Objective Scutellarin (SCU), a Chinese traditional medicine, has a protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced myocardial injury, but it is not yet clear whether SCU acts against vascular endothelial IR injury via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2).The aim of this study was to explore the effect of SCU on hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-induced injury to human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) and its influence on the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Methods HCMECs were subjected to normal culture and divided into a normal control, a DMSO, an SCU 1 μmol/L, and an SCU 10 μmol/L group.The model of HR injury was established by exposing the HCMECs to 12-h hypoxia and 12-h reoxygenation after treated with DMSO or SCU at 1 and 10 μmol/L for 2 hours.Then, the survival rate of the HCMECs was detected by MTT and trypan blue staining, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells measured, and the expressions of the p-ERK1/2, ERK2 and GAPDH proteins determined by Western blot.Results SCU at 1 and 10 μmol/L significantly increased the survival rate of the normally cultured HCMECs ([110.40±2.34] and [122.00±1.25] ％) as compared with that of the normal control (100％) (P<0.05), while HR injury markedly decreased the vitality of the HCMECs ([68.00±4.06] ％) in comparison with that of the blank control (100％) (P<0.05).The survival rate of the HCMECs was remarkably higher in the HR+SCU 1 μmol/L and HR+SCU 10 μmol/L groups than in the HR model group ([90.53±3.67] and [92.04±2.32] ％) (P<0.05), and so was their vitality in the SCU 10 μmol/L group than in the normal control ([96.78±2.01] vs [90.06±1.85] ％, P<0.01), while their survival rate was significantly lower in the HR model than in the blank control ([73.72±4.91] vs [91.83±2.34] ％, P<0.01) and remarkably higher in the SCU 10 μmol/L ([87.59±2.64] ％) than in the HR model group (P<0.05).The MDA concentration in the HCMECs was markedly increased in the HR model and HR+DMSO groups as compared with the blank control (P<0.01), but decreased in the HR+SCU 1 μmol/L and HR+SCU 10 μmol/L groups in comparison with the HR model group (P<0.05).The expression of the p-ERK1/2 protein was significantly down-regulated in the HR model group as compared with the blank control (P<0.01), but up-regulated in the HR+SCU 10 μmol/L group in comparison with the HR model (P<0.01).Conclusion HR injury reduces the vitality of HCMECs, increases the MDA concentration, and down-regulates the expression of the p-ERK1/2 protein in HCMECs, while SCU acts against ischemia-reperfusion injury to HCMECs by increasing ERK phosphorylation.

Objective To investigate the changes and significances of the level of serum Fibulin-3 and correlation between Fibulin-3 and branchial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) in patients with hypertension. Methods A total of 50 patients with hypertension and 38 healthy people were enrolled finally, whose fasting blood were collected. The levels of Fibulin-3、MMP-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The baPWV was detected by pulse wave velocity automatic analyzer. Results The level of serum Fibulin-3 in hypertension was lower than the control group significantly (P < 0.001). There was no significance of serum MMP-9 in the two groups. The baPWV in hypertension was higher than the control group.Correlations between the level of Fibulin-3 and baPWV were significant (r = -0.324,P = 0.006). While correlations between the level of MMP-9 and baPWV had no significance (r=0.003,P=0.968). Conclusion The level of serum Fibulin-3 and baPWV can be used as index of functional changes in the early stage of hypertensive vascular remodeling, and may be applied for forecasting the organ damage in hypertension.

