OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and mechanisms of luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (LGU) on oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes injury. METH-ODS The protective effect of LGU on OGD-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes death were investigated by MTT assay. The microfilament change of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by phalloidin staining and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate was also detected by LDH kit. In order to explore the possible mechanisms of LGU, ATP content, intracellular Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentra-tion, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)and the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by ATP kit,CLSM(Fluo-3/AM probe),Ca2+kit,CLSM(JC-1 probe)and western blotting meth-od, respectively. RESULTS The inhibition of H9C2 cardiomyocyte survival rate inducedby OGD was improvedby pretreated with LGU in a concentrationdependent manner. The microfilaments injury as well as the increase of LDH leakage rate were also improvedby pretreated with LGU.The ATP content was significantly decreased,intracellular Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentration were significantly increased and the MMP was significantly decreased 4 hafter OGD. LGU significantly reversed the de-crease of intracellular ATP content,the increase of Ca2+fluorescent intensity and concentration and the decrease of MMP.The release of cytochrome C,the expressionsof caspase-9 and caspase-3 in H9C2 cardiomyocytes were increased 16 h after OGD.LGUsignificantly inhibited the changes of these apop-tosis-related proteins. CONCLUSION LGU has a significant protective effect against OGD-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes injury through inhibiting calcium overload,increasing ATP content,improving mi-tochondrial function and inhibiting apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical significance of serum free light chain (sFLC) levels in nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM).

METHODSNine NSMM patients were hospitalized in our department from Feb 2002 to Sep 2006 and no M-components was found in their serum and urine by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). sFLC was assayed by immuno-nephelometry. The clonality of sFLC was estimated by serum kappa:lambda sFLC ratio. Meanwhile, serum immunoglobulin, total kappa and lambda light chain level were also determined in these patients.

RESULTSIncreased serum concentrations of either kappa or lambda sFLC (and abnormal kappa/lambda ratios) were detected in 6 of 9 patients with NSMM although their serum immunoglobulin levels were not elevated and total kappa:lambda light chain ratios (1.32 - 2.20) were in the reference range. All the 9 patients had clonal IgH gene rearrangements.

CONCLUSIONQuantification of sFLC by immuno-nephelometry is more sensitive than that of serum total light chain measurement and is helpful in estimating the clonality of the light chain in patients with NSMM.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light Chains ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; blood ; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical and laboratory features and risk factors of multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary disease (EM) and its extraosseous localizations at diagnosis and during the course of MM.

METHODSThe clinical features, survival rate and prognostic factors were retrospectively analyzed in 40 patients having EM from a total of 418 MM patients hospitalized in Changzheng Hospital from 1993 to 2006.

RESULTSAmong the 40 patients, the first three localizations of EM involved soft tissue, pleura or peritoneum and central nervous system (CNS). Median duration of follow-up was 30 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 28 months. Twenty-five patients (6%) were found to have EM at diagnosis (group A), and their median OS was 16 months and 15 patients (3.6%) developed EM during the course of the disease (group B), and their expected median OS was 72 months. There was a significant difference between group A and B (P = 0.0045) for OS. Compared with those in group A, patients in group B had a higher percentage of plasmacytes (P = 0.022) and plasmablasts (P = 0.029) in bone marrow, and less advanced stage for international staging system (ISS) (P = 0.027). Log-rank univariate analysis showed that higher CRP level, higher serum LDH, Stage II and III for ISS, Hb < 110 g/L at diagnosis were poor prognostic factors. However, multivariate analysis with COX model showed none of them were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONEM tumors are not a rare manifestation of MM. Soft tissue in the commonest area involved. Higher serum CRP and LDH level, more advanced stage for ISS, anemia and having EM are poor prognostic factors of MM.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; complications ; pathology ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the contour of articular eminence and traces of the condylar kinematic center during jaw opening movement in healthy subjects, and compare trace characteristics of condylar kinematic center and MRI findings in TMD patients.

METHODSIn 10 healthy subjects, jaw-opening motion was recorded. The kinematic center and terminal hinge axis point of the condyle were used as trace reference points. The contour of articular eminence was examined by MRI. Seven patients with TMD signs and/or symptoms (disk displacement) were selected for this study. The condylar trace was recorded during jaw protrusion and opening-closing. The internal derangement in temporomandibular joints was detected by MRI and defined as: (1). normal disk position, (2). disk displacement with reduction, (3). disk displacement without reduction.

RESULTSIn healthy subjects, most of the opening traces of the kinematic center coincided with the contour of articular eminence (8/10 joints in left, 9/10 joints in right). For terminal hinge axis point, no trace coincided with the contour of articular eminence (0/20 joints in left and right). In TMD patients, according to MRI findings, the condylar traces of kinematic center in 3 normal disk position joints showed normal shape. However, in 6 disk displacements with reduction joints and 5 disk displacement without reduction joints, the condylar traces of kinematic center showed irregular patterns except 1 disk displacement with reduction joint.

