Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by tissue scars and can occur in many organs of the human body. Organ fibrosis is manifested by increased fibrous connective tissue and reduced parenchymal cells in organ tissues, which can lead to destruction of organ structures and reduced function, which seriously endangers human health. Current strategies for treating organ fibrosis include: blocking the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway, anti-inflammatory, regulating the sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine-1-phosphate (SK1/S1P) signaling pathway, antagonizing vasoactive peptide receptors, enzyme inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of cellular signaling pathway, regulation of metabolic pathways, and mesenchymal stem cell therapy. In the review, the treatment strategies for organ fibrosis and the latest developments in the research of anti-organ fibrosis drugs are summarized to provide a reference for the development of anti-organ fibrosis drugs.

Objective To analyze recent 30 years’ regularities in point selection for acupuncture treatment of Parkinson disease and provide reference for its treatment. Methods Parkinson disease, parkinsonism and acupuncture were used as key words. Recent 30 years’ Chinese literature was searched using Wanfang, CNKI, VIP and Chinese biomedical literature database. Selection of main acupoints and scalp acupuncture points, syndrome differentiation-based point selection and meridian tropism of main acupoints were metrologically studied. Results The Du meridian, the large intestine meridian and the gallbladder meridian were mainly selected for acupuncture treatment of Parkinson disease. Taichong(LR3), Baihui(GV20), Hegu(LI4) and Fengchi(GB20) were used as main points. Chorea-tremor control area, motor area and parietotemporal anterior oblique line were often selected as main scalp acupuncture points. Fenglong (ST40), Qihai(CV6), Sanyinjiao(SP6), Yinlingquan(SP9) and Zusanli(ST36) were often used according to syndrome differentiation-based point selection. Conclusion Modern acupuncture doctors select Taichong(LR3), Baihui(GV20), Hegu(LI4) and Fengchi(GB20) as main points, often use scalp acupuncture points and combine points mainly from the Du meridian according to syndrome differentiation in the treatment of Parkinson disease.

Objective To establish an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)model with endo- cerebrovascular peroration.Method The right external carotid artery of SD rats were isolated,leaving a stump of approximately 3 to 4 mm.A-3-O monofilament nylon suture was inserted up through the stump of external carotid artery to the internal carotid artery for about 18～19 mm.A small resistance was usually felt,and the suture was then advanced 2 mm further and the suture was immediately withdrawn.Two hours or two days after SAH induction,SAH extension was observed.Two days after SAH induction,the diameter of the basilar artery was measured.Results SAH extends from the ipsilateral artery to the eontralateral artery after SAH induction.The diameters of basilar arteries in SAH animals were smaller than those of control rats,indicating the present of cerebrovascular spasm in SAH animals.Conclusions The endo-cerebrovascular perforation technique for establishing a non-craniotomy SAH model is reliable.

Objective To study the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the effect of SB203580 on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and the effects of H2S on expressions of collagenⅠand collagenⅢmRNA in hepatic stel-late cells. Methods There were five groups of HSC-T6 cells in this study including control group (DMEM medium contain-ing10%fetal bovine serum), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)group,SB203580 (SB)group and SB+NaHS group. MTT method was used to detect the cell proliferation and inhibition rate of HSC-T6 cells treated by SB203580 and H2S. The apoptotic rate of HSC-T6 cells was detected by flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of collagenⅠand collagenⅢmRNA in HSC-T6. Results The apop-totic rate of HSC-T6 cells was significantly higher in SB group and SB+NaHS group than that of control group, and the rate was significantly higher in SB+NaHS group than that of SB group (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the apop-totic rate of HSC-T6 cells between DMSO and NaHS groups than that of control group. The expressions of collagenⅠand col-lagenⅢmRNA were found in five groups of cells. There was a higher expression of collagenⅠand collagenⅢmRNA in NaHS group than that of control group (P＜0.05). The expressions of collagenⅠand collagenⅢmRNA were significantly lower in SB group and SB+NaHS group than those of control group and NaHS group (P＜0.05). Conclusion H2S activated P38MAPK signal pathway. And P38MAPK was specifically blocked by SB203580 in HSC-T6 cells, which inhibited the cell proliferation stimulated by H2S and promoted the apoptosis.

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the treatment of odontoid fractures using percutaneous and open anterior screw fixation,and compare the clinical and radiographic results of the two techniques.MethodsFrom March 2003 to May 2010,115 patients with odontoid fracture were treated with anterior screw fixation,and all patients were followed up.The mean age of the patients was 43.5 years (range,16-71).Forty-seven patients who underwent percutaneous anterior screw fixation were set as the percutaneous fixation group,including 42 cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 5 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.Sixtyeight patients who received open anterior screw fixation were set as the open fixation group,composing of 61cases of type Ⅱ odontoid fracture and 7 of rostral type Ⅲ fracture.We compared the operative time,intraoperative blood loss,X-ray exposure time,fracture union and complications between the two groups.Results The average follow-up duration was 37.6 months with a range of 12-70 months.The gender,age,classification of odontoid fractures,time after the injuries and concomitant spinal injuries showed a similar pattern in both groups.The operating time and intra-operative blood loss in percutaneous fixation group were (40.3±9.5)min and (5.6±4.1) ml respectively,and in open fixation group were (62.9±15.3) min and (47.1±28.6) ml respectively,both of them were significantly superior in percutaneous fixation group than in open fixation group (P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in radiation exposure time,fracture union and incidence of complication between the two groups.ConclusionComparing with open screw fixation,percutaneous anterior screw fixation is a safe and reliable procedure for treatment of type Ⅱ and rostral type Ⅲ odontoid fractures with potential advantages.

Cell Proliferation ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Glioma ; pathology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; pathology ; Humans ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism

Glycoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Herpesviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Viral Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

This study aimed to construct the dual expression vectors of wide type or N187D mutant P2X7 receptor and intracellular domain of Notch1 (ICN1) linked by 2A peptide to coexpress them in leukemia cells so as to lay a foundation for further investigating the role of P2X7 in development of leukemia. Overlap PCR was used to construct the dual expression vectors encoding wide type or N187D mutant type P2X7 receptor and ICN1 linked by the self-cleaving 2A sequence. The results showed that stable expressing cell lines were obtained by retroviral infection followed by cell sorting after DNA sequence analysis. RT-PCR, Western blot, intracellular free calcium concentration analysis were used to verify the functionally successful construction of K562 cell line expressing P2X7 receptor alone or with ICN1. DNA sequence analysis revealed that all construction were right. The infection efficiency of packaged constructed virus ranged from 40% to 70% for K562 cells. Stable infected cell line was obtained by cell sorting. RT-PCR analysis revealed that P2X7 receptor and/or ICN1 could be detected at high level in their stable infected cell lines, respectively. Western blot analysis also showed that P2X7 receptor was highly expressed in cell line infected by virus with P2X7 receptor. Sustained increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) could be observed in K562 cells overexpressing either type of P2X7 receptor upon stimulation with BzATP. It is concluded that the wide type or N187D mutant P2X7 receptor and ICN1 are simultaneously and functionally over-express in leukemia cells, which lay a foundation for further studying the role of P2X7 receptor in the development of leukemia.
Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptor, Notch1 ; genetics ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X7 ; genetics ; Retroviridae ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression characteristics of the gene of coiled-coil domain-containing protein 70 (Ccdc70) in the mouse testis and its potential role in spermatogenesis.

METHODSUsing expression profile microarray, we screened the mouse testis-specific gene Ccdc70, studied its expression characteristics in the mouse testis by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, followed by bioinformatic analysis of the Ccdc70 protein.

RESULTSThe Ccdc70 gene was expressed highly in the testis but lowly in the epididymis of the mice. The Ccdc70 protein was expressed mainly in the spermatocytes and round spermatids of the testis and in the epithelial cells of the epididymis. Bioinformatic analysis showed a structural domain in the Ccdc70 protein, which was highly conserved in mammalian evolution.

CONCLUSIONThe Ccdc70 gene is highly expressed in the mouse testis and mainly in the spermatocytes, round spermatids, and epididymal epithelial cells, which indicates that it is involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation.

Animals ; Computational Biology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Male ; Mice ; Proteins ; genetics ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics ; Testis ; metabolism