Objective To investigate the role of serine threonine protein kinase-1 (Akt1) and Smad3 in lung tissues in development of hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats.Methods Seventy-two healthy male SpragueDawley rats,aged 3-4 months,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=24 each):control group (C group),sham operation group (S group) and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) group.The rats were anesthetized with 3％ pentobarbital sodium 45 mg/kg.In group CBDL,laparotomy was performed,the common bile duct was ligated and then the abdomen was closed,while the common bile duct was only exposed,but not ligated and then the abdomen was closed in group S.At 1st,3rd and 5th weeks (T1-3),8 rats were chosen randomly in each group and blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis.The rats were then sacrificed and lungs were isolated to detect the expression of Aktl and Smad3 mRNA and protein in lung tissues (by RT-PCR and Western blot).The lung tissues were sliced and stained with hematoxylin eosin for examination of the pathological changes of pulmonary capillaries.Results Compared with C and S groups,the expression of Akt1 and Smad3 mRNA and protein in lung tissues was significantly up-regulated at T2,3,and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference was increased at T3 in CBDL group (P ＜ 0.05).The pulmonary capillary was obviously dilated at T3 in CBDL group.Conclusion The expression of Akt1 and Smad3 in lung tissues is up-regulated,which may be one of the mechanisms of development of hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats.

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of annexin A2 (ANXA2) in lung tissues in rats with hepato-pulmonary syndrome.Methods Healthy 3-4-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes,weighing 220-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group (group C,n =10),sham operation group (group S,n =10) and hepatopulmonary syndrome group (group HPS,n =20).The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 3％ pentobarbital sodium 0.1 ml/100 g.Hepatopulmonary syndrome was produced by chronic ligation of the common bile duct.After 5 weeks,the rats were sacrificed and lungs were removed for determination of ANXA2 and smooth muscle actin α (SM-α-actin) mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues by RT-PCR and Western blot,respectively.Results There was no significant difference in the expression of ANXA2 and SM-α-actin mRNA and protein between groups C and S (P ＞ 0.05).The expression of ANXA2 and SM-α-actin mRNA and protein was significantly higher in group HPS than in groups C and S (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The expression of ANXA2 in lung tissues is up-regulated in rats with hepato-pulmonary syndrome.

Objective To establish a method for culture of rat pulmonary capillary pericytes.Methods Six male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 6-7 weeks,weighing 200-220 g,were anesthetized and the chest was opened.The pulmonary capillary was isolated by type Ⅰ collagenase digestion and micropore filtration and cultured in highglucose DMEM/F12 1∶1 containing 10％ fetal bovine serum and 0.5％ mixture of penicillin and streptomycin.The morphology and growth of cells were observed with inverted phase contrast microscope.The positive cells of αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA),desmin,neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2),cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) were counted by immunofluorescence.The percentage of positive cells was calculated.Results The microscopic examination showed cells of shuttle shape or star shape,mononuclear cells,binuclear cells occasionally,oval nucleus,rich cell plasma,growth in the shape of vortex or fence,and no contact inhibition.The percentage of positive cells ofα-SMA,desmin,NG2,and CD31 was (99.0± 1.2)％,(96.0±2.1)％,(99.0±0.7)％ and0,respectively.Conclusion The culture method for rat pulmonary capillary pericytes is successfully established.

Objective To evaluate the effects of the serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice on the proliferation,migration and phenotype modulation of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).Methods PASMCs were isolated from the patients,underwent passage and were then subcultured.The cultured PASMCs were incubated with the serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice or with the serum in the healthy volunteers.At 24,48 and 72 h of incubation,the proliferation and migration of the cells were determined by CCK-8 assay and wound healing assay,respectively,and Western blot analysis was used for detection of smooth muscleα-actin (SM-α-actin) and calponin protein expression in human PASMCs.Results The proliferation and migration of human PASMCs were significantly enhanced,calponin protein expression was up-regulated at 24 h of incubation,and the SM-α-actin and calponin protein expression was down-regulated at 48 and 72 h of incubation when human PASMCs were incubated with the serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice as compared with those when the cells were incubated with the serum in the healthy volunteers.When human PASMCs were incubated with the serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice,the proliferation and migration of the cells were significantly enhanced,SM-α-actin expression was up-regulated and calponin protein expression was down-regulated at 48 h of incubation as compared with those at 24 h of incubation.When human PASMCs were incubated with the serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice,the migration of the cells was significantly enhanced,and no significant change was found in the proliferation and SM-α-actin and calponin protein expression at 72 h of incubation as compared with those at 48 h of incubation.Conclusion The serum in the patients with obstructive jaundice can enhance the proliferation and migration of human PASMCs and promotes synthetic PASMC phenotype.

