BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to examine the regulatory effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on endoplasmic reticulum stress in alveolar epithelial cells of rats with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by oleic acid (OA). METHODS: Seventy-two male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into control group, oleic acid-induced ALI group (OA group), oleic acid-induced ALI with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) pretreatment group (OA+NaHS group), and sodium hydrosulfide treatment group (NaHS group). Rats of each group were further subdivided into 3 subgroups. Index of quantitative assessment of histological lung injury (IQA), wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and H2S level of lung tissues were measured. The expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and α-subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2 (elF2α) in lung tissues were measured by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. RESULTS: The IQA score and W/D ratio of lung tissues at the three time points significantly increased in rats injected with OA, but significantly decreased in other rats injected with OA and NaHS. The level of H2S in lung tissue at the three time points significantly decreased in rats injected with OA, but significantly increased in other rats injected with both OA and NaHS. GRP78 and elF2αdecreased in rats injected with OA, but increased in other rats injected with both OA and NaHS, especially at 4-hour and 6-hour time points. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that H2S could promote alveolar epithelial cell endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats with ALI.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of vertebral height restoration of vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebra compression fractures (VCFs).

METHODSFrom October 2004 to June 2007, a total of 37 patients with 40 VCFs were treated by vertebroplasty. There were 12 males and 25 females with a mean age of (72.4 +/- 12.7) years (ranged, 48 to 87). Pain easement state was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before and after operation, as well as in followed-up. Preoperative and postoperative vertebral height, kyphosis angle at fractured levels were measured on X-rays.

RESULTSAll of patients were followed-up for 12 to 47 months (averaged, 35.8 +/- 9.6). The VAS score was 8.4 +/- 1.6 before operative, 2.1 +/- 1.2 at the 2nd day after operative, there were significant difference between pre-and postoperative (P < 0.05); the average follow-up VAS was 1.6 +/- 0.9, there were significant difference as compared with the preoperative (P < 0.05). Lateral X-ray showed that the preoperative degree of vertebral height in the of anterior and middle vertebral were (72.0 +/- 10.6)% and (68.0 +/- 15.6)%, and postoperative were (76.0 +/- 8.6)% and (73.0 +/-6.1)%, respectively. There were no significant difference in vertebral height between preoperative and postoperative. The vertebral kyphosis angle was corrected from preoperative (7.8 +/- 2.7) degree to postoperative (8.1 +/- 2.3) degree.

CONCLUSIONVertebroplasty is a safe and effective method for treatment of osteoporotic VCFs, it can relieve the pain effectively. Failure to restore vertebaral height does not seem to interfere with the excellent pain management.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; complications ; Radiography ; Spinal Fractures ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Vertebroplasty ; methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of (18)F-FLT positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in diagnosis and staging of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and compare with CT. Thirty-six patients with DLBCL in our hospital from September 2008 to December 2009 were prospectively evaluated. All 36 patients underwent whole body and head (18)F-FLT PET/CT and CT (chest, abdomen cavity and pelvis) were studied before therapy. The maximal standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) of every single focus and the SUV(max) of aortic arch blood pool were measured and used to calculate the median T/MB value (tumor SUV(max)/mediastinal SUV(max)) of every patient. The results showed that the consistency of (18)F-FLT PET/CT and CT examinations in focus of DLBCL was 79.10%, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accurate rate of (18)F-FLT PET/CT were 96.65%, 100%, 100%, 61.11% and 96.82%, respectively, which were much higher than that of CT (85.44%, 57.14%, 96.70%, 21.05% and 83.64%). It is concluded that the (18)F-FLT PET/CT is a good means for DLBCL diagnosis and staging, which is more sensitive and specific than CT.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multimodal Imaging ; Neoplasm Staging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of gemcitabine in enhancing the radiosensitivity of hepatoma cell line HepG2 and explore its mechanisms.

METHODSClonogenic survival assay is employed to calculate the ratios of L-Q model radiation biology parameters and radiosensitization after different doses of irradiation. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in HepG2 cell cycle and apoptosis rate after gemcitabine treatment and radiation exposure.

RESULTSThe survival fraction at 2 Gy of HepG2 cells treated with gemcitabine was significantly lower, and the value of alpha was significantly higher than those of untreated cells. GEM treatment increased the percentage of radiation-induced G0/G1 phase cells and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONGemcitabine can significantly enhance the radiosensitivity of HepG2 cells by enhancing radiation-induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; drug effects ; Deoxycytidine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects ; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-inflammatory effects on the vessel wall of rosuvastatin in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

METHODSEight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a normal chow diet were treated with vehicle or various doses of rosuvastatin (1, 5, or 20 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection for 2 or 6 weeks prior to sacrifice. Endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes was determined by functional binding assay. The expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the vessel wall were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSEndothelial adhesiveness for monocytes was significantly attenuated after 2 or 6 weeks treatments with 5 or 20 mg/kg rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin also significantly reduced the expressions of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the vessel wall.

CONCLUSIONThe anti-inflammatory effects of suvastatin might be responsible for attenuating the pathogenesis of atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Fluorobenzenes ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Monocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Pyrimidines ; pharmacology ; Rosuvastatin Calcium ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and the mechanism of Danhong Injection (DI), Ligustrazine Injection (LI), and adsorbable biomembranes in preventing the adhesion of tendons and tissues.

METHODSTotally 120 patients all suffering from simple flexor digitorum tendon rupture on the hand zone two damaged by sharp weapons were randomly assigned to Group A (Dikang adsorbable biomembrane), Group B (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane), Group C (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane + Ligustrazine group), and Group D (Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembrane + DI group) in accordance with random digit table, 30 cases in each group. Indicators such as total active movement (TAM) of the hand tendon, Minnesota manual dexterity test (MMDT), and finger flex strength test (FFST) were observed.

RESULTSThe TAM and the favorable rate were higher in Group C and D than in Group A and B at post-operative 4 and 8 week (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between Group C and D (P > 0.05). Each index of MMDT was lower in Group C and D than in Group A and B (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FFST among all the 4 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCombined application of LI or DI with Tianxinfu adsorbable biomembranes could effectively prevent the adhesion of tendons. DI showed equivalent effect as LI did. Besides, the combined application was superior in preventing adhesion to using Xintianfu adsorbable biomembrane or Dikan adsorbable biomembrane alone.

Absorbable Implants ; Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Membranes, Artificial ; Middle Aged ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; prevention & control ; Pyrazines ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Tendon Injuries ; surgery ; Tissue Adhesions ; prevention & control ; Wound Healing

Encephalitis ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; etiology ; therapy ; Hashimoto Disease ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of mRNA and protein of p38, Osx, PI3K, Akt1 in the rats bone with chronic fluorosis.

METHODSDental fluorosis were observed and the fluoride contents in the urine and bone were detected by fluorin-ion selective electrode. The morphologic changes and ultrastructure of rats' bone were observed by light and electronic microscopy. The expressions of protein and mRNA of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. The contents of BALP and BGP in serum were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe rates of dental fluorosis in the fluorosis rats were increased, and the fluoride contents in bone and urine of the fluorosis rats were increased compared to the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The bone trabeculae thickness and density and the thickness of bone cortex in fluorosis rats were remarkably increased, the space of bone trabeculae was reduced, and in accordance with the matching morphometrical indices, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) as compared with the control rats. The contents of BALP [(54.61 ± 2.27) U/L] and BGP [(2.38 ± 0.16) µg/L]in the fluoride groups were higher than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ultrastructurally, the broadening of the osseouslacuna was observed. The reduced protuberances of the osteocytes, the unclear organelle structure, pyknosis, karyotheca increasation and edged chromatin were also observed. Compared to the control group, the expressions of protein and its mRNA of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 were higher in the fluorosis rats than those in the control rats, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There is no any expression of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 in the osteocytes in fluorosis rats.

CONCLUSIONSThe over-expression of p38, Osx, PI3K and Akt1 in bone tissue of fluorosis rats may relate to the accumulation of fluorine in the body. The bone injury mainly occur in the stage of the differentiation and proliferation. The upregulation of P38MARK signal path and PI3K/Akt1 signal path may be involved in the pathogenesis of bone injury caused by fluoride.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; blood ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Fluoride Poisoning ; metabolism ; pathology ; Fluorides ; metabolism ; urine ; Fluorosis, Dental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Osteocalcin ; blood ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; Sodium Fluoride ; toxicity ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as bone cement, has been widely used in the orthopedic surgery. It ensures the immediate stability of prosthesis and the minimal micromotion at the cement-bone interface, allowing early weight-bearing after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical performance of Sanders type III fracture of the calcaneus by using PMMA bone cement as a treatment. METHODS: Eight adult cadaveric ankle and calcaneus specimens were selected and served as normal controls after detection of biomechanical properties. Another eight specimens were collected and randomized into experimental group and control group to make a model of Sanders type III fracture in the calcaneus. In the experimental group, PMMA bone cement was injected into the defect area. In the control group, the artificial bone was implanted in the defect area and a steel plate was used to fix the lateral calcaneus. Biomechanical properties of the specimens in the experimental and control group were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Strain and stress of the calcaneus: The stress distribution of the calcaneus in the normal control group was consistent with that in the experimental group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The stress of the calcaneus in the experimental group was similar to that in the control group with no significant difference. (2) Displacement and axial stiffness of the calcaneus: Compared with the normal control group, the calcaneal displacement in the experimental group only decreased slightly, and there was no significant difference between the two groups, and likewise, the calcaneal displacement in the control group increased slightly. In the experimental group, the axial compression strength was (21.98±1.88) MPa and the axial compression stiffness was (1 633±150) N/mm. Therefore, there was no significant difference between the experimental group and the normal control group (P > 0.05). (3) Contact strength of the subtalar joint: Fractures basically recovered with good outcomes after PMMA bone cement injection. To conclude, by using PMMA bone cement in the treatment of calcaneus fractures, the scientific validity and clinical utility can be ensured.

Objective To determine the clinical features,neurophysiological characteristics and cervical magnetic resonance imaging of sensory neumnopathy,and to describe the pathology of skin nerve, sural nerve and spinal dorsal columns.Methods Two patients who died from sensory neuron disease (SND)after infection of digestive tract were discussed including clinical features and ancillary tests which included neurophysiology and pathology of peripheral nerve and spinal dorsal columns.Associated documents are reviewed.Results Early ataxia,widespread sensory symptoms and global loss of deep tendon reflex were the distinctive signs of SND,which was characterized by non-length-dependent abnormalities of sensory nerve action potentials,a hallmark of ganglionopathies.The second patient showed normal cervical magnetic resonance imaging possibly because of short course of disease,while diffuse hyperintensity in the spinal posterior columns of SND was reported.Demyelination of spinal posterior columns and loss of mostly large diameter nerve fibers without regeneration clusters were the main pathological features.Conclusions The distinctive clinical features and neurophysiological characteristics of SND indicate that peripheral sensory nerve fibers are widely damaged.Pathology of spinal posterior columns confirm that central sensory pathway are impaired which allow the localization of the pathologic site to the dorsal root ganglion neurons.Cervical spinal MRI of SND are possibly normal at early phase.