OBJECTIVES: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) on the gastric emptying rate, the level of serotonin (5-HT) and the protein expression of motilin (MTL), ghrelin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the antral tissue of the rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of FD. METHODS: A total of 21 SPF male SD rat pups were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an EA group, with 7 rats in each group. In the model group and the EA group, FD model was prepared by the gavage with 0.1% sucrose iodoacetamide solution combined with the modified small platform method. After the successful modeling, EA was applied to "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) in the rats of the EA group, with disperse-dense wave, 20 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, stimulated for 30 min, once daily, for 7 days consecutively. Before and after intervention, the general condition of the rats was observed in each group. After the completion of intervention, the gastric emptying rate was measured, the morphological changes of gastric antral tissue were observed using HE staining, the level of 5-HT was detected with ELISA method, and the protein expression of MTL, ghrelin, SP, and VIP was determined with Western blot method in the antral tissue of rats. RESULTS: In the normal group, the rats were in a good mental state, with lustrous fur, flexible movement and the increase of food intake and body mass. In the model group, the rats were poor in mental state, lack of lustre in fur, preference for the body curled up, reduced activity and response; and a part of rats had loose stool, obviously enlarged gastric body and gastric food retention. In the EA group, the general condition of rats, e.g. the mental state, food intake and activity, were improved, the gastric body got smaller obviously and the gastric food retention was reduced when compared with the model group. The antral structure was intact, the glands were rich and no injury of the gastric mucosa was found, e.g. inflammatory reaction and edema in the rats of each group. Compared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate was decreased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was increased (P<0.01), the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was reduced (P<0.01) and that of VIP was elevated (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. The gastric emptying rate was increased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the rats of the EA group when compared with those in the model group. CONCLUSIONS Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) may effectively relieve gastric dysfunction, strengthen gastric motility and promote gastric emptying so as to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia in FD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the antral tissue.
Rats ; Male ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Dyspepsia/therapy* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Ghrelin ; Gastrointestinal Hormones ; Serotonin ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; Acupuncture Points

To investigate the correlation between peripheral concentration of infliximab (IFX) or anti-IFX antibody titers and short-term therapeutic effect of IFX in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
 Methods: Twenty patients with active RA were treated with combination of methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide (LEF) with IFX, and the clinical and laboratory index and the side effects were recorded before and after IFX treatment. Twenty healthy subjects were chosen as a control group.
 Results: After 14-week treatment, patients were categorized into good, moderate or no responders according to EULAR remission criteria. There were no significant differences in peripheral IFX concentration, anti-IFX antibody titers and TNF-α levels among the 3 groups, and there were no significant correlations among ΔDAS28-CRP, peripheral IFX concentration, anti-IFX antibody titers and TNF-α levels.
 Conclusion: Peripheral IFX concentration, anti-IFX antibody titers and TNF-α levels can not be used as reliable predictive index for short-term effect of IFX in active RA.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; blood ; Antirheumatic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Infliximab ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

We assessed the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with anti-TB medications and evaluated the risk factors for developing ADRs in previously treated tuberculosis patients in China. All patients received the first-line anti-TB regimen (2HREZS/6HRE) as recommended by the national guidelines. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed once a month. Out of the 354 participants, 262 (74.0%) experienced ADRs such as hyperuricemia (65.0%, 230/354), hepatotoxicity (6.2%, 22/354) and hearing disturbances (4.8%, 17/354). ADRs were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus [OR (95% CI): 15.5 (2.07-115.87)]; however, weight more than 50 kg [OR (95% CI): 0.41 (0.22-0.85)] was a protective factor for occurrence of ADRs. Hyperuricemia is the most common adverse event but, most patients with hyperuricemia showed increased tolerance for high uric acid levels. Low body weight and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of the occurrence of ADRs during anti-TB treatment.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antitubercular Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

Objectives To investigate the effects of lipoxin receptor agonist BML-111 on IFN-βand IE86 mRNA expression of macrophages infected by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Methods Macrophages were infected with HCMV (MOI=0.5), and the cultured cells were randomly divided into control group, HCMV group, HCMV+BML-111 group, and HCMV+MP group. The cells were collected at 0,1,2,4,8 and 12 h after infection, and the levels of IFN-βand IE86 mRNA were tested by real-time PCR. Results Compared with HCMV group, the levels of IFN-βmRNA in HCMV+BML-111 group increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the levels of IFN-βmRNA in HCMV+MP group decreased significantly (P < 0.05); Compared with HCMV group, there were no significant differences of the levels of IE86 mRNA in HCMV+BML-111 group (P>0.05), while the levels of IE86 mRNA in HCMV+MP group increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion BML-111 exerts antiviral activity by promoting the expression of IFN-βmRNA at the early stage of HCMV infection.

BACKGROUND:The anti-inflammation and protective effects of lipoxin have been verified in several immunity-related disease models. Preliminary studies of our research group have shown that, lipoxin receptor agonist BML-111 has negative regulation effects on the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-induced immunological injury. However, the effect of BML-111 on the HCMV replication remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE:To observe the influence of lipoxin receptor agonist BML-111 on HCMV replication and proliferation in THP-1 macrophages and human embryonic lung fibroblasts.
METHODS:THP-1 macrophages were infected by HCMV AD169 strain, and were divided into three groups:mock infection, HCMV infection, HCMV+BML-111. The final concentration of BML-111 was 100 nmol/L. cells in each group were col ected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 12, 36, 48 hours, the mRNA levels of IE86 and pp65 in the THP-1 macrophages were tested by RT-PCR method. Human embryonic lung fibroblasts were infected with HCMV (MOI=0.1), and were divided into two groups:HCMV infection and HCMV+BML-111. The patho-morphous changes of human embryonic lung fibroblasts were observed under light microscope, and the cellnumber was measured. The infective virus titer changes in human embryonic lung fibroblasts were examined by plaque assay.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After the macrophages were infected by HCMV, compared with the mock infection group, the mRNA levels of IE86 and pp65 in the HCMV group and HCMV+BML-111 group were increased significantly;compared with the HCMV infection group, the mRNA levels of IE86 and pp65 in the HCMV+BML-111 group were increased significantly in the early stage (within 4 hours) after infection, but the pp65 mRNA levels were decreased significantly in the medium and late stages (24-72 hours) after infection. After human embryonic lung fibroblasts were infected by HCMV, the degree of the patho-morphous in the HCMV+BML-111 group reached 100%2 days earlier than the of HCMV infection group. The infective virus titer reached the peak 2 days earlier than the HCMV infection group, but no significant difference was found between the two groups. BML-111 accelerates the replication of HCMV in the early stage of infection, but inhibits the expression of pp65 gene in the late stage. BML-111 has no impact on the proliferation of the infective HCMV titer in vitro.

To evaluate in vitro release and transdermal behaviors of Zhitong cataplasm, modified Franz diffusion cell method was applied to investigate in vitro transdermal absorption of Zhitong cataplasm and the content of tetrahydropalmatine was determined by HPLC. In 24 hours, accumulative release rate of tetrahydropalmatine was 81. 9%, transmission rate was 2.26 microg x cm(-2) x h(-1). In 48 hours, accumulative transdermal rate and transmission rate of tetrahydropalmatine were 20.31%, 0.22 pg x cm(-2) x h(-1). So Zhitong cataplasm had a good release and transdermal properties and transdermal actions were consistent with zero-order kinetics process.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Berberine Alkaloids ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Mice ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Skin ; metabolism ; Skin Absorption

OBJECTIVETo analyze the reasons of intraoperative complications of microendoscopic disectomy (MED) and corresponding preventive measures.

METHODSFrom October 2001 to January 2012, the data of 851 patients with lumbar disc herniation underwent MED were retrospectively analyzed. There were 469 males and 382 females with an average age of 42.5 years ranging 16 to 75. Course of disease was from 1 to 18 months with an average of 3 months. The segments of herniated disc including L3,4 of 24 cases, L4,5 of 418 cases and L5S1 of 409 cases . Main symptoms included low back pain with lower extremity radial pain and numbness. Of them,unilateral lower extremity symptom was in 729 cases and bilateral symptom was in 122 cases. There were at least 2 abnormal signs in the four signs which including feeling anormaly, muscle strength anormaly,dysreflexia and muscle atrophy. Distraction test of nerve was positive. CT or MRI findings must coincide with the clinical symptoms and signs. No lumbar instability,spinal stenosis,the upper lumbar disc herniation or combined with cauda equina nerve syndrome were found in 851 patients. The intraoperative complications were recorded and analyzed for the reasons of the intraoperative complication and related prevention measures.

RESULTSAccording to the Macnab standard,424 cases obstained excellent results, 321 good,106 fair,with excellent and good rate of 87.5%. The result was similar to the traditional open operation. One cases transferred to open operation due to equipment breakdown, case died for myocardial infarction at 11 days after the operation, 2 cases occurred acute epidural hematoma in 1 hour after operation. Injury of dura mate of spinal cord occurred in 28 cases and incidence rate was 3.29%(28/851); traction injury of nerve root occurred in 38 cases and incidence rate was 4.46% (38/851). One case occurred in retroperitoneal hematoma, 2 cases in incomplete cauda equina injury and 2 cases in incomplete nerve root breakage.

CONCLUSIONSkilled endoscopic hemostasis techniques,careful and meticulous operation is very important for the prevention of intraoperative complications. Moreover,timely finding and treating the complications was effective measures to prevent the coniplications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Diskectomy ; adverse effects ; Dura Mater ; injuries ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal ; etiology ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Nerve Roots ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo study the significance of cytokine IL-1α and S100β expression in formation and evolution of different types of plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

METHODSThirty-four autopsy cases of Alzheimer's disease encountered during the period from 1982 to 2008 were retrieved from the archival files of Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital. Tissue blocks were taken from hippocampus for dual immunostaining for IL-1α/Aβ and S100β/Aβ.

RESULTSImmunohistochemical studied for IL-1α/Aβ and S100β/Aβ delineated four different types of senile plaques: diffuse non-neuritic plaques, diffuse neuritic plaques, dense-core neuritic plaques and dense-core non-neuritic plaques. The numbers of IL-1α-positive microglias and S100β-positive astrocytes associated with diffuse neuritic plaques were (7.29 ± 3.04) per mm(2) and (6.49 ± 2.20) per mm(2), respectively. In contrast, the numbers of IL-1α-positive microglias and S100β-positive astrocytes associated with diffuse non-neuritic plaques, dense-core neuritic plaques and dense-core non-neuritic plaques were (3.24 ± 1.53) per mm(2) and (4.14 ± 1.77) per mm(2), (2.09 ± 1.37) per mm(2) and (2.25 ± 0.83) per mm(2), and (1.38 ± 0.90) per mm(2) and (0.58 ± 0.36) per mm(2), respectively. The numbers of IL-1α-positive microglias and S100β-positive astrocytes associated with diffuse neuritic plaques were significantly higher than those of the other three types of plaques (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe IL-1α-positive microglias and S100β-positive astrocytes may be of certain significance in transformation of diffuse non-neuritic plaques to diffuse neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease ; metabolism ; pathology ; Astrocytes ; metabolism ; Female ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Interleukin-1alpha ; metabolism ; Male ; Microglia ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Nerve Growth Factors ; metabolism ; Plaque, Amyloid ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe production of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells was usually very low according to previous studies, which was a major obstacle for meeting the needs of clinical application. This study aimed at investigating whether astrocytes could promote production of NSCs derived from ES cells in vitro.

METHODSMouse ES cells line-D3 was used to differentiate into NSCs with astrocytes as inducing stromal cells by means of three-stage differentiation procedure. Another group without astrocytes served as control. The totipotency of ES cells was identified by observation of cells' morphology and formation of teratoma in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice. The quantity and purity of NSCs derived from ES cells were analyzed using clonogenic assay, immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry assay. The plasticity of NSCs was detected by differentiating test. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4) and nestin, the specific marker genes of ES cells and NSCs respectively, were detected continuously using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to monitor the process of cell differentiation.

RESULTSThe ES cells of D3 line could maintain the ability of differentiating into cellular derivations of all three primary germ layers after continuous passage culture. At the end of two-stage of inducing process, 23.2 +/- 3.5 neurospheres per plate formed in astrocyte-induced group and only 0.8 +/- 0.3 per plate in the control group (clonogenic assay, P < 0.01), and the ratio of nestin positive cells was (50.2 +/- 2.8)% in astrocyte-induced group and only (1.4 +/- 0.5)% in the control group (flow cytometry, P < 0.01). With the induction undergoing, the expression of Oct-4 gradually decreased and then disappeared, while the expression of nestin was increased step by step, and the ratio of nestin positive cells was up to 91.4% by the three-stage differentiation. The nestin positive cells could be further induced into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in differentiating medium supplemented with fetal calf serum. The results of differentiating test showed that the ratio of NF-200 and NSE positive cells was (42.7 +/- 2.6)% in astrocyte-induced group and only (11.2 +/- 1.8)% in the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAstrocytes can not only increase the production of NSCs derived from ES cells but also promote the differentiation of NSCs toward neuronal lineage.

Animals ; Astrocytes ; physiology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Lineage ; Cells, Cultured ; Embryo, Mammalian ; cytology ; Mice ; Neurons ; cytology ; Stem Cells ; cytology