Codeine-O-demethylase (CODM) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of codeine and morphine. In this study, CODM gene sequences were cloned from Papaver somniferum and Papaver rhoeas, and were compared with each other by sequence alignment and bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that there were three genotypes of CODM in Papaver somniferum and five genotypes of CODM in Papaver rhoeas. Bioinformatics analysis showed that all CODM proteins had no signal peptide sequence, and these proteins were predicted to be non-secretory proteins, belonging to the Pcbc supergene family. Although the amino acid sequences of CODM in poppies are the same, the expression levels of CODM in different poppy resources are significantly different. It is speculated that the variation of transcription level of CODM may be related to its non-coding region sequence, which lays a foundation for further research on the synthesis and regulation mechanism of alkaloids in poppies.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous lauromacrogol injection (PLI) in treatment of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. Methods: A total of 114 cystic thyroid nodules and 61 predominantly cystic thyroid nodules with pain or uncomfort or aesthetic complaints were offered PLI. Therapeutic success rates and side effects were evaluated. From October 2012 to December 2015,114 patients with cystic thyroid nodules and 61 with predominantly cystic thyroid nodules with pain or uncomfortable or aesthetic complaints at the outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were offered percutaneous lauromacrogol sclerotherapy. Cytological results were benign. This study was a prospective trial. Ultrasonography sound examination was performed in all patients before treatment. The baseline data of all the patients and the data of the patients examined at the follow-up of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were analyzed. Therapeutic success rate (nodule volume reduction >50%) and safety were observed. The data of nodule volume reduction ratio and the function of thyroid were normal distribution and analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and t test. The data of nodule volume, symptoms score and cosmetic score were skewed distribution, which were indicated with median and analyzed by nonparamentic test. Results: The mean volume of the cystic thyroid nodules was reduced from 12.5 cm³ before PLI to 0.2 cm³ at 12 months after PLI (χ²=266.175, P<0.001), with a therapeutic success rate of 100%, and the mean volume of the predominantly cystic thyroid nodules was reduced from 10.5 cm³ before PLI to 2.0 cm³ at 12 months after PLI (χ²=203.122, P<0.001) with a therapeutic success rate of 93.4%(57/61). Pressure symptom score and cosmetic grade were significantly improved at 12 months after PLI in patients with cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. Pressure symptom score and cosmetic grade in patients with cystic thyroid nodules were Z=-6.126 and Z=-13.735, respectively; pressure symptom score and cosmetic grade in patients with predominantly cystic thyroid nodules were Z=-3.126 and Z=-7.212, respectively (all P<0.001) . There no significant difference in the thyroid functions before and after PLI in two groups of patients (all P>0.05) . The side effects of PLI were mild. Conclusion PLI is a safe and effective alternative to treat benign cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

Obiective Tend to explore the correlation between thyroid function and the severity of coronary artery lesions in chinese coronary heart disease(CHD)patients. Methods A total of 558 patients who underwent coronary angiography at the cardiology department of Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to June 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were divided into coronary heart disease group and non-coronary heart disease group. Thyroid hormone levels were tested in all patients before angiography,and clinical characteristics,lipid profiles and SYNTAX scores were also obtained. Results Of the 558 patients,409 were diagnosed of CHD(73.3％),and among them,5 patients were hyperthyroid/subclinical hyperthyroid(1.2％),13 patients were hypothyroid/subclinical hypothyroid(3.2％),14 patients had euthyroid sicknesssyndrome(ESS)(3.2％),377 patients were euthyroid(92.2％). Among the 149 non-CHD patients(26.7％),3 patients were subclinical hyperthyroid(2.0％),8 patients were hypothyroid/subclinical hypothyroid(5.4％),2 patients were ESS(1.3％),172 patients were euthyroid(91.3％). The proportion of patients with ESS in the CHD group was significantly higher than that of the non-CHD group (3.4％ vs. 1.3％,P=0.018). Except for the patients with ESS,FT3 level was significantly lower the in CHD group than that in the non-CHD group[(4.52±0.57)pmol/L vs.(4.65±0.63)pmol/L,P=0.015]. There were no significant differences in FT4,T3,T4 levels between the two groups(P>0.05). In the CHD group,there was an association between the SYNTAX score groups and free triiodothyronine(FT3)levels(F=6.260,P=0.002). A significant correlation was also observed between the FT3 level and the number of coronary artery lesions(F=5.691, P=0.004). There was no correlation between the SYNTAX score groups or number of coronary artery lesions and thyroid hormone levels,respectively. There were no correlations between lipid profiles and thyroid function. Patients were further divided into three subgroups according to their serum TSH levels. The prevalence of CHD is significantly higher in the subgroup with elevated TSH(85.7％)than in the subgroup with normal TSH(68.6％, P=0.022). Conclusions FT3 level is weakly associated with the severity of CHD. Higher TSH level may be a risk factor of CHD.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect and mechanism of action of esmolol in the treatment of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

METHODSA prospective randomized controlled trial was performed. A total of 102 children with severe HFMD were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into conventional treatment and esmolol treatment groups (n=51 each). The children in the conventional treatment group were given conventional treatment according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HFMD. Those in the esmolol treatment group were given esmolol in addition to the conventional treatment. The heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and respiratory rate (RR) were continuously monitored for all children. Blood samples were collected from all children before treatment and 1, 3, and 5 days after treatment to measure the levels of norepinephrine (NE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in mononuclear cells. Serum levels of myocardial enzymes and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured before treatment and after 5 days of treatment.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in HR, SBP, RR, NE, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB p65, serum myocardial enzymes, and NT-proBNP before treatment between the conventional treatment and esmolol treatment groups. Both groups had significant reductions in these parameters at each time point (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, the esmolol treatment group had significant improvements in the above parameters after 1 and 3 days of treatment (P<0.05). After 5 days of treatment, the esmolol treatment group had significant improvements in serum levels of myocardial enzymes and NT-proBNP compared with the conventional treatment group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSEarly application of esmolol can effectively stabilize the vital signs of the children with severe HFMD. Its mechanism of action may be related to reducing serum catecholamine concentration, alleviating myocardial damage, improving cardiac function, and reducing inflammatory response.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Infant ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; Peptide Fragments ; blood ; Propanolamines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

Objective To observe the effect of Qi-strengthening and blood-activating Chinese patent medicine Qigui Ershen Granules on the carotid intima-media thickness(IMT ) , atheromatous plaque scores, serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho protein levels, and oxidation- and inflammation-associated indicators in carotid atherosclerosis patients. Methods Fifty-two carotid atherosclerosis patients were randomized into Chinese medicine group and western medicine group, 26 cases in each group. Chinese medicine group was treated with Qigui Ershen Granules orally, and western medicine group was treated with Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets orally. The mediation for the two groups lasted for 24 continuous weeks. Carotid ultrasonography was performed before and after treatment for the examination of carotid IMT and plaque Crouse scores. Double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied for the detection of serum Klotho, FGF23, interleukin 1(IL-1) and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) levels, and radio-immuno-precitation method was used for the assay of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated by the scores of Qi deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome before and after treatment. Results (1) In western medicine group, 5 cases dropped out and were excluded, and a total of 21 cases completed the trial; in Chinese medicine group, 3 cases dropped out and were excluded, and a total of 23 cases completed the trial.(2) After treatment for 24 continuous weeks, IMT and Crouse scores of the plaque in the two groups were obviously reduced(P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment) , but the differences of IMT and the scores between the two groups were insignificant after treatment(P > 0.05). (3) Serum Klotho protein level was increased while FGF23 was decreased in Chinese medicine group after treatment (P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment); no obvious changes of serum Klotho protein and FGF23 levels were found in western medicine group before and after treatment(P > 0.05). The effects of Chinese medicine on increasing Klotho protein level and decreasing FGF23 level were superior to those of western medicine (P<0.01). (4) After treatment, serum IL-1, TNF-α, ROS and MDA levels were decreased and serum SOD level was increased in the two groups (P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment). The differences of the above indexes were insignificant between the two groups after treatment(P > 0.05).(5) The scores of Qi deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome in Chinese medicine were decreased after treatment (P < 0.01), but showed no significant changes in western medicine group (P > 0.05). Chinese medicine group had better effect on improving the scores of Qi deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome than western medicine group(P < 0.01).(6) After treatment, the total effective rate for improving Qi deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome in Chinese medicine group was 82.61%, 78.26%, and that in western medicine group was 28.57%, 14.28%respectively, the difference being significant (P<0.01). Conclusion Qi-strengthening and blood-activating Qigui Ershen Granules have certain effects on counteracting atherosclerosis, inflammatory aging and oxidation.

Objective To investigate the effect of low pH on acid-sensing ion channel 1a( ASIC1a) expression in vascular endothelial cells induced by serum IgA 1 from Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura ( HSP ) children and regulatory role of ASIC1a in it.Methods Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells ( HDMECs) treated by serum IgA1 from children with HSP were incubated in different pH medium .ASIC1a, destrin and α-SM mRNA expressions in HDMECs were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR).The level of inflammatory cytokines released by vascular endothelial cells was detected by ELISA .Moreover destrin and α-SM protein expres-sion in HDMECs was evaluated by Western blot .Results The results showed that in low pH condition , IgA1 from HSP children could induce the upregulation of ASIC 1a mRNA expression , stimulate IL-8, NO and TM release of vascular endothelial cells of HSP children .And blockers of ASICs could reduce acid-induced cytokine release of vascular endothelial cells .Moreover destrin and α-SM mRNA and protein expression in HDMECs of HSP children significantly decreased when exposure to extracellular acidosis .However blockers of ASICs increased destrin and α-SM mRNA and protein expression in vascular endothelial cells of HSP children .Conclusions These findings showed that activation of ASIC 1a could be involved in the vascular endothelial cell injury of HSP children .Blocking ASIC1a may have a significant protective effect on the inflammatory injury of vascular endothelial cells .

OBJECTIVETo explore the differentiation-inducing potentiality of Pulsatilla saponin A on K562 cells.

METHODSPulsatilla saponin A of different concentrations was used to treat K562 cells; the benzidine staining and the hemoglobinometry were applied to measure the change of hemoglobin content; the flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect the expression of CD71 and GPA on K562 cells.

RESULTSK562 cells treated with 4 µg/ml pulsatilla saponin A differentiated into the erythroid lineage. With the treatment of pulsatilla saponin A, the hemoglobin content in K562 cells increased significantly; CD71 and GPA expression on the K562 cell surface were up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONPulsatilla saponin A can induce K562 cells to differentiate into erythroid lineage.

Antineoplastic Agents ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Lineage ; Erythroid Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Saponins

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate predictors for good restoration of blood flow of below-the-knee (BTK) chronic total occlusions (CTOs) after endovascular therapy in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 long-segmental (≥ 5 cm) BTK, CTOs in 81 patients who underwent recanalization were included in this study. After angioplasty, blood-flow restoration was assessed using modified thrombolysis in myocardial ischemia grades and classified as good flow (grade 3) and poor flow (grade 1/2). One hundred and six CTOs with successful recanalization were divided into a good flow group (GFG; n = 68) and poor flow group (PFG; n = 38). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine independent predictors of blood-flow restoration. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the best cutoff value. The prevalence of target-lesion restenosis during follow-up was compared between two groups. RESULTS: Univariate analyses suggested that CTOs in GFG were characterized by lighter limb ischemia (p = 0.03), shorter course of ischemic symptoms (p < 0.01) and lesion length (p = 0.04), more frequent use of intraluminal angioplasty (p = 0.03), and higher runoff score (p < 0.01) than those in PFG. Multivariate regression analyses suggested that distal runoffs (p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 10.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.082–26.071) and lesion length (p < 0.001; OR, 1.26; 95% CI: 1.091–1.449) were independent predictors for good flow restoration. Kaplan-Meier analyses at 12 months showed a higher prevalence of non-restenosis in GFG (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Distal runoffs and lesion length are independent predictors for good flow restoration for long-segmental BTK, CTOs in DM patients who receive endovascular therapy.
Angioplasty ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Logistic Models ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Odds Ratio ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve

Objective To investigate the incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD)among perinatal infants in Hangzhou City and to explore risk factors of congenital heart disease in order to provide suggestions for CHD's prevention.Methods A hospital -based case -control study was carried out.Cases and controls were interviewed.By means of univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis,risk factors were analyzed.Results The incidence of CHD from 2009 to 2013 was 62.73 per 10,000.Of 176 perinatal infants with CHD,109 were single deformity and 67 were composite deformities of heart.The logistic regression analysis showed that maternal contact with harmful drugs during early pregnancy (OR =3.350,95%CI =1.024 -13.992),maternal respiratory infection during early pregnancy (OR =4.235,95%CI =1.275-18.735),abnormal childbearing history (OR =3.679,95%CI =1.102 -14.113),maternal smoking (OR =4.229, 95%CI =1.167 -15.782)and elderly parturient women (OR =2.974,95%CI =1.213 -16.372)were the risk factors of CHD.And maternal folic acid supplementation (OR =0.275,95% CI =0.079 -0.982 )was the protective factor. Conclusion It's of great importance to avoid risk factors and supply folic acid properly during pregnancy to prevent CHD.

BACKGROUND: Groundwater is believed to possess many beneficial effects due to its natural source of various minerals. In this study, we examined the effects of natural Jeju groundwater S1 (Samdasoo(TM)), S2 and S3 pumped up from different locations of Jeju Island, Korea, along with local tap water, on body weight gain, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and liver histopathology in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Rats were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups. Different water samples were supplied to the hyperlipidemic rats as their daily drinking water and the widely-used anti-hyperlipidemic drug simvastatin was used as a positive control. Body weight, serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured weekly. Liver weight, liver index and liver histopathology were examined after the execution of the rats. RESULTS: After drinking Jeju groundwaters for two months, S2 but not S3 significantly reduced weight growth and serum triglycerides levels and increased high density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) without affecting total cholesterol or LDL-C. S1 and particularly S2 significantly reduced the severity of liver hypertrophy and steatosis. All Groundwaters had much higher contents of vanadium (S3>S2>S1>>tap water) whereas S1 and S2 but not S3 markedly blocked autoxidation of ferrous ions. CONCLUSION: Jeju Groundwater S1 and particularly S2 exhibit protective effects against hyperlipidemia and fatty liver and hypothesize that the beneficial effect of Jeju Groundwaters may be contributed from blockade of autoxidation of ferrous ions rather than their high contents of vanadium.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol ; Drinking ; Drinking Water ; Fatty Liver ; Groundwater* ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertrophy ; Ions ; Korea ; Lipid Metabolism* ; Lipoproteins ; Liver ; Minerals ; Rats* ; Simvastatin ; Triglycerides ; Vanadium ; Water