Objective To observe the effects of genistein on PCNA expression and cell cycle in fibroblasts derived from human hypertrophic scar in order to explore the mechanism of its inhibition on hypertrophic scar (HS) fibroblast proliferation. Methods The human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. Genistein with various concentrations (25, 50, 100 μmol/L) was co-cultured in the medium for 48 hours. The expression of PCNA was detected with immunocytochemical staining method and the cell cycle was measured with flow cytometry. Results Genistein could significantly decrease PCNA expression in HS fibroblasts, especially when its concentration at 50 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L. The cell percentage of G0～G1 phase decreased with drug′s concentration, and G2～M percentage increased conversely, implying the suspension of mitosis. In 100 μmol/L group, most cells blocked at S phase and a hypodiploid apoptosis peak could be observed ahead of G1 phase. Conclusion Genistein can inhibit the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar by blocking cell division as well as decreasing DNA synthesis.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; Carcinoma ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; classification ; pathology ; World Health Organization

Objective To explore the mechanism of skeletal fluorosis via observation on the expression of bone γ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the residents of coal-burning fluorosis regions, and to provide a basical data for further monitoring and evaluating the effects of fluoride-reducing projects. Methods Stratified sampling was applied, the 6 villages of fluorosis were chosen as focusing areas for investigation. The residents of villages underwent clinical examination of the skeletal fluorosis. And according to the degree of skeletal fluorosis, villages were divided into three groups, namely light, moderate and severe villages. Radio-Immunoassay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to check the expression of BGP and OPG in the serum. Results The levels of serum BGP in the severe skeletal fluorosis cases[(6.78±4.43)μg/L] were significantly higher(P<0.05) than those in the normal, moderate and the severe groups [ (3.58±1.53), (3.44±2.66), (3.41±2.20)μg/L], respectively. The expression of OPG in the light, moderate and the severe groups [(1251.55±998.31), (1265.94±931.77), (1560.55±858.07)ng/L] were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in the normal[(520.81±385.05)ng/L], respectively. The levels of BGP in mixed type[(6.09±2.62)μg/L] were much higher(P<0.05) than no mixed type[(3.97±1.53), (3.20±2.12)μg/L]. The levels of OPG in the osteosclerosis, osteoporesis and mixed type[(1321.63±1017.00), (1205.42±852.22), (1529.01±402.83)ng/L] were significantly higher(P<0.05) than those of the normal, respectively. The levels of OPG in the light villages [(452.06±338.10)ng/L] were significantly lower(P<0.05) than moderate and severe villages[(1266.30±899.14), (1851.80±956.08 )ng/L], respectively. The levels of OPG in the severe villages were significantly higher(P<0.05) than moderate villages. Conclusions It indicates that OPG can be used as an early indicator in coal-burning pollution endemic fluorosis results in biochemical changes in the composition of bone.

Aged ; Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orientia tsutsugamushi ; Scrub Typhus ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVEAntigen-presenting cells such as monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) stimulate T-cell proliferation and activation during adaptive immunity. This cellular interaction plays a role in the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. Tanshinone II A (TSN) had been shown to decrease the growth of atherosclerotic lesions. We therefore investigated the ability of TSN to inhibit human monocyte-derived DCs and their T-cellstimulatory capacity.

METHODSDCs derived from human monocytes cultured with recombinant human interleukin (IL)-4 and recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were co-cultured with TSN and lipopolysaccharide for 48 h. Phosphate-buffered saline was used as a negative control. Activation markers and the capacity of DCs for endocytosis were measured by flow cytometry, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. DCs were co-cultured with lymphocytes to measure T-cell proliferation and IL-2 secretion by mixed lymphocyte reactions.

RESULTSTSN dose-dependently attenuated DC expression of costimulatory molecules (CD86), and decreased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (human loukocyte antigen-DR) and adhesion molecules (CD54). Moreover, TSN reduced secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-1 by human DCs, and restored the capacity for endocytosis. Finally, TSN-preincubated DCs showed a reduced capacity to stimulate T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.

CONCLUSIONSTSN inhibits DC maturation and decreases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, while impairing their capacity to stimulate T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. These effects may contribute to the influence of TSN on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.

Antigen-Presenting Cells ; drug effects ; Atherosclerosis ; immunology ; pathology ; B7-2 Antigen ; metabolism ; Cell Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cytokines ; secretion ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; immunology ; secretion ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; pharmacology ; Endocytosis ; drug effects ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; drug effects ; Inflammation Mediators ; metabolism ; Lymphocyte Activation ; drug effects

Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) is valuable for clinical application, however, traditional ex vivo culture negatively affects long-term hematopoietic reconstitution ability. In the hematopoietic system, the expression of Notch receptors and their ligands has been widely reported. Active Notch signal inhibits the differentiation of HSCs while promotes their expansion, suggesting that ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells could be enhanced by manipulating Notch signal pathways. In this article the Notch signal pathways, Notch signal and maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells, Notch signal and expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells and molecular mechanism of Notch signal maintaining undifferentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells were reviewed.
Animals ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Receptors, Notch ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

To study the anti-coagulant effect and influence of danggui Sini decoction (DSD) on rat's plasma endogenous metabolites by animal experiment and ¹H-NMR based metabolomics method. After intragastric administration of Danggui Sini Decoction for 7 days, Plasma thrombin time (TT) was measured. Rat plasma metabolic fingerprint in two groups was analyzed using ¹H-NMR, based on which the principal component analysis( PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) models for metabonomic analysis. Potential biomarkers were screened by using variable importance in the projection (VIP) and T test. DSD could prolong TT of the rat significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, six kinds of endogenous metabolites in DSD group change significantly (P < 0.05), among which isobutyrate, carnitine and phenylalanine content had an upward trend (P < 0.01) and lysine, Histidine and cholesterol content had a downward trend (P < 0.05). It is likely that carnitine, phenylalanine, Histidine and cholesterol are the potential metabolic markers in the anti-coagulant process and DSD affects the platelet aggregation and the expression of tissue factor and fiber protease by regulating the energy, amino acid and lipid metabolism.
Animals ; Anticoagulants ; chemistry ; Blood Coagulation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Metabolomics ; methods ; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; methods ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo prepare a lymph node-targeted ultrasound/fluorescence bi-functional imaging contrast agents, and observe its effectiveness both on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and vivo near infrared fluorescence (NIR) imaging through animal experiments.

METHODSThe chimeric lymph node-targeted ligand (phosphatidylserine) and near-infrared fluorescent substance were assembled to form bi-functional contrast microbubbles. The morphology and size distribution were detected by optical microscope and Malvern potential tests. Five normal New Zealand white rabbits were subcutaneously injected with the prepared contrast agent in bilateral footpads, and the imaging effectiveness of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessel were observed by CEUS and NIR technique. Then blue dye was subcutaneously injected at the same site, and the rabbits were sacrificed for lymph nodes pathological examination.

RESULTSLipid ultrasound microbubbles,with a mean size of 3-5 Μm in diameter, appeared to be uniform in distribution and regular in configuration. The images of inflow lymphatic vessel and relevant lymph node were quickly showed up after the subcutaneous injection by CEUS, which was identical to the result detected by NIR. Biopsy confirmed that all the blue-stained lymph nodes could be displayed by NIR.

CONCLUSIONSThe self-made bi-functional contrast agent has a good imaging ability in CEUS and NIR imaging. It may be a better agent as lymph node tracer.

Animals ; Contrast Media ; chemistry ; Fluoresceins ; chemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Male ; Rabbits ; Ultrasonography

Coal ; Dust ; analysis ; Gases ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis ; etiology

OBJECTIVEPrimary airway neoplasms are extremely rare in the pediatric age group. This paper reports 4 children with primary airway neoplasms to explore the clinical manifestations, safety and efficacy of bronchoscopic interventions.

METHODThe data of pathology, photographic documentation and imaging studies were analyzed.

RESULTOf the 4 reported lesions, 2 were characterized by low-grade (2 with mucoepidermoid carcinoma) and 2 by high grade malignant (spindle cell carcinoma and malignant lymphoma). Onset of clinical manifestations occurred at the ages of 7 months to 7 years. All of them were initially misdiagnosed as bronchitis, asthma or atelectasis. The lesions located in trachea in 2 patients, in left bronchus of 1 patient and in right middle bronchus of 1 case. Atelectases occurred in bilateral bronchus where the lesions obstructed almost the entire lumen at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of airway masses depends upon maintaining a high index of suspicion, complemented by imaging and timely diagnostic endoscopy. The lesions were completely removed in 3/4 patients except 1 died during bronchoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONThe children with malignant airway neoplasms were presented with cough and wheezing without specific manifestations. Bronchoscopic interventions were effective in the treatment of non-operative cases. General anesthesia is strongly recommended for interventional bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Tracheal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; therapy