Objective: To explore therapeutic effects of calcium channel blocker combined statins on aged patients with hypertension, and their influence on inflammatory factor levels.Methods: A total of 124 aged patients with hypertension, who were treated in our hospital from Oct 2014 to Oct 2015 , were randomly and equally divided into amlodipine group (received amlodipine therapy based on routine treatment) and combined treatment group (received atorvastatin calcium based on amlodipine group) according to random number table.Levels of blood pressure, C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, endothelin (ET) and blood lipids before and after treatment, and therapeutic effect and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between two groups.Results: Compared with amlodipine group after treatment, there were significant reductions in levels of systolic blood pressure [(143.57±3.14) mmHg vs.(131.73±3.42) mmHg], diastolic blood pressure [(82.17±3.26) mmHg vs.(76.51±3.27) mmHg], CRP [(7.32±0.71) mg/L vs.(5.57±0.76) mg/L], IL-6 [(133.42±27.31) ng/L vs.(123.73±22.81) ng/L], ET [(50.74±4.96) pg/L vs.(45.71±5.78) pg/L], total cholesterol [(5.32±0.66) mmol/L vs.(4.12±0.52) mmol/L], triglyceride [(1.56±0.42)mmol/L vs.(1.21±0.37) mmol/L] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [(3.12±0.48) mmol/L vs.(2.43±0.43) mmol/L], and significant rise in high density lipoprotein cholesterol level [(1.41±0.12) mmol/L vs.(1.55±0.17) mmol/L] in combined treatment group, P<0.05 or <0.01.Compared with amlodipine group, there was significant rise in total effective rate (77.4% vs.91.9%) in combined treatment group, P=0.025.There was no significant difference in incidence rate of adverse reactions between two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Calcium channel blocker combined statins possesses definite therapeutic effects on aged patients with hypertension.It can reduce levels of blood pressure and blood lipids and inflammations and improve vascular endothelial cell function, which is worth extending.

BACKGROUND: The pathological characteristics of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis are the proliferation of a large number of fibroblasts and the increasing deposition of matrix collagen that takes the place of normal lung structure. Fluvastatin can inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and many other cells.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of fluvastatin in inhibiting the proliferation of rat lung fibroblasts cultured in vitro and its influence on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and ventilation function.DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.SETTING: Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA; Teaching and Research Section of Pathology, Department of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA; Research Institute ofOrthopedics, Xijing Hospital,Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted in the laboratory of Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from January to December 2001. Thirty-one healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats of grade Ⅰ were selected in this study.INTERVENTIONS: The fibroblasts derived from the lung normal of one rat were cultured in vitro in media containing fluvastatin. The effect of fluvastatin on the growth curve and the effect of its different concentrations(0, 1 × 10-7,1 ×10-6, 1 ×10-5, 1 ×10-4, 1 ×10 3and 1 ×10-2 mol/L, fluvastatin of 0 mol/L was taken as the blank control group) in inhibiting the cultured cells were observed with MTT colorimetry. The effect of fluvastatin on the division index of the fibroblasts was analyzed by direct cell counting Hydroxyproline colorimetry was used to detect the influence of fluvastatin on the collagen secretion in the media. The other 30 SD rats were divided into six groups: normal control group, bleomycin-induced group and fluvastatin-treated groups(TH 1,TE1, TH15 and TL15 groups) named according to the date of giving fluvastatin,i. e. the 1st day and the 15th day, after the rats were given bleomycin A5. All the rats were killed 28 days later. The number of fibroblasts, the thickness of alveolar wall and the area of mesenchyma in lung tissue were measured by HE staining. The extracellular matrix and collagen in lung tissue were observed by Masson and sirius red staining, and hydroxyproline in lung tissue homogenates was measured.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fibroblast growth curve and division index of rat lung, hydroxyproline in the media and lung tissue homogenates,number of fibroblasts and the thickness of alveolar wall, the area of mesenchyma, extracellular matrix and collagen contents in lung tissue.RESULTS: Fluvastatin could inhibit the proliferation of the rat lung fibroblasts cultured in vitro(t=4.20 to 17.52, P < 0.01), and its inhibitory effect was increased with the increased dose of fluvastatin, which showed a dose-dependent effect. The 1 × 10-4 mol/L fluvastatin could completely inhibit the proliferation of the cultured cells, and the A490 value from the 2nd day on the fibroblasts by MTT colorimetry was not insignificantly different from those on the 1st day( P > 0.05) . The division index of the fibroblasts and secretion of collagen were obviously decreased by fluvastatin( t = 8. 037,P <0.01; t =3.99 to 10. 84, P <0.05 or P <0.01). In vivo, the number of fibroblasts, the thickness of lung alveolar wall, the area of mesenchyma and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were significantly higher in bleomycin group than in control group( t =4. 62 to 11.93, P < 0. 01), while those in the fluvastatin-treated groups were lower than those in bleomycin group in different degrees( t = 2.69 to 7.65, P < 0.05 to 0.01 ) . The distribution of extracellular matrix and types Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen in lung tissue were obviously increased in bleomycin group as compared with that in control group, but decreased in different degrees in fluvastatin-treated groups.CONCLUSION: Fluvastatin can significantly inhibit the proliferation of rat lung fibroblasts in vitro, suggesting that it may be an effective drug for pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment at earlier stage is more effective than at advanced stage.