CONCLUSIONSIn comparison with the terminal hinge axis point, the opening traces of the kinematic center can be interpreted as the translatory movement of the condyle/disc along the articular eminence. The study suggests the use of kinematic center in condylar movement studies.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mandibular Condyle ; physiology ; Temporomandibular Joint ; physiology ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ; physiopathology

To detect levels of platelet glycoprotein-specific autoantibody in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), chronic aplastic anemia (CAA), hematologic malignancies and healthy volunteers, and evaluate the clinical significance of platelet glycoprotein-specific autoantibody level in diagnosis for ITP, anti-GPIb/IX, anti-GPIIb/IIIa, anti-GPIV and anti-GPV auto-antibodies were detected contemporaneously by a modified monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigen assay (modified MAIPA). The results showed that the total positive rate of antibodies against platelet GPIb/IX, GPIIb/IIIa, GPIV, GPV were 69.99%, 10%, 20% and 0% in ITP, CAA, hematologic malignancy group and healthy volunteers respectively. There was significant difference between ITP and CAA (chi(2) = 20.71, P < 0.005), between ITP and hematologic malignancy group (chi(2) = 12.22, P < 0. 005). There was no positive finding in the healthy control. It is concluded that platelet glycoprotein-specific autoantibody has high value for the diagnosis of ITP,many kinds of antibodies detection at one time can enhance sensitivity, MAIPA is a specific assay for the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

The latest research progress on quantitative determination methods of main active components-lignans from Schisandra chinensis and its preparations has been summarized, such as spectrophotometry, thin-layer chromatography scanning, high performance liquid chromatograpy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary electrochromatography. The characteristics and application areas of every analytical method have also been stated. It offers reference on quality control of crude drug and its preparations of S. chinensis.
Capsules ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Lignans ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Schisandra ; chemistry

Objective To explore the effect of transplantation of neural stem cells(NSCs)pretreated with brain-derived neurotrophic fac-tor(BDNF)on acute ischemic stroke in mice.Methods NSCs from a newborn(one day)C57BL/6 mouse were isolated and cultured in vi-tro.A total of 150 healthy C57BL/6 mice,ten-week-old,were randomly divided into five groups,that group A accepted sham operation,and groups B,C,D and E were subjected to focal ischemia by photothrombosis.Group D was transplanted NSCs 24 hours after ischemia,while group E transplanted NSCs pretreated with BDNF and group C accepted same volume of medium.All the groups were tested with rotarod test and grip strength one day before transplantation and three,seven,14,21 and 28 days after transplantation.The differentiation of NSCs in groups D and E were observed immunofluorescence staining of microtubule-associated protein-2(MAP-2)and glial fibrillary acidic pro-tein(GFAP).Results The time on rotarod arranged from more to less was groups E,D and B(P<0.05)three,seven,14,21 and 28 days after transplantation,as well as grip strength 14,21 and 28 days after transplantation(P<0.05).The Edu/GFAP positive cells and Edu/MAP-2 pos-itive cells were found in both groups D and E.Conclusion Transplanting NSCs can promote the behavioral recovery after ischemic stroke, and it is more effective as pretreated with BDNF.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of internal fixation with absorbable pins on treatment of displaced radial head fractures.

METHODSFrom May 1999 to May 2004, 16 patients with displaced radial head fractures (Mason types II and III) were treated with internal fixation by absorbable pins. The duration of follow-up averaged 22.6 months (12-58 months). The outcome was assessed on the basis of elbow motion, radiographic findings and the functional rating score delineated by Broberg and Morrey.

RESULTSAll fractures healed within 10 months without avascular necrosis of radial head. The mean elbow flexion loss was 15 degrees (0 degrees-35 degrees), and pronation and supination decreased by 10 degrees (0 degrees-30 degrees) on average compared with those of the contralateral elbow. Five patients had an excellent result, 6 a good result, and 3 a fair result according to the criteria of Borberg and Morrey.

CONCLUSIONSInternal fixation with absorbable pins is an effective method in treating displaced radial head fractures. It can maintain the biomechanical stability of forearm, improve the elbow function and avoid second operation.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Design ; Radius ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of mitochondrial gene A3243G mutation in diabetic pedigrees.

METHODSNineteen suspected mitochondrial DNA diabetic family members from three families were recruited. The gene fragment was amplified by PCR, and mutation was detected by direct sequencing.

RESULTSIn three pedigrees, the three probands and their mothers were found carrying the most common nt3243A>G mutation. Most of diabetic patients in these families were deaf and diabetes was developed at early age, characterized by impaired beta cell function and low body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSIONThe mitochondrial gene A3243G mutation may cause diabetes mellitus and deaf.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Base Sequence ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Deafness ; complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; RNA, Transfer, Leu ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo clone an A3IP gene and investigate its cellular and histological localization based on previous research which has identified part of A3IP sequence interacting with carboxyl-terminal of ataxin-3.

METHODSBioinformatic and Northern blotting were applied to clone the A3IP gene and detect the expression of its transcripts in various human tissues and brain regions. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were applied to detect expression of A3IP protein in cultured cells. Immunohistochemistry staining was applied to study the expression of A3IP protein in various human tissues and brain regions.

RESULTScDNA cloning of A3IP gene's reading frame and its sequence assembly were completed. Three transcripts (1 kb, 1.35 kb and 6 kb, respectively) of A3IP were found to express in various human tissues and brain regions. A3IP pEGFP expresses in cytoplasm of cultured COS-7 cells and various human tissues and brain regions including cerebral cortex, cerebellum, muscle, peripheral nerve, liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONThe cloned A3IP gene encodes A3IP, a novel ataxin-3 interacting protein. Three transcripts of A3IP are expressed in various human tissues and brain regions. A3IP is a cytosolic protein.

Ataxin-3 ; Base Sequence ; Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Protein Transport ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism