Objective To study the influence of Dahuang granule on the level of motilin in plasma and gastrin in serum of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods Sixty-four patients with SAP were divided into Dahuang granule group (32 cases) and control group (32 cases), treated with Dahuang granule and routine therapy respectively. The level of motilin in plasma and gastrin in serum of the two groups were detected by radioimmunoassay method. Results After treated for one week, the level of motilin in Dahuang granule group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P

Objective:To explore correlation among serum levels of 25-hydroxyl vitamin D [25(OH)D],glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c),homocysteine (Hcy)and severity of intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:A total of 120 T2DM patients,whose ICAS was confirmed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD),were selected.According to TCD results,they were divided into stenosis group (n=45)and non-stenosis group (n= 75).Levels of blood glucose,blood lipids,serum 25 (OH)D,HbA1c and Hcy were measured and compared between two groups.Correlation among serum levels of 25(OH)D,HbA1c,Hcy and ICAS severity,and predictive value of these indexes for ICAS in T2DM patients were analyzed.Results:Compared with non-stenosis group,there were significant rise in age > 60 years (40.0% vs.60.0%),disease course > 5 years (36.0% vs.62.2%),smoking history (26.7% vs.46.7%),drinking history (36.0% vs.62.2%),percentages of CHD (25.3% vs.46.7%)and hypertension (26.7% vs.44.4%)in stenosis group,P <0.05 or <0.01. Compared with non-stenosis group,there were significant reductions in serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [(1.80±0.31)mmol/L vs.(1.02±0.23)mmol/L]and 25(OH)D [(68.37±15.29)nmol/L vs.(34.32±8.63) nmol/L],and significant rise in serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol [(3.02 ± 0.75)mmol/L vs. (3.79±0.82)mmol/L],HbA1c [(6.35±2.36)% vs.(7.60 ±2.90)%]and Hcy [(10.24±3.98)μmol/L vs. (15.91±4.26)μmol/L]in stenosis group,P <0.05 or <0.01. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that ICAS severity was significant inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D level (r = -0.840,P =0.001 ),and significant positively correlated with serum HbA1c,Hcy levels (r =0.454,0.812,P =0.023,0.001 ).ROC curve indicated that sensitivity and specificity of serum 25 (OH)D level predicting ICAS was 79.4% and 100% respectively;it's 40.3% and 67.6% for serum HbA1c,70.3% and 79.4% for serum Hcy.Conclusion:In T2DM patients with ICAS, serum 25(OH)D,HbA1c and Hcy levels are significantly correlated with ICAS,which can predict ICAS risk.

OBJECTIVETo assess the characteristics of enhanced magnetic resonance image with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) in the inflammatory and tumor metastatic rabbit model, and explore its relevance with histologic ultrastructural findings.

METHODSTotally 36 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into lymphadenitis group and metastatic group. Complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the bilateral dorsal footpads of 18 rabbits to set up ipsilateral lymphadenitis model. The other 18 rabbits received a subcutaneous implantation of VX2 tumor cell suspension (1.5 x 10(7) cells/ml) in both thighs to set up metastatic lymph node model. Magnetic resonance scan were performed 24 hours before and after USPIO (90 micromol Fe/kg) injection. T2 values of each lymph node were measured and lymph node T2 enhancement rate was calculated as well. HE staining, Prussian blue staining, and electronic microscopy were performed to observe the pathological microstructure changes and the distribution of the iron particle in lymph node. Relationship between lymph nodes USPIO enhancement and its microstructures were further analyzed. Results Thirty-six lymph nodes in lymphadenitis group showed different degrees of reactive hyperplasia. Twenty-six lymph nodes in metastatic group were invaded by tumor cell. Non-enhanced scan showed mild difference between T2 signal intensity of the two pathological lymph node types. After USPIO enhancement, inflammatory lymph nodes showed distinct T2 signal reduction at the center, and metastatic lymph nodes showed homogenous and faint T2 signal reduction. Enhancement rate of benign and malignant lymph nodes were 57.39% and 29.45% respectively (P < 0.01). HE staining and Prussian blue staining indicated USPIO particles located mainly in the macrophages at inflammatory lymphatic medulla, while paracortical area and cortical area contained relatively much less USPIO particles due to less macrophages distribution. MRI findings were correlated with the pathological results. Electronic microscopy also verified that the majority of USPIO particles were located in the numerous cytophagic bubbles of macrophages. Lymph nodes metastasis including 4 lymph nodes with completed structure destruction due to entire tumor infiltration, 19 lymph nodes with partially lymph node structure destruction but reduced USPIO-contained macrophage numbers or reduced USPIO particles in macrophages, and 3 lymph nodes with only localized foci tumor metastasis at subcapsular area. Conclusions USPIO enhancement pattern of different lymph nodes is closely related to distribution and functional status of the intra-node macrophages. It may affect the accuracy of the lymph node property diagnosis based on USPIO enhanced image.

Animals ; Dextrans ; metabolism ; Female ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Lymph Nodes ; ultrastructure ; Lymphadenitis ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; diagnosis ; ultrastructure ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Magnetics ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo explore the possibility of Schwann cells transplantation to promote the repair of injured brain stem reticular structure in rats.

METHODSSchwann cells originated from sciatic nerves of 1 to 2-day-old rats were expanded and labelled by BrdU in vitro, transplanted into rat brain stem reticular structure that was pre-injured by electric needle stimulus. Immunohistochemistry and myelin-staining were used to investigate the expression of BrdU, GAP-43 and new myelination respectively.

RESULTSBrdU positive cells could be identified for up to 8 months and their number increased by about 23%, which mainly migrated toward injured ipsilateral cortex. The GAP-43 expression reached its peak in 1 month after transplantation and was significantly higher than that in the control group. New myelination could be seen in destructed brain stem areas.

CONCLUSIONThe transplantation of Schwann cells can promote the restoration of injured brain stem reticular structure.

Animals ; Antimetabolites ; Brain Injuries ; therapy ; veterinary ; Brain Stem ; injuries ; Bromodeoxyuridine ; Cell Transplantation ; methods ; veterinary ; Electrophysiology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Schwann Cells ; transplantation

OBJECTIVETo provide the acute toxicity data of hygromycin B phosphotransferase (HPT) using recombinant protein purified from E. coli.

METHODSRecombinant HPT protein was expressed and purified from E. coli. To exclude the potential adverse effect of bacteria protein in recombinant HPT protein, bacterial control plasmid was constructed, and bacteria control protein was extracted and prepared as recombinant HPT protein. One hundred mice, randomly assigned to 5 groups, were administrated 10 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 1 g/kg body weight of HPT or 5 g/kg body weight of bacterial control protein or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) respectively by oral gavage.

RESULTSAll animals survived with no significant change in body weight gain throughout the study. Macroscopic necropsy examination on day 15 revealed no gross pathological lesions in any of the animals. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of HPT was 10 g/kg body weight in mice and could be regarded as nontoxic.

CONCLUSIONHPT protein does not have any safety problems to human health.

Animals ; Bacterial Proteins ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Recombinant Proteins ; isolation & purification ; toxicity ; Toxicity Tests, Acute

Adult ; CD5 Antigens ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Choristoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hamartoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; metabolism ; Thymoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Thymus Gland ; pathology ; Thymus Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Thyroidectomy ; methods

OBJECTIVETo establish an ideal CCl4 drug-induced liver injury model in vitro.

METHODTraditional method and improved method were adopted for preparing CCl4 injury liquid and drug-induced human liver HepG2 cell injury. Cell morphological change was observed under a bright-field microscope. The level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in supernatant was detected by biochemical method. 4-Methyl-tetrazolium (MTT) chromatometry was adopted for determining cell activity.

RESULTThe improved method showed better CCl4-induced injury effect than the traditional method. With the increase in the concentration of CCl4 injury liquid, the ALT level significantly increased, whereas the cell activity notably decreased. Particularly, 70% CCl4 injury liquid use for 4 hours could achieve the best injury effect.

CONCLUSIONThe improved method could be used to establish an ideal CCl4 drug-induced liver injury model in vitro, which can lay foundation for further in vitro studies.

Alanine Transaminase ; metabolism ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; metabolism ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; adverse effects ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury ; enzymology ; etiology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver ; drug effects ; enzymology ; injuries ; Models, Biological ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEDoubly labeled water (DLW) method is the gold standard for measuring total energy expenditure (TEE). We used this method to measure TEE in Chinese young men.

METHODSSixteen healthy young men age 23±1 years with body mass index 22.0±1.4 kg/m2 were recruited. TEE was measured by the DLW method, and basal energy expenditure (BEE) was determined by indirect calorimetry. We also conducted 24-h activity, energy balance and factorial approach to estimate energy requirements of the subjects.

RESULTSTEE of subjects by DLW method was 9.45±0.57 MJ/day (2258±180 kcal/day). The 24-h activity was 10.80±0.33 MJ/day (2582±136 kcal/day). The energy requirement, derived from energy balance observations, was 9.93±1.32 MJ/day (2373±315 kcal/day). The BEE of 6.65±0.28 MJ/day (1589±67 kcal/day), calculated by the adjusted Schofield equation, was significantly higher (P<0.001) than that measured by indirect calorimetry, 5.99±0.66 MJ/day (1433±158 kcal/day). The TEE derived from the factorial approach was 10.31±0.43 MJ/day (2463±104 kcal/day).

CONCLUSIONThe TEE of Chinese young men measured by the DLW method was about 10% lower than the current recommended nutrient intake (RNI), suggesting that the RNI for Chinese men maybe overestimated. Further studies are warranted to determine the value of the estimated energy requirement.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Energy Metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; Isotope Labeling ; Male ; Motor Activity ; physiology ; Water ; Young Adult

Pseudoallergic reactions occured after the first administration of patients, and the pathogenic mechanisms of them were different from the allergic reactions which needed excitation after antigen sensitization. To provide a basis for evaluation, clinical use and drug development of pseudoallergic reactions, the models were established by two kinds of Chinese herbal injections (CHI) both on different strain or gender mice. With the use of ICR, Kunming, BALB/C, C57 mice, pseudoallergic tests of two CHI were conducted to compare the sensitivity of four strains mice, and compared the differences in male and female animals. Test substances contain 0.8% Evans blue (EB) were intravenously injected into different strain and gender mice. Scores of ear blue staining and quantitation of ear EB exudation were the parameters for pseudoallergic reaction. Results of strain difference indicated that both CHI A and B could cause severe pseudoallergic reactions indicated by obvious vascular hyperpermeability on ICR mice. The pseudoallergic reactions in ICR mice are more obvious under the the same dose of injection, which stated the sensibility of ICR mice. And the reactions of KM mice and BALB/C mice were slightly reduced which compared to ICR mice, even alomost nothing on C57 mice. Comparison results of gender difference showed that one CHI was not have significant difference in male and female animals, but male animals were more susceptible than females on another CHI. Therefore, ICR mice were preferable experimental strain on the model of pseudoallergic reactions induced by CHI A and B. Because of female animals were easily influenced by estrous cycle, the pseudoallergic reactions induced by CHI A and B select and use male mice befittingly.
Animals ; Drug Hypersensitivity ; etiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; Female ; Injections ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Sex Characteristics ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between adiponectin and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related diseases in older adults from major cities of China.

METHODSA total of 2 049 adults at the age of 60-96 years from 18 major cities of China were enrolled in the study. Plasma adiponectin and insulin concentrations were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The definitions proposed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NLHBI) were used to identify MetS.

RESULTSThe adiponectin concentration increased with the advance of age and was higher in women than in men. The sex specific adiponectin concentration was inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose and fasting blood insulin, and positively correlated with HDL-C (P < 0.001). The adiponectin concentration decreased with increasing MetS components. Compared with the 4th sex-specific adiponectin quartile, the odds ratio (OR) for prevalent MetS-IDF and MetS-AHA/NLHBI in subjects of the 1st quartile group was 3.25 (95% CI: 2.24, 4.71) and 3.21 (95% CI: 2.26, 4.55), respectively. The association was independent of age, sex, life-style factors, medication, family history of chronic diseases, BMI, and HOMA-IR. The OR for MetS was much higher than those of MetS components and its related diseases.

CONCLUSIONAdiponectin is strongly associated with MetS independent of insulin resistance and obesity in older adults from major cities in China. The adiponectin concentration is a useful predictor for the risk of MetS.

Adiponectin ; blood ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; blood ; epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Sex Characteristics