AIM: To measure the macular thickness of normal young people by 3D 1000 optical coherence tomography (OCT) and study the repeatability of measuring results and the relationship between the thicknesses of macular and gender. At the same time, to compare our result with the data of other types of OCT, and to understand the consistency of the measuring results of macular thickness of different types of OCT.
METHODS: Totally 222 eyes in 111 young people were detected using 3D scan mode of Topcon 3D OCT 1000 (ver 2.4 ) . Twelve cases ( 24 eyes ) underwent repeatability check. We took transverse comparison between our measured results with other research's results.
RESULTS: There were 111 cases of young people, whose age were from 18-27 years old, all uncorrected and corrected visual acuity were≥1. 0, all intraocular pressure were <21mmHg. The average thickness of all macular region was 273. 32±17.08μm. Retinal volume of macular area was 7. 73 ± 0.37mm3 . Center thickness was 161 -264μm, and the average thickness was 200. 13±18. 81μm. Central macular thickness were 188 - 273μm, and the average thickness was 229. 00 ± 18. 20μm. The central macular thickness in men was significantly greater than that in women, and there was statistical difference. The results of repeated check of 12 cases ( 24 eyes ) in the macular area were no statistical difference except the outer ring of nasal quadrant, and the repeatability of average thickness in central macular thickness was better than in center thickness.
CONCLUSION:The repeatability of macular examination is good. The central macular thickness can be better repeated than the center thickness. The central macular thickness is 229. 00±18. 20μm in young people, according to the 3D 1000 OCT measurements. There are statistical difference of central macular thickness between different genders.

Objective To construct a technical platform for scarless gene modification of Yersinia pestis and to study the functions of its specific genes.Methods The resistance fragment, including upstream and downstream homologous arms of targeted regions, was reamplified by asymmetric PCR.The amplicons were introduced into Y.pestis harboring plasmid pKD46.With the induction of L-arabinose,the recombinant related enzymes: Exo, Beta and Gam, were expressed to guide the homologous recombination.A donor plasmid, pKSI-1, which carried the desired modification fragment flanking by I-SceⅠ recognition sites, was introduced into Y.pestis as the second step of λ-Red recombination with the help of pREDTKI.Results and Conclusion Two mutant strains:△waaA and waaA(△9nt), were successfully constructed for Y.pestis strain 201.Scarless modification introduces no extra modification to the genome, and it is ideal for comprehensive functional genomic studies.

Aim To explore the effects of the Melittin on growth and cell cycle of SGC-7901 cells.Methods Growth inhibition effect of Melittin was evaluated using SRB in SGC-7901 cells in vitro;Melittin induced cell cycle arrest was investigated using flow cytometry assay;reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the associated protein mRNA of cell cycle.Results Proliferation activity of SGC-7901 cells was inhibited after treatment with Melittin(1,2,4,8,16,32×10~(-3) μg·L~(-1))(P<0.05 or P<0.01)for 24 h;Flowcytometry analysis revealed that SGC-7901 cells accumulated in the G_2/M phase after treatment with Melittin(4,8×10~(-3) μg·L~(-1))for 24 h;the expression of CylinB1,CDK1 and Cdc25c mRNA were decreased.Conclutions Proliferation activity of SGC-7901 cells was inhibited by Melittin,which may be related to the inhibitory effect of Melittin on associated protein transcription in the G_2/M stage of SGC-7901 cells.

OBJECTIVETo study the level of serum vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases-9 in the proliferative hemangioma before and after propranolol treatment.

METHODSThe serum VEGF, MMP-9 was detected with ELISA assay before treatment and after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of propranolol treatment. The relationship between the serum VEGF, MMP-9 and the prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTSThe serum VEGF (295.4 +/- 158.1) pg/ml was high before treatment, then decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment (255.7 +/- 130.4) pg/ml, (224.2 +/- 120.6) pg/ml. The serum VEGF was significantly lower after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The serum MMP-9 was also decreased after treatment, showing a positive relationship with VEGF.

CONCLUSIONSPropranolol can treat the proliferative hemangioma through decreasing the serum VEGF and MMP-9.

Female ; Hemangioma ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Propranolol ; therapeutic use ; Serum ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of the ischemic postconditioning on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/IL-6/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-3 signal pathway of liver regeneration.

METHODSNinety healthy clean grade male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 230 to 280 g were selected and assigned into three groups randomly: group I subtotal hepatectomy (SH), group II ischemia reperfusion (IR), group III ischemic postconditioning (IPO). The left and middle liver was resected, and the remnant liver was treated as followed: the blood flow was not blocked in SH group, but blocked 30 minutes in IR group, then reperfused; IPO groups received three cycles of 30 s-30 s intermittent interruptions of blood flow at onset of reperfusion. At 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 h after reperfusion, the serum TNF-α, IL-6 was detected and the mRNA of cyclinD1, Cdk4, STAT-3 was assayed by real-time PCR as well as the protein expression of cyclinD1 and Cdk4 by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with SH group, the expression of IL-6 declined at each set time point in IR group (t = 5.076 to 8.334, P = 0.000), but the content of TNF-α increased in early stage (1 to 12 h) (t = 2.972 to 7.215, P = 0.000 - 0.014). The expression of STAT-3, cyclinD1 and Cdk4 mRNA and protein of cyclinD1 and Cdk4 at 24 and 48 h after reperfusion were lower in IR group than in SH group (t = 2.857 to 6.684, P = 0.000 to 0.017). However, there was a significant decrease in TNF-α from 1 to 12 h after reperfusion (t = 2.995 to 4.112, P = 0.002 to 0.017), but a significant increase in IL-6 in IPO group than in IR group (t = 2.458 to 3.543, P = 0.005 to 0.034). The expression of STAT-3, cyclinD1, Cdk4 mRNA and protein of cyclinD1 and Cdk4 at 24 and 48 h after reperfusion were all increased in IPO group in comparison with in IR group (t = 2.383 to 6.803, P = 0.000 to 0.038).

CONCLUSIONSThe ischemic postconditioning could promote the remnant liver regeneration after subtotal hepatectomy with ischemia reperfusion injury. Its mechanism relates with the activation of the TNF-α/IL-6/STAT-3 signal pathway of and the cyclinD1-Cdk4 complex which enhances the proliferation of hepatocyte.

Animals ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; metabolism ; Hepatectomy ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Ischemic Postconditioning ; Liver ; metabolism ; Liver Regeneration ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo determine whether Betahistine mesilate is effective in treating tinnitus.

METHODSRandomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled trial was used in our study. The study group consisted of 60 adult patients who consulted our outpatient clinic complaining of subjective tinnitus, excluded objective tinnitus and the patients who had tinnitus caused by obvious diseases, such as outer and middle ear diseases. Thirty patients were given Betahistine mesilate and Flunarizine Hydrochloride as an experimental group, 30 patients were given Vitamin B6 and Flunarizine Hydrochloride as a control group. After a week of treatment the efficacy of the medicines in two groups was observed. Tinnitus questionnaire was performed before the treatment, and pure tone audiogram, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching were performed both in the beginning and at the end of the treatment.

RESULTSCompletion of treatment, tinnitus loudness matching assessment showed that the efficacy of the Betahistine mesilate group was better then the control group. The efficacy of treatment was respectively 65.5% by per protocol (PP) and 63.3% by intend to treat (ITT) in the Betahistine mesilate group and 39.3% by PP and 36.7% by ITT in the control group. The difference of tinnitus loudness improvement rate between the experimental group and control group was statistically significant. But the subjective tinnitus improvement rate showed no difference between two groups. There were not serious side effects in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSBetahistine mesilate can be a choice for tinnitus treatment clinically. Further studies of larger series and placebo-controlled trial are needed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Betahistine ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Flunarizine ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tinnitus ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To explore dynamic changes of renal cortex blood perfusion in Goto-Kakizaki rats(GK rats) by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.The clues for early diagnosis and intervention of diabetic renal impairment may be obtained from the study.Methods Male GK rats were taken as experimental groups,and Wistar male rats were used as controls.Contrast-enhanced agent SonoVue was administered via the femoral vein cannulation in a bolus fashion.Image changes of renal cortex were observed in real time, and dynamic image changes within 0 - 5 minute after injection were observed and stored.The renal cortex blood perfusion changes were analyzed using the time-intensity curve (TIC).Results (1) The kidney was quickly enhanced after the injection of contrast agent.The renal artery, cortex, renal vein were displayed in sequence.(2)The shape of renal perfusion TIC in all the objects was a single peak,steep ascending, flat descending curve.The overall shape of TIC in GK rats was wider than controls and they were wider and wider with age increasing of the GK rats.(3) Compare to controls,the time to peak (TTP)and the half time of peak descending (HDT) in GK rats was longer (P ＜0.01), the slope rates of the ascending curve (S1) and the slope rates of the descending curve (S2) decreased and the area under the curve increased in 12-week-old and 20-week-old GK rats (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The abnormal blood perfusion of renal cortex microcirculation was present in the early stage of diabetic in GK rats.Real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and TIC could display this change effectively.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of early intervention by pravastatin with two different dosage on inflammatory factors and endothelial vasodilator function in patients with unstable angina (UA).

METHODS108 patients with UA were investigated consecutively and divided randomly into three groups (group 20 mg, n = 37; group 10 mg, n = 37; group control, n = 34). Blood samples were examined at admission and 4, 8 weeks after the therapy of pravastatin. Fourty patients of UA were chosen from those three groups (15, 15 and 10 cases respectively). The endothelium-dependent vasodilation and the function of vascular endothelium of them were measured. In the dosage of 20 mg pravastatin group non-endothelium-dependent vasodilation in brachial artery was also tested by ultrasound before and 8 weeks after the therapy. Cardiac events were followed up for 2 months.

RESULTS(1) The use of pravastatin in early admission period of UA could significantly reduce inflammatory factors and improve vascular endothelium function, which was more obviously in the group of 20 mg/d than in group of 10 mg/d. These benefits occurred in 4th week and more obviously in 8th week after the therapy. (2) The lipid lowering therapy in the early stage of admission (24 - 48 h) resulted in the reduction of cardiac events in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONThe use of pravastatin 20 mg/d seems better than that of 10 mg/d in all the fields as above in early admission period of UA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Angina, Unstable ; drug therapy ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Inpatients ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pravastatin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies