Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on the pathway related to necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in a model rabbit of intervertebral disc degeneration;To explore its mechanisms in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods A intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model was established using the spinal instability method.Totally 40 model rabbits were randomly divided into model group,ibuprofen group and Bushen Huoxue Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups.Additionally,a normal control group and a sham-operation group were set up,with 8 rabbits in each group.Each treatment groups received the corresponding drugs via gavage for two consecutive weeks.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nucleus pulposus tissue,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure in nucleus pulposus cells,immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group showed a significant decrease in nucleus pulposus cells,disordered cell arrangement,reduced extracellular matrix,interrupted cell membrane continuity under transmission electron microscopy,organelle swelling,nuclear membrane disruption,partial chromatin loss,and positive expression of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the treatment groups showed an increased number of nucleus pulposus cells with orderly arrangement and more extracellular matrix,the ultrastructural damage of the cell membrane,organelle and nucleus in nucleus pulposus cells was partially restored under transmission electron microscopy,the positive expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ significantly increased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription medium-and high-dosage groups and the ibuprofen group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription may delay intervertebral disc degeneration of the model rabbit by inhibiting the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus cells,and promoting the generation of extracellular matrix components Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on pressure-induced necroptosis in human nucleus pulposus cells and the expressions of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway;To explore its potential mechanism in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods Human primary nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in vitro,and a model of nucleus pulposus cell degeneration was established using continuous load pressure method.After modeling,the nucleus pulposus cells were divided into model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and inhibitor group,blank serum,Bushen Huoxue Prescription containing serum and necroptotic apoptosis inhibitor(Nec-1)intervention were administered,respectively.Normal group nucleus pulposus cells were cultured routinely.AO/EB fluorescence dual staining method was used for detecting cell apoptosis,flow cytometry was used to detect the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-receptor interacting protein kinase(RIPK)1,p-RIPK3 and p-mixed lineage kinase domain like protein(MLKL),RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed more red fluorescence under AO/EB staining of nucleus pulposus cells,which were round and condensed,the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells increased(P<0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expression increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group had less red condensed chromatin in the nucleus pulposus cells,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group had a lower rate of necroptosis(P<0.05),while the inhibitor group showed a decreasing trend in necroptosis rate(P>0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL decreased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expressions decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription can alleviate pressure-induced damage to nucleus pulposus cells and inhibit necroptosis,thereby slowing the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.Its mechanism may be related to the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway mediated necroptosis.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on pressure-induced necroptosis in human nucleus pulposus cells and the expressions of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway;To explore its potential mechanism in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods Human primary nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in vitro,and a model of nucleus pulposus cell degeneration was established using continuous load pressure method.After modeling,the nucleus pulposus cells were divided into model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and inhibitor group,blank serum,Bushen Huoxue Prescription containing serum and necroptotic apoptosis inhibitor(Nec-1)intervention were administered,respectively.Normal group nucleus pulposus cells were cultured routinely.AO/EB fluorescence dual staining method was used for detecting cell apoptosis,flow cytometry was used to detect the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-receptor interacting protein kinase(RIPK)1,p-RIPK3 and p-mixed lineage kinase domain like protein(MLKL),RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed more red fluorescence under AO/EB staining of nucleus pulposus cells,which were round and condensed,the necroptosis rate of nucleus pulposus cells increased(P<0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expression increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group had less red condensed chromatin in the nucleus pulposus cells,Bushen Huoxue Prescription group had a lower rate of necroptosis(P<0.05),while the inhibitor group showed a decreasing trend in necroptosis rate(P>0.05),the protein expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL decreased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription group and the inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in RIPK1 mRNA expression(P>0.05),and RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA expressions decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription can alleviate pressure-induced damage to nucleus pulposus cells and inhibit necroptosis,thereby slowing the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.Its mechanism may be related to the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway mediated necroptosis.

Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on the pathway related to necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in a model rabbit of intervertebral disc degeneration;To explore its mechanisms in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods A intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model was established using the spinal instability method.Totally 40 model rabbits were randomly divided into model group,ibuprofen group and Bushen Huoxue Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups.Additionally,a normal control group and a sham-operation group were set up,with 8 rabbits in each group.Each treatment groups received the corresponding drugs via gavage for two consecutive weeks.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nucleus pulposus tissue,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure in nucleus pulposus cells,immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group showed a significant decrease in nucleus pulposus cells,disordered cell arrangement,reduced extracellular matrix,interrupted cell membrane continuity under transmission electron microscopy,organelle swelling,nuclear membrane disruption,partial chromatin loss,and positive expression of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the treatment groups showed an increased number of nucleus pulposus cells with orderly arrangement and more extracellular matrix,the ultrastructural damage of the cell membrane,organelle and nucleus in nucleus pulposus cells was partially restored under transmission electron microscopy,the positive expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ significantly increased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription medium-and high-dosage groups and the ibuprofen group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription may delay intervertebral disc degeneration of the model rabbit by inhibiting the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus cells,and promoting the generation of extracellular matrix components Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ.

In this study, a novel oral drug delivery system based on linolenic acid-modified chitosan (CS-LA) micelle was developed to improve the oral bioavailability of doxorubicin (DOX), which was proven by its in vivo intestinal absorption in rats. The DOX-loaded CS-LA micelles (CS-LA@DOX) were prepared by the dialysis method. The synthesized micelle material was identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). A series of the micelle properties, including particle size distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), micromorphology, polymorphy, and critical micelle concentration (CMC) were characterized or tested. The in vitro release of micelles was observed by the dialysis method, and the absorption-promoting effect of micelles was investigated by intestinal circulation experiments in rats. The animal welfare and experimental procedures were in accordance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Guilin Medical University. The results of ¹H-NMR and FT-IR showed that CS and LA were covalently bound via an amide linkage. The DOX encapsulated in the micelle core was in an amorphous state. The as-prepared micelles in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) image showed regular spherical shapes and uniform sizes with a series of excellent characteristics including (119.2 ± 2.1) nm of mean particle size [polymer dispersity index (PDI), 0.190 ± 0.08], +12.1 mV of zeta potential, (70.23 ± 0.74) % of EE, (8.77 ± 0.02) % of DL and 51.75 μg·mL^-1 of CMC. Compared with the reference, DOX hydrochloride, the proposed micelle drug delivery system showed an obvious sustained-release effect in vitro release; and enhanced drug absorption in the small intestine of rats.

To investigate the potential toxic effects and mechanisms of Tris(1; 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) on thyroid in female SD rats. Thirty-two 3-weeks-old female SD rats were randomly divided into normal group(treated with corn oil ), and low/moderate/high-dose group treated with TDCIPP (dissolved in corn oil )(n=8). All rats were treated with corn oil or TDCIPP (50, 100, 250 mg/(kg·d)) once a day during a 21-day period. All rats were sacrificed after the last administration. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5,5'-tetraiodothyronine (T4), free 3,3',5,5'-tetraiodothyronine (FT4) were detected with ELISA kit. Morphology of thyroid was observed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Expressions of genes and proteins correlate with thyroid were measured respectively by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Compared with control group, morphology of thyroid showed follicles irregular arrangement, hypocolloid, and follicular hyperplasia in TDCIPP treatment groups. The levels of serum TSH in low-dose TDCIPP group and T3 in high-dose TDCIPP group were significantly higher than those in control group(P＜0.05). Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) mRNA expression was decreased distinctly in low-dose TDCIPP group, while the expression of thyroperoxidase (TPO) mRNA was increased notably in moderate and high-dose TDCIPP groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01). Compared with control group, the level of TRβ protein was decreased significantly in moderate and high-dose TDCIPP groups, while the expressions of udp-glucuronosyl-transferases (UGTs) and cytochrome-p450-3A1 (CYP3A1) proteins were upregulated notably in TDCIPP treatment groups(P＜0.05). Treated with 50 mg/(kg·d) TDCIPP can cause thyroid hyperplasia, change the levels of thyroid hormones, and disturb thyroid function, therefore, it has toxic effects on the thyroid.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the predicators of survival and recurrence after curative resection for gastric cancer patients with serosal invasion.

METHODSClinical and follow-up data of 280 patients with T4a gastric cancer(according to the 7th UICC TNM Classification for gastric cancer) who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer between January 1997 and December 2003 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSFive-year survival rate of these 280 patients was 50.0% and 158 patients (56.4%) presented with recurrence after surgery. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 57.5%. The number of lymph node metastasis and metastatic lymph node ratio(MLR) were identified as the independent predicators for overall survival(P<0.05). The extent of lymph node metastasis was identified as the independent predicators for disease free survival (P<0.05). The extent of lymph node metastasis, the number of lymph node metastasis, and MLR were identified as the independent predicators for recurrence after surgery(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe number of lymph node metastases, extent of lymph node metastasis and MLR are independent predictors of overall survival and recurrence in T4a gastric cancer patients after curative resection.

Disease-Free Survival ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Survival Rate

Objective To understand the running status and distribution of water-improving pmjects in Anda city.Methods The running and management of the water-improving projects were investigated and located the position by Global Positioning Systerm(GPS)in Anda city.Results Among 317 water-improving projects,16.09%were either long-term projects or in poor management or had already stopped usage,77 projeets were broken,accounting for 24.29%;all inadequate supply of equipment and pipeline,83 projects had never been started,accounting for 26.18%;now,106 projects were running,accounting for 33.44%.In only 46 projects,the water fluoride concentration was lower than 1.00 mg/L,accounting for 14.51%,as a result 36 thousand people benefited.Conclusions The running status of water-improving projects was unacceptable,most of them stopped running and endemic fluorosis control was still severe in Anda city.

Objective To develop a rapid,reliable and convenient approach for diagnosing the homozygous deletion of SMN1 gene.Methods SMN1 gene was amplified specifically with double allele-specific PCR(AS-PCR).Meanwhile,one inrelevant gene was amplified as internal control by PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis to determine whether the sick children were with homozygous deletion of SMN1 genes.Results The homozygous deletion of exon7 in SMN1 gene was identified by agarose gel electrophoresis or PAGE accurately.Conclusion Compared to PCR-RFLP and DHPLC used in the past,this approach can diagnose homozygous deletion of SMA much more accurate,easier and more convenient without completed following analyses.

OBJECTIVETo investigate determinants of long-term survival for carcinoma of ampulla of Vater treated by local resection.

METHODSThe clinical and pathological data of 38 such patients treated by local resection from 1983 to 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. According to UICC staging system, there were T1 30, T2 7 and T3 1. Lymph nodes were involved in 4 during operation which was present in primary lesions larger than 2 cm across. All patients were treated by local resection. At first, external palpation was carried out to ascertain accessibility. Then with the duodenum opened, direct exploration was carried out. On deciding for resection, the common bile duct was probe explored which guided the circumferential ring resection 1 cm, away from the tumor, including all layers of duodenum, ampula and partial bile and terminal pancreatic ducts and the posterial wall of duodenum was completed in steps. Meticulous care was taken not to suture the pancreatic duct and endotheliation was ensured at the mouth of common bile duct and duodenum. The basal tissue was frozen sectioned to ensure negative stumps. The gall bladder of 6 patients was also resected. SPSS 10.0 software was used in data processing, log-rank test used in univariate analysis and Cox equation for multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meirer method for the survival rates.

RESULTSThirty-eight patients received local resection giving an operative mortality of 0% and morbidity of 13.2%. The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 83.5%, 51.4%, and 38.9%, respectively, with a median survival of 3.35 years. Up to now, 13 patients have survived for more than five years and 2 patients beyond ten years. The tumour size, tumour grading, lymph node status and UICC stage were significant prognostic factors in univariate analysis. However, only lymph node status was a statistically independent predictor of prognosis in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONLocal excision is safe giving low morbidity and good survival in carefully selected cases. Preferably it is indicated only in high risk patients with a pT1 and well differentiated ampullary cancer smaller than 1 cm in diameter.

Adenocarcinoma ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Ampulla of Vater ; surgery ; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis