Objective To investigate the relationship between fibrosis and M2 macrophages in endometriosis. Methods BALB/c mice model of endometriosis was established by intraperitoneal injection. The growth of ectopic lesions in mice was observed on the 7th,14th and 21th day after modeling. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of fibrosis and immunohistochemical method to detect the expression of CD206 and CD68 of mice. Image-Pro-Plus 6.0 was used for semi quantitative analysis of staining and the correlation between the degree of fibrosis and the expression of M2 macrophages was explored. Results The success rate of the establishment of endometriosis model by intraperitoneal injection was 100%. There was a positive correlation between fibrosis and the expression of M2 macrophages in endometriosis mice model. Conclusions The mice model of endometriosis can be established successfully by intraperitoneal injection and M2macrophages may promote fibrosis in endometriosis.

Objective To confirm the interference effect of heparin lithium on turbidimetry method for detecting total protein , and to conduct performance evaluation of it .Methods Eight different concentrations of total protein urine specimen with and with ‐out heparin lithium were detected respectively ,to confirm the interference of heparin lithium on the experiment .Adding different concentration of heparin lithium solution to the prepared total protein samples with concentration of 0 .172 ,0 .427 g/L(a series of interference experiment samples ,with heparin lithium concentrations of 0 .000 ,0 .025 ,0 .030 ,0 .035 ,0 .040 ,0 .045 ,0 .050 mg/L ) , repeat four times detection ,and then conduct the dose‐effect experiment of interference .Results The biggest bias of the testing re‐sults in the two paired samples was 159 .37% ,the mini‐bias was 11 .37% ,the difference of the results in two groups was statistical significant(t= 17 .24 ,P< 0 .05) .95% confidence interval of the interference effect in the total protein samples with concentration of 0 .172 g/L was 0 .034 ~ 0 .062 ,while in the total protein samples with concentration of 0 .427 g/L was 0 .043 - 0 .053 .When the heparin lithium were 0 .025 mg/mL and 0 .050 mg/mL respectively ,the results of bias of the total protein samples with concentra‐tion of 0 .172 g/L were 27 .33% ,58 .14% respectively .But in the 0 .427 g/L total protein samples ,the results of bias were 11 .24% 、18 .74% respectively .Dose effect of interference both showed a linear relationship in the series concentration of the hepa ‐rin lithium and interference of sample of 0 .172 g/L and 0 .427 g/L ,and the linear equations were Y = 1 .974X - 0 .001 03 ,Y = 1 .599 X - 0 .000 5 respectively .Conclusion Heparin lithium is the exogenous interfering substance to the detection of total protein in tur ‐bidimetry method ,it is the positive interference to the determination results of total proteins ,especially for the low level of total pro‐tein detection ,and as heparin lithium concentration increases ,the stronger the interference effect .

Objective To compare the effects of remifentanil infused at different rates on median effective target plasma concentration (EC50) of propofol inhibiting responses to laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion and determine the optimum infusion rate of remifentanil when used for fiberoptic bronchoscopy in pediatric patients.Methods Eighty-four ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ pediatric patients,aged 7 months-3 years,scheduled for elective fiberoptic bronchoscopy,were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n =28 each):normal saline group (group C),remifentanil infused at 3 ng· kg-1 ·min-1 group (group R1) and remifentanil infused at 5 ng· kg-1 · min-1 group (group R2).Responses to LMA insertion were defined as body movement and/or bucking during insertion.The initial target plasma concentrations of propofol were 5.2,4.8 and 4.4 μg/ml in groups C,R1 and R2,respectively.The target plasma concentration of propofol was determined by up-and-down sequential allocation.Each time the target plasma concentration increased/decreased by 0.2μg/ml.EC50 and 95 ％ confidence interval of propofol blunting responses to LMA insertion were determined by probit method.Results EC50 (95 ％ confidence interval) of propofol was 5.03 (4.92-5.12) μg/ml,4.71 (4.58-4.84) μg/rnl and 4.46 (4.20-4.94) μg/ml in groups C,R1 and R2,respectively.There was no significant difference in EC50 of propofol between groups R1 and C (P ＞ 0.05).EC50 of propofol was significantly lower in group R2 than in groups C and R1 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The infusion rate of remifentanil should not be lower than 5 ng· kg-1· min-1 when combined with propofol in pediatric patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Although drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines are often used for the treatment of insomnia, they are associated with various side effects such as habituations, tolerance and addiction. Alternatively, natural products with minimal unwanted effects have been preferred for the treatment of acute and/or mild insomnia, with additional benefits of overall health-promotion. Basic and clinical researches on the mechanisms of action of natural products have been carried out so far in insomnia treatments. Recent studies have been focusing on diverse chemical components available in natural products, with an interest of developing drugs that can improve sleep duration and quality. In the last 15 years, our co-workers have been actively looking for candidate substances from natural products that can relieve insomnia. This review is, therefore, intended to bring pharmacological data regarding to the effects of natural products on sleep duration and quality, mainly through the activation of GABAA receptors. It is imperative that phytochemicals will provide useful information during electroencephalography (EEG) analysis and serve as an alternative medications for insomnia patients who are reluctant to use conventional drugs.
Barbiturates ; Benzodiazepines ; Biological Products* ; Electroencephalography ; Humans ; Phytochemicals ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter expressed in the central nervous systems. Previously, several reports demonstrated that nucleus accumbal-injected CART peptide positively modulated behavioral sensitization induced by psychostimulants and regulated the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathway. It is confirmed that CART peptide exerted inhibitory effect on psychostimulant-enhanced dopamine receptors signaling, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase signaling and crucial transcription factors expression. Besides modulation of dopamine receptors-related pathways, CART peptide also exhibited elaborated interactions with other neurotransmitter receptors, such as glutamate receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, which further account for attribution of CART peptide to inhibition of psychostimulant-potentiated locomotor activity. Recently, CART peptide has been shown to have anxiolytic functions on the aversive mood and uncontrolled drug-seeking behaviors following drug withdrawal. Moreover, microinjection of CART peptide has been shown to have an anti-depressant effect, which suggests its potential utility in the mood regulation and avoidance of depression-like behaviors. In this review, we discuss CART pathways in neural circuits and their interactions with neurotransmitters associated with psychostimulant-induced depression.
Central Nervous System ; Depression* ; Dopamine ; Drug-Seeking Behavior ; Microinjections ; Motor Activity ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Phosphotransferases ; Receptors, Dopamine ; Receptors, Glutamate ; Receptors, Neurotransmitter ; Transcription Factors

The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of dopaminergic receptors (DR) in behavioral sensitization, as measured by locomotor activity, and the over-expression of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides after repeated administration of cocaine in mice. Repeated administrations of cocaine induced behavioral sensitization and CART over-expression in mice. The levels of striatal CART mRNA were significantly increased on the 3rd day. CART peptides were over-expressed on the 5th day in the striata of behaviorally sensitized mice. A higher proportion of CART+ cells in the cocaine-treated mice were present in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell than in the dorsolateral (DL) part of caudate putamen (CP). The concomitant administration of both D1R and D2R antagonists, SCH 23390 (D1R selective) and raclopride (D2R selective), blocked cocaine induced-behavioral sensitization, CART over-expression, and cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) signal pathways. SCH 23390 more predominantly inhibited the locomotor activity, CART over-expression, pCREB and PKA activity than raclopride. Cocaine induced-behavioral sensitization was also attenuated in the both D1R and D2R knockout (KO) mice, respectively. CART over-expression and activated cAMP/PKA/pCREB signal pathways were inhibited in the D1R-KO mice, but not in the D2R-KO mice. It is suggested that behavioral sensitization, CART over-expression and activated cAMP/PKA/pCREB signal pathways induced by repeated administration of cocaine could be more predominantly mediated by D1R.
Adenosine ; Animals ; Cocaine* ; Mice ; Motor Activity ; Nucleus Accumbens ; Peptides* ; Phosphotransferases ; Putamen ; Raclopride ; Receptors, Dopamine ; RNA, Messenger ; Signal Transduction

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge, because minor skin wounds can lead to chronic, unhealed ulcers and ultimately result in infection, gangrene, or even amputation. Studies on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a series of growth factors have revealed their many benefits for wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve the environment for BMSC development and differentiation. However, whether combined use of BMSCs and PRP may be more effective for accelerating diabetic ulcer healing remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of BMSCs and PRP for the repair of refractory wound healing in a diabetic rat model. METHODS: Forty-eight rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin were divided into four groups: treatment with BMSCs plus PRP, BMSCs alone, PRP alone, phosphate buffered saline. The rate of wound closure was quantified. A histopathological study was conducted regarding wound depth and the skin edge at 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: Wound healing rates were significantly higher in the BMSC plus PRP group than in the other groups. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and transforming growth factor-beta1 increased significantly in the BMSC plus PRP group compared to the other treatment groups. On day 7, CD68 expression increased significantly in the wounds of the BMSC plus PRP group, but decreased markedly at day 14 compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The combination of BMSCs and PRP aids diabetic wound repair and regeneration.
Amputation ; Animals ; Bone Marrow ; Cell Adhesion ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Gangrene ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells* ; Models, Animal ; Platelet-Rich Plasma* ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Rats* ; Regeneration ; Skin ; Streptozocin ; Ulcer ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

Objective: To explore the relationship between smoking and hyperuricemia in Chinese residents. Methods: Based on data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), residents with blood samples provided in the 2009 round (including information of socio-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, medical history, and laboratory examinations etc.) were selected as the participants in the current analysis. Unconditional logistic regression models were utilized to compute the ORs and corresponding 95%CIs for assessing the relationship between smoking and hyperuricemia. Results: Among the 8 785 subjects, 1 435 had hyperuricemia with a prevalence rate of 16.3%, consisting of 886 men and 549 women with prevalence rates of 21.6% (886/4 110) and 11.7% (549/4 675) , respectively. Compared with never smokers, the adjusted OR (95%CI) for hyperuricemia was 0.83 (0.70-0.98) among current smokers, 0.77 (0.63-0.94) among current smokers with 20-39 years of smoking, and 0.79 (0.65-0.97) among current smokers with 11-20 cigarettes per day. When stratified by gender and compared with non-smoker, the adjusted OR (95%CI) for hyperuricemia among current smokers compared with never smokers was 0.83 (0.70-0.98) among men, while no significant association was found in female current smokers (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.42-1.26, P=0.260). Conclusion In Chinese residents, there is an inverse association between smoking and hyperuricemia prevalence, and this association may be related to duration and intensity of smoking among current smokers. The findings need to be validated in large prospective cohort studies.

Objective To investigate the effect of vitamin B6(VB6)on vascular endothelial injury of atherosclerosis(AS)mice and its mechanism.Methods Thirty-six ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into control group,AS group,VB6 group,AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6 group and AS+VB6+LiCl group,with 6 mice in each group.The mice in the AS group,AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6 group and AS+VB6+LiCl group were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the AS model;the mice in the control group and VB6 group were given regular diet and normal drinking water for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks,the mice in the control group were given conventional diet and the same volume of physiological saline as the VB6 group daily by gavage;the mice in the VB6 group were given routine diet and VB6(50 mg·kg-1)by gavage daily;the mice in the AS+LiCl group were given high-fat diet continuously and LiCl(1 mg·kg-1)by gavage daily;the mice in the AS+VB6 group were given high-fat diet continuously and VB6(50 mg·kg-1)by gavage daily;the mice in the AS+VB6+LiCl group were given high-fat diet continuously and VB6(50 mg·kg-1),LiCl(1 mg·kg-1)by gavage daily;all mice were intervened for 4 weeks.After intervention,the serum nitric oxide(NO),malondialdehyde(MD A)levels and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity of mice in each group were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of thoracic aortic tissue of mice in each group and the percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area was calculated.The vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta was detected by isolated vascular ring experiment.The expression of sodium/hydrogen exchanger 1(NHE1)protein in thoracic aorta was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the control group,the NO level and SOD activity in the serum of mice in the AS group decreased,while the MDA level increased(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the NO,MDA levels and SOD activity in the serum of mice between the VB6 group and the control group(P＞0.05).Compared with the AS group,the serum NO level and SOD activity of mice in the AS+VB6 group increased,while the MDA level decreased(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in serum NO,MDA levels and SOD activity of mice between the AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6+LiCl group and AS group(P＞0.05).Compared with the AS+VB6 group,the serum NO level and SOD activity of mice in the AS+VB6+LiCl group decreased,while the MDA level increased(P＜0.05).The percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area of mice in the AS group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area of mice among the VB6 group and the control group(P＜0.05).The percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area of mice in the AS+VB6 group was significantly lower than that in the AS group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area of mice between the AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6+LiCl group and AS group(P＜0.05).The percentage of AS plaque area to total vascular area of mice in the AS+VB6+LiCl group was significantly higher than that in the AS+VB6 group(P＜0.05).In the control group,the vascular endothelium of mice was smooth with orderly arrangement of cells;in the AS group,AS+LiCl group and AS+VB6+LiCl group,the tissue structure of vascular of mice was disordered and the vascular endothelium was rough;in the VB6 group and AS+VB6 group,the vascular wall structure of mice was normal,the vascular endothelium was smooth,and the cells were arranged orderly.The vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by acetylcholine(Ach)in the AS group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by Ach between the VB6 group and the control group(P＞0.05).The vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by Ach in the AS+VB6 group was significantly lower than that in the AS group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by Ach between AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6+LiCl group and AS group(P＞0.05).The vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by Ach in the AS+VB6+LiCl group was significantly higher than that in the AS+VB6 group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the vasodilatation rate of thoracic aorta of mice induced by sodium nitroprusside among the six groups(P＞0.05).The percentage of NHE1 expression in the thoracic aorta of mice in the AS group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the percentage of NHE1 expression in the thoracic aorta of mice between the VB6 group and the control group(P＞0.05).The percentage of NHE1 expression in the thoracic aorta of mice in the AS+VB6 group was significantly lower than that in the AS group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in the percentage of NHE1 expression in the thoracic aorta of mice among the AS+LiCl group,AS+VB6+LiCl group and the AS group(P＞0.05).The percentage of NHE1 expression in the thoracic aorta of mice in the AS+VB6+LiCl group was significantly higher than that in the AS+VB6 group(P＜0.05).Conclusion VB6 can improve vascular endothelial injury in AS mice via inhibiting the expression of NHE1 protein.

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) derived right ventricular (RV) function parameters with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) derived RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients.

METHODSA total of 40 PH patients (37 pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and 3 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)) hospitalized in our department between March 2011 and March 2013 were enrolled in this study. PH diagnosis was established by right heart catheterization and TTE, CMR and 6MWT were performed within one week post TTE examination. TTE parameters included: tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE), isovolumic contraction acceleration (IVA), peak systolic velocity (S') at the lateral tricuspid annulus derived from tissue Doppler imaging, RV myocardial performance index (MPI) and RV fractional area change (FAC). RVEF was obtained from CMR.

RESULTSS' (r = 0.69, P < 0.001), TAPSE (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), FAC (r = 0.62, P < 0.001), IVA (r = 0.43, P = 0.006), MPI (r = -0.38, P < 0.05) correlated significantly with RVEF obtained from CMR. The best parameter to detect RVEF ≤ 20% was S' < 8.79 cm/s (area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.72-0.84), sensitivity 0.91, and specificity 0.80) . No correlation was found between TTE parameters and 6MWD and between RVEF obtained from CMR and 6MWD.

CONCLUSIONS', derived from tissue Doppler imaging correlates best with RVEF obtained from CMR and may facilitate simple and quantitative assessment of RV function. The best parameter to detect RVEF ≤ 20% is S' < 8.79 cm/s.

Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Heart ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; physiopathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Stroke Volume ; Systole ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right ; Ventricular Function, Right ; Walking