day for 6 d a week and 4 consecutive weeks. The rats in the model and the normal groups were fixed without treatment. After 4-week treatment, the random blood glucose level of the rats was measured; the learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by MWM; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect apoptotic cells; Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the protein and gene expressions of Bax, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in cerebral cortex. Results: After modeling, the random blood glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased, and the number of crossing the platform tested by the MWM was decreased in the EA and model groups, and were significantly different from those in the normal group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the differences between the model group and the EA group were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). After 4-week treatment, the random glucose level and the escape latency tested by MWM were significantly increased (both P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by the MWM was significantly reduced (P<0.01), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly reduced (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.001) in the model group than in the normal group; the random blood glucose level was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the escape latency tested by MWM was significantly shortened (P<0.05), and the number of crossing the original platform tested by MWM was significantly increased (P<0.05), the protein and gene expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly reduced (all P<0.001), the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (both P<0.001), and the number of neuron apoptosis was significantly reduced (P<0.001) in the EA group than in the model group. Conclusion: EA can improve the learning and memory damages induced by type 2 diabetic model rats with CI; the action mechanism may be achieved via anti-apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate surgical procedure and clinical effects for the treatment of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) with arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation.

METHODSTotally 156 patients with PFOA (62 males and 94 females; aged from 45 to 61 years old with an average of 52) were treated from September 2011 and March 2013. The clinical manifestations included recurrent swelling and pains on knee-joint,and aggravated pains upon going up/down-stairs, squatting-down, or standing-up. PFOAs were treated with arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation. The therapeutic effects before and after surgery were evaluated by Lysholm scores and Kujala scores. The therapeutic effects were graded by classification of cartilage injury degrees.

RESULTSTotally 149 cases were successfully followed up for 14.8 months. The incisions were healed well and no complication were occurred. Lysholm score was improved from 73.29 preoperatively to 80.93 postoperatively and average Kajala score from 68.34 preoperatively to 76.48 after surgery. This procedure was highly effective for patients with I - III degree cartilage injury, while not for patients with IV degree cartilage injury.

CONCLUSIONFor PFOA patients, arthroscopic patelloplasty and circumpatellar denervation is effective for significantly relieving anterior knee pains, improving knee-joint functions and quality of life, and deferring arthritic procession.

Arthroscopy ; Denervation ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; innervation ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of probiotics on the treatment outcomes of ulcerative colitis, and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSAccording to the table of random number, 60 ulcerative colitis patients in our hospital were enrolled prospectively and divided into 3 groups: Golden Bifid group, Changmei group, combination group (Golden+ Changmei). Patients in Golden Bifid group received Golden Bifid 2.0 g, bid, those in Changmei group received Changmei 1.0 g, tid, and those in combination group received the above two drugs for 24 months. The clinical symptom score, colon mucosa inflammation score and endoscopic grade score were calculated and compared. IL-10 in mucosa and serum was determined by immunohistochemistry and double-antibody sandwich ELISA.

RESULTSIn combined group after 24 months of treatment, clinical symptom score (12.5±2.1 vs. 2.3±0.8, P=0.016), endoscopic classification score (3.02±0.17 vs. 0.25±0.13, P=0.032), inflammatory reaction score (2.63±0.19 vs. 0.77±0.16, P=0.028) were significantly higher than those before treatment. While the scores differences of before and after treatment in Gold Bifid group and Changmei group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). IL-10 in serum [(17.4±2.2) ng/L vs. (12.8±2.2) ng/L, P=0.015] and colon mucosa [85% (17/20) vs. 55% (11/20), P=0.026] in combination group were significantly higher than those before treatment. The differences in IL-10 expression level before and after treatment were not statistically significant in the Gold Bifid group and Changmei group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONGolden Bifid combined with Changmei as microbial ecological agents has a positive efficacy on mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, which may be associated with the up-regulation of IL-10 expression.

Adult ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; blood ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Probiotics ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the response of surgical stress during perioperative period.

METHODSFrom July 2005 to June 2006, 30 SD rats with the same age were distributed into 3 experimental groups and 1 control group randomly. Each experimental group included 8 rats, and the control group included 6 rats. The rats in experimental groups received intravenous infusion of cyclophosphamide, while the rats in control group received IV infusion of normal sodium. The blood of rats from experimental groups was taken 30 min before and during the stimulation of abdominal surgery which was given at the end of the first, the second and the third week after receiving IV infusion cyclophosphamide. Then the plasma concentration of noradrenaline was measured respectively.

RESULTSThe IV infusion of cyclophosphamide before operation could greatly improve the plasma level of norepinephrine, and it reached peak at the end of the second week. When surgeries were given at that time, the stress response became much more seriously. The response induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy disappeared 3 weeks later.

CONCLUSIONSNeoadjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide can induce significant stress response which is characterized by the increase of plasma level of norepinephrine. It indicates that the best time of surgery for patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide is 2 weeks later.

Animals ; Catecholamines ; blood ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Male ; Perioperative Care ; adverse effects ; methods ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stress, Physiological ; etiology

The organ-system-centered medical integrated teaching mode has become the trend of modern medical education. This model combines basic medicine with clinical medicine closely. It has been widely conducted domestically and abroad for training qualified clinicians as the main task. This paper summarized the experience of integrated curriculum reform of the digestive system in Chongqing Medical University, analyzed the performance of students involved in curriculum reform, explored the problems in the curriculum reform combined with the actual situation of Chongqing Medical University, and investigated possible solutions to accumulate the experience for further deepening the integrated curriculum reform.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical characteristics of childhood Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) on the Tibetan Plateau, China.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-five HSP children admitted to Shannan People's Hospital, Tibet, were assigned to the observation group, and 96 HSP children admitted to Wuhan Children's Hospital were assigned to the control group. The disease characteristics, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis in both groups were retrospectively analyzed and compared.

RESULTSThe mean age of HSP onset and the female-to-male ratio in the observation group were both significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in seasonal onset between two groups. Significant differences in the etiological factors were observed between the two groups (P<0.05). The gastrointestinal manifestation was more prominent in the observation group compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). Laboratory findings showed that the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate, counts of white blood cells and platelets, and percentage of neutrophil leucocytes were significantly lower, while the hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). A total of 124 HSP patients (99.2%) in the observation group had a full recovery or improvement, and the overall cure rate and improvement rate showed no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Only 2.4% of the patients (3 cases) in the observation group had recurrent attack during follow-up, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (16.7%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSChildhood HSP on the Tibetan Plateau shows partial differences in disease characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory measurements compared with that in the plain area. The overall prognosis is better and the recurrent rate is lower among HSP children on the Tibetan Plateau.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Tibet