Background Bevacizumab has been widely used in the treatment of new blood vessel disease in ophthalmology.The investigation of the pharmacokinetics and safety after intracameral injection of bevacizumab can offer the basis for the management of iris neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma.Objective The present study was to observe the distribution of bevacizumab(avastin)in eye tissue and toxic effects following the injection of anterior chamber.Methods Twenty-four New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into two groups randomly.0.05 ml (1.25mg)of Bevacizumab was intracamerally injected into the left eyes in the experimental group,and a balanced salt solution of 0.05 ml was injected in the same way into the left eyes of the control group.The anterior segment of eyes and ocular fundus were examined by slit-lamp microscope and direct ophthalmoscope after injection.Intraocular pressure was measured and corneal endothelial microscopy was performed before and after the injections.Five rabbits of the two groups were sacrificed on the first day,the fourth day,the seventh day,the fourteenth day,and the thirtieth day after injection,and the eyeballs were enucleated for histopathological examination.The ultrastructure of eye tissue was observed under the transmission electron microscope on the fourth day and the thirtieth day,and then immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess the distribution of bevacizumab in the eye tissues.This experiment complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission(Version 1988).Results No abnormality in the cornea,lens,vitreous and retina was observed after the injection of bevacizumab under the slit lamp microscope and direct ophthalmoscope.No significant differences were found in intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cell density in the bevacizumab group compared with the control group before injection and 2 hours,1 day,7 days,14 days,30 days after injection(P =0.760,P =0.956).No histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the cornea,lens,chamber angle,iris,ciliary body and retina were seen after the injection in the experimental group and control group under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope.Bevacizumab was distributed in the anterior chamber angle,iris,ciliary body,choroid and retina in injected eyes and fellow eyes after intracameral injection with red fluorescence and presented the dynamic changes with the lapse of time.The immunofluorescence response of eye tissue to bevacizumab was weaker in the fellow eyes compared with injected eyes.Bevacizumab was mainly distributed in the vessel wall and lumen.Conclusions Bevacizumab can quickly distribute in the vascular tissue of the anterior chamber angle,iris,ciliary body,choroid and retina in injected eyes after intracameral injection without obvious toxic effects to eye tissue.Bevacizumab administered intracamerally may be a new strategy or a joint strategy for iris neovascularisation.

Objective To study prevention and treatment for patients during the intermittent period of maintaining hemodialysis complicated by acute left heart failure. Methods The treating process of 126 examples suffered from acute left heart failure during the intermittent period of 14 225 person-time maintaining hemodialysis in 143 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results In this case group, 0.89% suffered from acute left heart failure during the intermittent period of hemodialysis and the successful rescuing rate was 88.9%. Conclusions Applying the treatment of emergency hemodialysis, quickly filtering body fluid, the curative effect is reliable and rapid. It is one of the best ways to cure patients suffered from acute left heart failure during the intermittent period of maintaining hemodialysis. Combined with other treatments, it will be able to improve the successful rate, and ensure the sufficiency of hemodialysis. United with other steps of reducing blood pressure, such as using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocker, and ? receptor blocker, it is an effective countermeasure to prevent patients suffering from acute left heart failure during the intermittent period of maintaining hemodialysis, and effectively reduces its appearance as well.

This article dealed with the effects of processing method and duration on the major bioactive components (sinigrin and sinapine thiocyanate) in Brassica juncea. The contents of sinigrin and sinapine thiocyanate in decoctions of raw and processed B. juncea were determined and compared by high performance liquid chromatography on a Alltima C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) at 35 degrees C with the acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid as the mobile phrase in gradient elution. The detection wavelength of sinigrin and sinapine thiocyanate was set at 227 nm and 326 nm, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). It was found that with the extended processing duration, the contents of sinigrin and sinapine thiocyanate first increased and then decreased: i.e., 0-2 minutes they increased gradually (for sinigrin, by 9.65% in processed products and 356. 10% in powder; for sinapine thiocyanate, by 12.82% in processed products and 3.41% in powder), and achieved their highest content at 2 min; then, decreased during the next 5 minutes (for sinigrin, by 80.35% in processed products and 82.09% in powder; for sinapine thiocyanate, by 14.29% in processed products and 17.54% in powder), suggesting that processing duration could significantly affect the contents of bioactive components in B. juncea, enzymatic hydrolysis of sinigrin when the seed is crushed in the present of moisture may be responsible for the content change. It is recommended that the slow fire should be the best processing method and the raw seed could be used directly in the water extracts related industrial production.
Brassica ; chemistry ; Choline ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Glucosinolates ; chemistry ; Powders ; chemistry ; Thiocyanates ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC).MethodsHSC-T6 cells were cultured in vitro,and divided into four groups:control group,transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 group,TGFβ1 + BMP7 group,and TGFβ1 + BMP7 + Noggin group. The mRNA expressions of smad1,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),gremlin and fibronectin (FN) were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptasepolymerasechainreaction(RT-PCR).Theproteinexpressionsof phosphorylated-smad1/5/8 (P-smad1/5/8),α-SMA and gremlin were detected by Western blot.The statistical analysis were done using one-factor analysis of variance,LSD-t test,Dunnett's T3 test and Pearson linear correlation analysis.ResultsPhosphorylated-smad1/5/8,α-SMA,gremlin and FN were expressed on HSC-T6 cells in control group,which were significantly up-regulated after TGFβ1 stimulation (P＜0.05).The expressions of α-SMA,gremlin and FN were significantly down-regulated in TGFβ1 + BMP7 group compared with TGFβ1group, while P-smad1/5/8 expression was upregulated (1.613±0.031 vs.2.503±0.014; t=34.89,P＜0.05).The expressions of α-SMA,gremlin and FN in TGFβ1 + BMP7 + Noggin group were up-regulated than those in TGFβ1 + BMP7 group,while P-smad1/5/8 was down-regulated (t=34.05,P＜0.05).There was no difference of total smad1 mRNA expression among each group.ConclusionThese results collectively suggest that BMP7 strongly inhibits the expressions of α-SMA,gremlin and FN.

Objective To study clinical feature and therapeutic choice of pituitary adenomas. Methods The clinical data of 239 cases of pituitary adenomas were analyzed. Results Total 93 male and 146 female cases were recruited. The average age was (43.8 ± 14.9 ) years old (3.9-77 years). Prolactinomas were the most common pituitary adenomas (26.8%) , 179 patients (74.9%) underwent surgery, of which 108 (60.3%) with transsphenoidal approach and 71 (39.7%) transcranial approach. The other 60 cases were treated nonsurgically. Conclusions Pituitary adenomas may present hormonal abnormalities or neurological symptoms.Some adenomas were accidently detected by MRI. Prolactinomas were the most common pituitary adenomas.

Objective To discuss the efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction(UPJO). Methods Retroperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was performed on 24 patients with UPJO.The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 14 years(mean,7 years).The diagnosis was set up by ultrasonography,IVU,CT or magnetic resonance urography.All the patients had hydronephrosis,with 4 cases mild,10 cases moderate and 10 severe ones. Results All operations were completed laparoscopieally,without conversions to open surgery during operation.The mean operative time was 180 min(range 150 to 200).The mean blood loss was 60 ml(range 40 to 100)and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 d (range 5 to 9).All 24 patients were followed-up for 6 to 24 months(mean,1 4 months).There was no stricture at UPJ.Eighteen patients had complete resolution of hydronephrosis and 6 patients showed obvious alleviation in hydronephrosis. Conclusion Retroperitoneal laparoseopie dismembered pyeloplasty could be a mini-invasive,safe,and effective procedure for the treatment of UPJO in pediatric patients.

