Sixteen compounds have been isolated from the EtOAc fraction of 95% ethanolic extract of Sophora dunnii through silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-prerarative HPLC column chromatographies. Their structures were identified on the basis of NMR and MS spectra data as phaseollidin (1), L-maackiain (2), 2-(2',4'-dihidroxyphenyl)-5,6-methylenedioxy benzofuran (3), 8-demethyl-farrerol (4), liquiritigenin (5), genistein (6), 6-methylgenistein (7), 5-O-methyl genistein (8), 7,2',4'-trihydroxys-5-methoxy-isoflavanone (9), 7, 3', 4'-trihydroxy-isoflavanone (10), erythribyssin D (11), calycosin (12), trans-resveratrol (13), cis-resveratrol (14), stigmasterol (15), β-sitosterol (16). Among these, compounds 1-14 and 16 were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Chemical Fractionation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Sophora ; chemistry ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

DNA, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a substituted amphetamine with stimulating and hallucinogenic properties. Since MDMA induces "ecstasy" it is extensively used as a "recreational" drug. It has been well established that MDMA is neurotoxic and can result in long-term degeneration of cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve terminals in many species. The present study was undertaken to investigate the long-term neurotoxic effects of MDMA on cortical and hippocampal structures, by repeatedly administering MDMA in short time. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control group and MDMA-treated group. MDMA (10 mg/kg) was administered to rats of MDMA-treated group, once per hour, total 40 mg/kg; rats of control group were treated with the same volume of saline. Thirty-two weeks after administering MDMA, the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA and diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the degeneration of nerve terminals was demonstrated by Bielschowsky and Glee Marsland silver staining. The results showed that the expression of SERT mRNA in hippocampus decreased by 31.96%, while expression of DBI mRNA in neocortex increased by 40.51%, compared with the control group (P<0.05). The expression of GFAP in the brain tissue increased (P<0.05), while significant reduction of the nerve terminals in neocortex was demonstrated by silver staining, compared with the control group. These results suggest that the neurotoxicity of MDMA results in sustained cortical and hippocampal structural changes, which in turn result in disorder of the brain functions.
Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Diazepam Binding Inhibitor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine ; toxicity ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes ; etiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate effect of connective tissue growth factors (CTGF) on secretion of extracellular matrix synthesis of meniscal fibrochondrocytes, expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and angiogenesis during the repair of meniscal tearing damage.

METHODSMeniscal fibrochondrocytes were isolated from the inner--1/2 of rabbits' meniscus by collagenase enzymatic digestion, centrifugal separation, and treated with 100 ng/ml CTGF in vitro. Characterization of fibrochondrocytes was identified by flow cytometry analysising CD31, CD44, CD45 and CD105, and was further tested by type II collagen immunocytochemistry. Changes in gene expression of meniscal fibrochondrocytes were monitored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro, the sections of the 3 mm of the longitudinal teared in the middle of the rabbit's meniscus, and then the defects were dealed with simple suture, suture and implanting with PBS-fibrin glue, sutured and implanting with 1.5 microg CTGF respectively. Expression and distribution of type I and II collagen and VEGF, the tearing healing were observed by fluorescence-immunohistochemisty analysis on the 1st week, the 4th week and the 10th week.

RESULTSQuantitative RT-PCR assays showed that type I and type II collagen,and VEGF mRNA expression in the 100 ng/ml CTGF group had been remarkably enhanced than in the PBS group on the 14th day. Consistent with these effects in vitro, fluorescence-immunohistochemical analysis revealed that in the group implanted with CTGF-fibrin glue, type I collagen, type I collagen and capillaries completely filled the defect on the 10th week postoperatively. In contrast, only soft tissue repair occurred after the PBS-fibrin glue was implanted.

CONCLUSIONCTGF can significantly promote extracellular matrix (I collagen, II collagen) of the meniscal avascular zone synthesis, and CTGF can greatly heighten the expression of VEGF activity at the same time in vitro, so that it can further enhance the repair of meniscal tearing damage in the avascular zone.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; Collagen Type II ; genetics ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; therapeutic use ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; surgery ; Rabbits ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of kinetic rectification acupuncture in treating acute facial neuritis. Method Sixty patients with acute facial neuritis were randomized to observation and control groups. The observation group received kinetic rectification acupuncture and the control group, conventional acupuncture alone. Acupuncture was given five times a week, five times as one course. The therapeutic effects were evaluated after three courses of treatment. Result The total efficacy rate was 93.3% in the observation group and 73.3% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The latencies and amplitudes of the frontal muscle, orbicularis oculi muscle and quadrate muscle of upper lip improved in the two groups after treatment and had statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences (P < 0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the pre-/post-treatment difference values of the latencies and amplitudes of the frontal muscle and orbicularis oculi muscle (P<0.01) and no statistically significant difference in the pre-/post-treatment difference values of the latency and amplitude of the quadrate muscle of upper lip (P>0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion Kinetic rectification acupuncture has a marked therapeutic effect on acute facial neuritis. This study provides a particular therapeutic method for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of LRRC4, a glioma suppressive gene, on blocking U251 cells in G0/G1 by MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS: LRRC4 was transfected into U251 cells, and at 24 hour of post-transfection, cells were split at a 1:3 dilution, challenged with 500 microg /mL G418 and formed a stable transfected clone pool. RT-PCR, Northern blot and Western blot were used to identify the stable transfectants. ERK, JNK and P38 expression changes were analyzed by Western blot. FACS analysis, Luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot were used to detect the cell cycle and cyclin D1. RESULTS: LRRC4 down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated ERK2 and up-regulated the expression of total protein JNK2 (a key molecule of MAPK signaling pathway) and phosphorylated c-Jun. LRRC4 decreased the expression of mutation P53, cyclin D1 activation and its expression. U251 cells were blocked in G0/G1 by LRRC4. CONCLUSION LRRC4 can decrease JNK2, up-regulate the phosphoralated c-Jun, down-regulate mutant P53 and cyclin D1, and therefore block U251 cells in G0/G1.
Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; G1 Phase ; genetics ; physiology ; Glioma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Luciferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; genetics ; physiology ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases ; metabolism ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Resting Phase, Cell Cycle ; genetics ; physiology ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemiological features of tic disorders (TD) among schoolchildren in Wenzhou area.

METHODSStratified cluster sampling was carried out to investigate TD in 9742 schoolchildren aged 7 to 16 years old in Wenzhou.

RESULTSThe average prevalence rate of TD among school-age children was 104/10 000 (166/10 000 for males, 29/10 000 for females). There was a significantly higher prevalence rate for males than that for females (chi(2) = 43.96, P < 0.001, prevalence ratio = 5.7, prevalence ratio 95% CI: 3.20 - 10.30). The prevalence rates of clinical subtypes in males was significantly higher than that of females while pupils was significantly higher than that in high school students (chi(2) = 11.33, P < 0.01, prevalence ratio = 2.2, prevalence ratio 95% CI: 1.37 - 3.43). Prevalence rate of transient tic disorders (TTD), chronic motor vocal tic disorder (CMVTD), tourette syndrome (TS) were 34/10 000, 27/10 000 and 43/10 000 respectively with the highest among 9-10 years old group. The mean onset age of TD was 8.5 +/- 2.8 years. The peak of onset was among 6-10 year olds. The rate of delayed diagnosis of the disorders was 69.3% and the median in delayed diagnosis was 1.0 year.

CONCLUSIONTD is a common disease with high rate of misdiagnoses among schoolchildren in Wenzhou area. Physicians and population should be trained to identify the syndromes and to practice correct diagnosis and effective treatment as early as possible.

Adolescent ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Sex Factors ; Tic Disorders ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Tourette Syndrome ; epidemiology ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo study the prevalence and distribution of Tourette syndrome (TS).

METHODSNine thousand, seven hundred and forty-two children and juveniles aged 7 - 16 years in Wenzhou were studied, using cluster random sampling method.

RESULTSThe prevalence of TS among school-age children was estimated to be 0.43% (0.74% for males and 0.07% for females). The prevalence of male children and juveniles was higher than that of female children and juveniles (chi(2) = 25.09, P < 0.001, prevalence ratio = 10.95, prevalence ratio 95% CI: 3.38 - 35.46). The highest prevalence of TS was between 9 - 10 years old. The mean age at onset of TS was 7.7 +/- 2.7 years, with 45.2% of them among 6 - 7 year olds. The rate of delayed diagnosis and rates of misdiagnosis and misclassification of the syndromes were 78.6%, 42.9% and 23.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONTourette syndrome had been a common disease of children and juveniles in Wenzhou area. The disease was correlated with age and sex, often misdiagnosed and misclassified. Physicians and as well as general publics should be trained to identify the cases.

Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Sex Factors ; Tourette Syndrome ; diagnosis ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical implications of changes in red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODSA total of 127 patients (90 men and 37 women) were enrolled in this analysis, including 66 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 61 with unstable angina (UA). The patients' baseline demographic and clinical data were compared between the two groups including age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, BMI, blood biochemical profiles, cardiac functions and platelet and red blood cell parameters. The patients were further divided into subgroups according to the RDW 50% cumulative frequency, and the MPV, P-LCR, hsCRP, NT-proBNP, RBC, Dimer and MCV were compared. The correlations between platelet and erythrocyte test results were evaluated in both the AMI and UA patients. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting the RDW in the AMI group and a regression model was established.

RESULTSThe platelet and red blood cell test results, P-LCR, MPV, and RDW differed significantly between AMI and UA groups (P<0.01 or 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between RDW and MPV in AMI group (r=0.34, P<0.01). Between the subgroups with different RDW 50% cumulative frequencies, MPV, P-LCR, hsCRP, D-Dimer, and NT-proBNP all differed significantly (P<0.05 or 0.01). In AMI group, with RDW as the dependent variable, we established a multivariate regression model of RDW=0.19MPV+10.83.

CONCLUSIONRDW and MPV are closely correlated in patients with AMI. In multiple regression analysis, MPV can explain the changes in RDW in patients with AMI.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key cytokine in immunology system and is related to many human diseases. In order to inhibit the activity of TNF, cDNA coding for soluble TNF receptor II (sTNFRII) and human IgG Fc were linked using a flexible hinge. This gene was expressed in E. coli as a chimeric protein and purified by metal chelate chromatography. The results show that the fusion protein exists in the physiological form as a dimer, has the ability to bind with TNF and inhibits the cytotoxicity of TNF on L929 cells. Contrasting to monomer sTNFRII, the chimeric protein has an improved bioactivity, and displays potential prospects for research and application.
Antigens, CD ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; methods ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Engineering ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Immunoglobulin G ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Recombination, Genetic ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism