Objective To determine the mechanism of nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and prostacyclin(PGI2) acting on splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation of portal hypertention(PHT). Methods Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely, intrahepatic portal hypertension(IHPH, n=31), prehepatic portal hypertension(PHPH, n=33) and sham-operated controls(SO, n=32). Animals of each group were received indomethacin(INDO) either on a short term or long term with saline as control. Portal venous pressure, together with the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and PGI2 in serum was measured. The constitutive nitric oxide synthase(cNOS)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)activity in the abdominal aorta and small intestine of these rats were detrmined by spectrophotometry method. RT-PCR was performed to measure the levels of iNOS and cNOS mRNA in the arteries and guts mentioned above. Results Although INDO decreased the concentration of PGI2 in serum, the long-term INDO-treated group restored splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation in both IHPH and PHPH rats, concomitant with enhanced expression of iNOS and concentration of NO(P0.05). Conclusion Overproduction of NO inducing hemodynamic abnormalities of PHT is synthesized principally by increase of iNOS. There may be a possible interaction between PGI2 and NO in hyperhemodynamics of PHT, while PGI2 may not be a mediator in the formation and development of hyperdynamic circulatory state.

Cochlear Implantation ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Meningitis ; etiology ; Postoperative Complications

Melanin is formed by oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds,basically different kinds of melanin come from different organisms.DOPA melanin and DHN melanin have same physical and chemical characters although they have different biosynthetic pathway.DHN melanin is common in plant fungi and plays an important role on infection.The melanin accumulates in the fungal cell walls and prevents organic and inorganic molecules penetrating out,that insures appressorium's pressure and infection ability.This paper has reviewed the kinds and characters,especially discussed the role of melanin during pathogen infection based on our some research.

Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is an interferon induced protein, that belongs to the guany late-binding protein family. GBP1 is widely involved in anti-infection immune responses, anti-tumor activity and various biological reactions. Recent studies have proved that IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IL1alpha, IL1beta, TNF-alpha and LPS can induce GBP1 expression; hence, the diverse biological functions of GBP1 have been gradually deduced and exploited. Many studies have been performed over recent years to understand the exact mechanisms that underlie the anti-infection and anti-tumor properties of GBP1. This review describes the molecular structure, biological activity, anti-infective properties and other functions of GBP1, in order to provide insights into the divergent roles of GBP1 in the regulation of various biological processes.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; metabolism ; Antiviral Agents ; metabolism ; GTP-Binding Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interferons ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To master the prevalence trend of Kaschin-Beck disease in Xinghai county (Shanglujuan and X.ialujuan village of Tangnaihai township) from 2003 to 2008 in order to understand changes of selenium level of internal and external environments. Methods According to monitoring method on national Kaschin-Beck disease,we carried out epidemical investigation,clinical examination and X-ray photograph on school children aged 7-12 in Xinghai county,a monitoring region,and collected samples of hair and grain. The content of selenium was detected by 2,3-naphthalene fluorescence. Results From 2003 to 2008,in Shanglujuan village,the prevalence rate of clinic examination was fluctuating between 0(0/34)-17.14%(6/35); the detectable rate of X-ray examination was fluctuating between 11.11% (3/27)-20.59% (7/34),the prevalence rates of metaphysis and extremities were fluctuating between 0 (0/27)-13.21%(7/53) and 2.63% (1/38)-11.43% (4/35). In Xialujuan village,the prevalence rate of clinic examination was fluctuating between 2.94% (1/34)-13.33% (6/45); the detectable rate of X-ray examination was fluctuating between 26.67% (12/45)-43.63%(24/55),the prevalence rate of metaphysis and extremities were fluctuating between 8.33% (6/72)-26.47% (9/34) and 13.33% (6/45)-38.18% (21/55). The selenium contents in hair samples were (139.92±92.27),(134.98±63.77)μg/kg respectively in Shanglujuan and Xialujuan village in 2003; the selenium contents in grain samples were (12.90± 7.18),(14.58±9.90)μg/kg respectively in Shanglujuan and Xialujuan village in 2005. Conclusions The prevalence state of Kaschin-Beck disease in national monitoring region is rigid and pathogenetic factors of Kaschin-Beck disease are active. Selenium levels of internal and external environments are low in this region.

In order to study the regularity of shedding virus from infected SPF chickens and the formation of aerosol of H9N2 subtype AIV, SPF chickens were bred in a positive and negative pressure isolator. Aerosol samples were collected by AGI-30 (All Glass Impinger-30) extractor, and simultaneously trachea and cloaca samples were collected by tracheal swabs and cloacal swabs in different periods after challenged with vi- ruses. The above-mentioned samples were detected by HI, Dot-ELISA and RT-PCR methods. The results in- dicated that aerosols were isolated from the 4 days to the 43 days after inoculation. It was proved that H9N2 subtype AIV could copy themselves in respiratory passage and cloaca, and then could formation of aerosols. AIV H9N2 subtype could be isolated from cloacal and tracheal swabs 3 days after inoculation and lasted for 45 days, viruses were detected from all infected SPF chickens on 7 days.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of c-kit mutation on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

METHODSA search of studies in PubMed and MedLine (from 1999 to 2008) was performed to assess the effect of c-kit mutation on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The articles were retrieved with the entries of "gastrointestinal stromal tumors", "imatinib", "c-kit" and "mutation". A meta-analysis was performed to assess the data included.