Objective To explore the normal range of the caudate nucleus' volume in Chinese adults of the Han nationality and provide morphological data for the construction of database for Chinese Standard Brain.Methods This was a clinical multi-center study.One thousand Chinese healthy volunteers (age range=18 to 70)recruited from 16 hospitals were divided into 5 groups,i.e.,Group A(age range=18 to 30),B(age range=31 to 40),C(age range=41 to 50),D(age range=51 to 60),and E(age range=61 to 70).Each group contained 100 males and 100 females.All of the volunteers were scanned by MR using T1 weighted three-dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence.The volume of eaudate was measured manually using 3D volume analysis software.The difierence of volumes of the eaudate between male and female were analyzed by independent sample t-test,and among age groups by ANOVA.Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to characterize the relationship between volunles and age.The differences of measurements between left and right caudate nucleus were analyzed by paired t test.Results (1)rnle mean volume of bilateral caudate nucleus in healthy Chinese adults wag(10.973±1.647)cm3.The mean volume of the the male's left and right caudate nucleus were(5.656±0.860)and (5.671±0.855)cm3 respectively,no significant differences were found between the volume of left and right eaudate nucleus(t=1.230.P>0.05).The mean volume of the the female's left and right eaudate nucleus were(5.287±0.774)and(5.331±0.766)cm3 respectively,and the right's wag larger than the left's with significant differences(t=3.999,P<0.01);(2)Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the nucleus volume and age(male and female's,left and fight)(r=-0.561,-0.568,-0.548,-0.552,P<0.05).Conclusion With high-resolution MRI and 3D volumetric analytic software(Midob),the volume of the caudate nucleus can be accurately measured,so as to provide the basic data for establishing Chinese adults' standard digital brain.and provide nomad control standards for caudate nucleus volume-related diseases.

Objective To explore the normal range of cingulate cortex volumes of Chinese adults of the Han nationality and its relationship with age, which provide morphological data for the construction of database for Chinese Standard Brain.Methods This is a clinical multi-center study.One thousand Chinese healthy volunteers ( age range = 18 to 70) recruited from 15 hospitals were divided into 5 groups, i.e.,Group A (age range = 18 to 30), B (age range=31 to 40), C (age range =41 to 50), D (age range =51 to 60), and E (age range =61 to 70).Each group contained 100 males and 100 females.All of the volunteers were scanned by MR using T1 weighted three-dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence.Cingulate cortex volume (including bulk volume and the left/right volume) was measured semi-manually using 3D volume analysis software.Cingulate cortex volumes among age groups were compared by one-way ANOVA.Right and left cingnlate cortex volumes between sexualities were analyzed by paired samples t test.The relationship between cingulate cortex volume and age was analyzed by Pearson correlations and regression analysis.Results Cingulate cortex volumes of male and female were (20 347 ± 2504) and ( 19 432 ± 2184) mm3 respectively, and the male's was significantly larger than that of female's (two sample t'-test for independent samples, t'= 6.156, P < 0.05 ).Right and left cingnlate cortex volumes of male were ( 10 717 ± 1629) and (9630 ± 1498) mm3 respectively, and those of female's were ( 10 064 ± 1407 ) and ( 9368 ± 1441 )mm3 respectively.The volumes of cingulate cortex were significantly different between right and left in male or female ( t = - 12.960, - 8.511, P < 0.05 ),and right was larger than left.Bilateral cingulate cortex volume in male among group A, B, C, D and E[left: ( 10 132 ± 1291 ), ( 10 113 ± 1638), (9599 ± 1576), (9594 ± 1288), (8710 ± 1212) mm3 ; right:(11 212±1442), (11 096±1602), (11 040±1403), (10 633±1638), (9604±1522) mm3] had statistical differences (F = 16.738, 18.707, P < 0.01 ) ; and those in female among five age groups[left:(9689 ± 1426), (9652 ± 1676), (9347 ± 1500), (9098 ± 1225), (9053 ± 1233) mm3 ; fight: ( 10 558 ±1325), ( 10 266 ± 1463), ( 10 100 ± 1497), (9779 ± 1304), (9617 ± 1254) mm3] also had significant differences (F = 16.859,7.528,P <0.01 ).Bilateral cingnlate cortex volume in both male and female were negatively correlated with age ( r = - 0.330, - 0.324, - 0.169, - 0.243, P < 0.05 ), though the correlation coefficient is not high.Conclusions Cingnlate cortex volume could be accurately measured on the high-resolution MRI with 3D volume analysis software, which can provide morphological data for the construction of database for Chinese Standard Brain.The results may provide normal range for the diagnosis of the volumetric deficits of cingulate cortex.