Objective To evaluate the effect of bilirubin on proliferation of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) of rats.Methods Primary PMVECs harvested from 10 healthy male Sprague-Dawleyrats,weighing 120-150 g,aged 2-3 months,were cultured,purified and identified.PMVECs were seeded in low-glucose DMEM culture medium or 96-well culture plates,and divided into 5 groups according to the random number table:control group (group C) and different concentrations of bilirubin groups (B1-4 groups) with 30 wells or48 flasks in each group.In group C,low-glucose DMEM 1 ml was added.In B1-4 groups,5,10,20 and 50 μmol/L bilirubin 1 ml were added,respectively.At 24,48 and 72 h of incubation,proliferation of PMVECs was measured using CCK-8 assay and 3 H-TdR incorporation assay,Akt1 mRNA and Smad3 mRNA expression was measured by RT-PCR,and phosphor-Akt1 (p-Akt1) protein and Smad3 protein expression was detected using Western blot.Results Compared with group C,no significant changes were found in each parameter mentioned above at each time point in B1 and B2 groups,the proliferation of PMVECs was weakened,and Akt1 mRNA,p-Akt1 protein and Smad3 protein and mRNA expression was down-regulated at 48 h of incubation in B3 group,and the proliferation of PMVECs was weakened,and the expression of Akt1 mRNA,p-Akt1 protein and Smad3 mRNA and protein was down-regulated at 48 and 72 h of incubation in B4 group.Compared with group B3,the proliferation of PMVECs was weakened,and the expression of Akt1 mRNA,p-Akt1 protein and Smad3 mRNA and protein was down-regulated at 72 h of incubation in B4 group.Conclusion High concentration of bilirubin can inhibit proliferation of PMVECs and down-regulated expression of Akt1 and Smad3 is involved in the mechanism.

Objective To study the influence of periacetabular muscle contraction on acetabular] fractures.Methods Twenty intact adult cadaveric pelvis(40 hip joints)treated antiseptically with bilat- eral 1/2 femoral shafts were selected and divided randomly into two groups(20 hip joints in each group). Then,the specimens were trimmed to fit the RMT-150B rock mechanics measuring system and the special in- creasing pressure system.After pressure of 3 500 N was pressed to the control group and pressure of 4500 N to the experimental group,acetabular fracture model was made by beatening with special striking machine,when striking force was recorded.Results We made forty aeetabular fracture models from 40 cadaveric hips. Pearson correlation coefficient of pressing force and striking force was -0.923(P＜0.01).The striking force of the control group and the experimental group was 445-550 N and 290-400 N,respectively(t= 14.727,P＜0.01).Conclusion The increase of contraction force of the periaeetabular muscles can decrease aeetabular stress and strain,influence the result of violent injury and play a vital role in inducing acetabular fractures.

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of school children, lactating women and infants in iodine deficient areas of Baicheng and Wushi Counties in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Methods According to the geographic location of east, south, west and north of county, 10 primary schools of 8 townships were selected. In each school, 10 children among each gender and age group from 8 to 10 years old were selected. A total of 300 school children were chosen. One hundred and four infants aged 0-2 years old and their mother were selected in 8 townships. Iodine content in edible salt at household level, the urinary iodine in school children and lactating women, total goiter rate(TGR) and the status of the intelligence quotient (1Q) of school children, the status of psychological development of infants were observed. Direct titration assay for testing the salt iodine, colorimetric ceric-arsenic assay and vitriolic ammonium assimilation were used for testing urinary iodine. The size of thyroid gland was measured by palpation. The Combined Raven Test for Chinese Rural was used to test the IQ. The psychological development of infants was tested by Danver Development Screening Test (DDST). Results The coverage rate of iodized salt at household level was 73.1% (123/182), however, the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt was 64.1% (118/182). The medium of urinary iodine in school children was 103.7 μ/L, with 47.8%(75/157) less than 100 μg/L and 28.0% (44/157) less than 50 μg/L; it was 123.0 μg/L in Baieheng County, with 44.4%(28/63) less than 100 μg/L and 33.3%(21/63) less than 50 μg/L; it was 100.3 μg/L in Wushi County, 50.0%(47/94) less than 100 μg/L and 24.5%(23/94) less than 50 μg/L. The medium of urinary iodine in locating women was 143.3 μg/L, it was 119.7 μg/L and 184.6 μg/L in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The total rate of goiter in school children was 14.3%(43/300), it was 10.8%(13/120) and 16.6%(30/180) in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The average IQ in school children was 80.6±11.6, it was 83.0±11.6 and 79.0±11.7 in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. The proportion of mental retardation in school children (IQ≤69) was 13.0% (39/300), it was 6.7% (8/120) and 17.2%(31/180) in Baicheng and Wushi Counties, respectively. In addition, the proportion of psychological development in infants being normal, suspicious and abnormal was 78.8%(82/104), 12.5% (13/104) and 8.7%(9/104), respectively. Conclusion This study confirms the fact that there is also existence of mental retardation in children and infants, caused by iodine deficiency.

Objective To evaluate the effects of the serum of patients with obstructive jaundice on myogenic differentiation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Methods Hu?man PMVECs were isolated and then subcultured. The cultured PMVECs were incubated with the serum of patients with obstructive jaundice or with the serum of healthy volunteers. At 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation (T1?3), the inverted microscope was used to observe the morphology of primary PMVECs. The expression of muscular proteins ( alpha?smooth muscle actin [α?SMA ] , smooth muscle?mysion heavy chain [ SM?MHC] , capolnin) in PMVECs was detected using Western blot analysis. Results The expression of cal?ponin andα?SMA was negative, and a few SM?MHC proteins were expressed when PMVECs were incubated with the serum of healthy volunteers; the expression of calponin, α?SMA and SM?MHC was positive when PMVECs were incubated with the serum of patients with obstructive jaundice. Compared with the serum of healthy volunteers, the expression of SM?MHC was significantly up?regulated when PMVECs were incubated with the serum of patients with obstructive jaundice (P<0.05). The expression of calponin, α?SMA and SM?MHC was significantly up?regulated at T2,3 compared with that at T1 , and at T3 compared with that at T2 when PMVECs were incubated with the serum of patients with obstructive jaundice ( P<0.05) . Conclusion The serum of patients with obstructive jaundice promotes myogenic differentiation of human PMVECs, which is probably one of the mechanisms underlying intrapulmonary microvascular dilatation.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yanggan Yishui Granule (YGYSG) on collagen protein I, III, and IV, as well as fibronection (EN) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and to explore its possible renal protective mechanisms.

METHODSFourty SHR were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the model group, the Benazepril group, the low dose YGYSG group, and the high dose YGYSG group, 10 in each group. A normal control group was set up with recruited Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. After 6 weeks of treatment, the expression of collagen protein I, III, and IV, as well as FN in the 5.1 image analysis system.

RESULTSIn the WKY-control group, there was only a small amount of brown particles in the mesenchymal region, the glomerular basement membrane, or the mesangial region. The expression of collagen I, Ill, and IV, as well as EN significantly increased more in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.01). After treatment, the expression of collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN significantly decreased in each treated group, showing statistical difference when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). Besides, decresed expression of collagen I, III, and IV was shown in the low dose YGYSG group and the Benazepril group (P > 0.05). The expression of collagen I, III, and IV could be further reduced in the high dose YGYSG group, showing statistical difference when compared with the Benazepril group and the low dose YGYSG group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONYGYSG might play an important role in the renal protective effect through reducing the synthesis of renal collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN, increasing the degradation of renal collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN, thereby reducing excessive deposition of renal extracellular matrix (ECM).

Animals ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Rats, Inbred WKY

BACKGROUNDNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Platelet activation may play an important role in pathologic progress in lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to clarify the influence of activated platelets on lung cancer generation and growth, and the relationship among these functional and ultrastructural changes of platelets and the severity of pathogenetic condition in these patients with NSCLC.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty-six cases of patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC were included in this study. Fifty-four healthy people were enrolled as controls. The change of ultra microstructure and activity of blood platelets were observed under the transmission and scanning electron microscope. Simultaneous determination of plasma granule membrane protein 140 (GMP-140) was made.

RESULTSTransmission electron microscopy showed remarkable changes of ultra microstructure of platelets in patients with NSCLC, including swelling, increase of a-granules, vesicles, and glycogenosome. Scanning electron microscopy showed many more surface processes and wrinkles on platelets in patients with NSCLC. The reference plasma levels of GMP-140 of healthy controls were (18.2 +/- 2.7) microg/L. The plasma levels of GMP-140 in patients with NSCLC were (47.8 +/- 12.3) microg/L, which were much higher than those of the controls. There was a medium positive correlation between plasma levels of GMP-140 and amount of a-granules (r = 0.514, P < 0.01) and a high positive correlation between plasma levels of GMP-140 and area of platelet (r = 0.84, P < 0.01) in patients with NSCLC. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed significant shift to the left in patients with NSCLC whose a-granules per platelet were 19 or more compared to those 18 or less (Log rank statistic, chi(2) = 17.38, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThere are significant activated changes of ultra microstructure and increased activity of blood platelets in patients with NSCLC. These activated platelets may play an important role in the generation and growth of lung cancer. These changes can be used as a diagnostic index of severity, progression, and prognosis of NSCLC.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Platelets ; ultrastructure ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood ; drug therapy ; mortality ; ultrastructure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Middle Aged ; P-Selectin ; blood ; Survival Analysis