RESULTSA total of 15 articles were collected in this analysis. No significant differences was found in incidence of mitoses (> 5/50 HPF) between the patients with wild type c-kit (wild type group) and the ones with mutated c-kit (mutation group) (P = 0.710); tumor recurrence and metastasis rate after surgery was significant higher in the mutation group than that in wild type group (P = 0.010); as for imatinib response with different c-kit mutation types, the results showed the incidence of clinical response (complete response + partial response) was significantly higher in mutation group than that in wild type group (P = 0.009), but the imatinib resistance rate was lower in mutation group (P = 0.000); three studies provided data for imatinib resistance with c-kit second mutations, the results showed the second mutations mainly focus on exon 13, 14, 17.

CONCLUSIONSC-kit mutation is related closely with the incidence of recurrence and metastasis in GIST after surgery. The mutations of c-kit influences the therapeutic effects of imatinib.

Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Benzamides ; Case-Control Studies ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Mutation ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; genetics ; Pyrimidines ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

METHODSOne hundred and seven cases, admitted to our hospital from Apr. 1996 to Oct. 2005, were detected by Envision immunohistochemical method and diagnosed as GISTs. Their pathological features, immunohistochemical phenotypes, clinical manifestations and imaging findings were analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 107 GISTs, 107 cases were positive for vimentin (107/107, 100%), 107 cases were positive for CD117 (107/107, 100%), 89 cases were positive for CD34 (89/107, 83.2%), 14 cases were positive for SMA (14/107, 13.1%), 10 cases were positive for desmin (10/107, 9.3%), 22 cases were positive for S-100 (22/87, 20.6%) and 15 cases were positive for NSE (15/107, 14.0%). Among all the GISTs, 73 cases occurred in stomach (68.2%), 28 in small intestine (26.2%), 1 in colon (0.9%) and 5 occurred in other position including mesentery, omentum, and retroperitoneum (4.7%). Fifteen cases were diagnosed as very low grade (14.0%), 25 cases as low grade (23.4%), 33 cases as low malignancy (30.8%) and 34 cases as high malignancy (31.8%). The follow-up was obtained successfully in 89 cases (83.2%). Fourteen cases (13.1%) were confirmed to have recurrences or metastases by review and medical records.

CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of GIST depends on pathological observation and immunohistochemical study. CD117 is a sensitive marker for the diagnosis of GIST. Surgical resection is the choice for treating GIST. Extended resection, even combined resection of involved organs, is required for malignant GIST.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDThe induction of immune tolerance and suppression of allograft rejection has become the focus in the study of liver transplantation. The effect of immune therapy with anti-CD40L mAb alone or in combination with cyclosporine A (CsA) on the recipient survival and Th1/Th2 cytokine profile was studied to elucidate its immunological mechanism and role in rat orthotopic liver transplantation.

METHODSThe model of rat orthotopic liver transplantation was established by modified Kamada's technique. Recipients were divided into group A (control group): SD-->SD; group B (group of rejection): SD-->Wistar without any treatment; group C: SD-->Wistar with CsA monotherapy from day 1 to day 5; and group D: SD-->Wistar with CsA from day 1 to day 5 and anti-CD40L mAb on day 0 and day 2. The survival of the recipients in all groups was observed and ELISA technique was used to detect the level of cytokines in peripheral blood on post-transplant day 7.

RESULTSThe survival period of recipients in groups A (> 60 days) and D (> 60 days) was significantly longer than that in group B (13.8 +/- 2.4 days). The serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma in group B were significantly higher than those in other groups; the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha was higher but not statistically significant. In contrast, the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in group D were elevated more significantly than those in group B (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCombined immune therapy can prolong the survival of allografts. Increased expression of Th2 cytokines, which is closely related to the induction of tolerance and suppression of rejection, is beneficial to the long-term survival of recipients and allografts.

Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; therapeutic use ; CD40 Ligand ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Cyclosporine ; therapeutic use ; Cytokines ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Graft Survival ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) in the development of hyperdynamic circulatory state on chronic portal hypertensive rats.

METHODSSixty-six male SD rats were divided into three groups, namely intrahepatic portal hypertension (IHPH) by injection of CCl(4), prehepatic portal hypertension (PHPH) by partial stenosis of the portal vein for 2 weeks and sham-operated controls (SO). Animals in each group were divided further into 3 subgroups and received N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), indomethacin and saline (as control), respectively. Splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics was measured using radioactive microsphere techniques. The NO concentration in serum was determined by nitrates-nitrites which were measured using a colorimetric method, and concentration of PGI(2) was determined using specific radioimmunoassay for its stable hydrolytic product, 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha).

RESULTSThe concentrations of plasma 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and serum nitrates + nitrites in IHPH rats (1 123.85 +/- 153.64; 73.34 +/- 4.31) and in PHPH rats (891.88 +/- 83.11; 75.21 +/- 6.89) were significantly higher than those of SO rats (725.53 +/- 105.54;58.79 +/- 8.47). L-NNA and indomethacin could decrease the concentrations of plasma 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) and serum nitrates + nitrites in IHPH and PHPH rats (P < 0.05). At the same time, CI, FPP and PVI were lowered while MAP, TPR and SVR were increased (P < 0.05). After deduction of NO action, there were no significant correlation between plasma PGI(2) level and hemodynamic parameters such as CI, TPR, PVI and SVR. However, after deduction of PGI(2) action, NO was still correlated highly with those hemodynamic parameters.

CONCLUSIONIt is NO rather then PGI(2) that is a mediator in the formation and development of hyperdynamic circulatory state in chronic portal hypertensive rats.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha ; blood ; Animals ; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Epoprostenol ; blood ; physiology ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Hypertension, Portal ; blood ; physiopathology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; physiology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Nitroarginine ; blood ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; omega-N-Methylarginine ; pharmacology