Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.

Hypertensive nephropathy is one of the common chronic kidney diseases in China,the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year,which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that human is an organic whole,the five viscera and six organs are closely related in physiology and pathology,based on the theory of"holistic concept",the application of Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy can effectively improve kidney function and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.Therefore,based on the theory of"five viscera in one",this paper summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy and the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy from the five aspects of liver,heart,spleen,lung and kidney,aiming to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease by traditional Chinese medicine.

Aspergillus niger is an important industrial strain which has been widely used for production of enzymes and organic acids. Genome modification of A. niger is required to further improve its potential for industrial production. CRISPR/Cas9 is a widely used genome editing technique for A. niger, but its application in industrial strains modification is hampered by the need for integration of a selection marker into the genome or low gene editing efficiency. Here we report a highly efficient marker-free genome editing method for A. niger based on CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Firstly, we constructed a co-expression plasmid of sgRNA and Cas9 with a replication initiation region fragment AMA1 (autonomously maintained in Aspergillus) by using 5S rRNA promoter which improved sgRNA expression. Meanwhile, a strain deficient in non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) was developed by knocking out the kusA gene. Finally, we took advantage of the instability of plasmid containing AMA1 fragment to cure the co-expression plasmid containing sgRNA and Cas9 through passaging on non-selective plate. With this method, the efficiency of gene editing reached 100% when using maker-free donor DNA with a short homologous arm of 20 bp. This method may facilitate investigation of gene functions and construction of cell factories for A. niger.
Gene Editing ; Aspergillus niger/genetics* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics* ; Plasmids/genetics*

Xiaoshuan Tongluo formula is effective in treating mental retardation and speech astringency caused by cerebral thrombosis, but its mechanism remains unclear. In this investigation, by collecting the chemical constituents from Xiaoshuan Tongluo formula and the targets related to stroke, we obtained 1 251 constituents from the formula and 10 drug targets related with stroke. We established 18 prediction models of compound-target interaction for 10 stroke-related targets, using molecular docking method and machine learning methods includes Naive Bayesian and recursive partitioning based on the input of molecular fingerprints and molecular descriptors. Using these models, we predicted the active chemical constituents from Xiaoshuan Tongluo formula and their drug targets, 153 potential active constituents were discovered, 22 among them could interact with at least two drug targets related with stroke. On this basis, the chemical constituent-target network was constructed using network construction software, and then the important metabolic pathways of the targets were identified by using Gene-Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, such as blood coagulation, positive regulation of angiogenesis, positive regulation of ion transport and so on. On this basis, a target-pathway network was constructed. In conclusion, using machine learning, molecular docking, virtual screening, data mining and network construction, this study explored and partially revealed the active chemical constituents and chemical constituent-target-pathway network action mechanism of Xiaoshuan Tongluo formula against stroke, which will provide important information for its further study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of autophagy-related protein Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 2 light chain 3 (LC3Ⅱ) in periodontal ligament cells in orthodontic tooth pressure areas. METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group and nine experimental groups. In the experimental groups, 0.392 N orthodontic force was used to move the first right upper molars for 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, or 7 d. The blank control group did not receive any treatment. The rats were euthanized. Changes in the morphology of the periodontal membrane in the pressure areas were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed for the counting of osteoclasts. RESULTS: The HE stains showed that the hyalinization of the periodontal ligament appeared in the pressure areas after 1 day of exertion and was gradually aggravated. The immunohistochemical stains showed that the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in the experimental groups gradually increased, peaked after 1 h, and then gradually decreased. The expression levels peaked again after 1 d, then decreased to baseline levels at 7 d of exertion. Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ were expressed in the osteoclasts. The TRAP stains indicated that the number of osteoclasts started to increase after 1 day. CONCLUSIONS Autophagy may participate in the process of periodontal ligament reconstruction in orthodontic tooth pressure areas by mediating the hyalinization of periodontal ligament and affecting the biological effects of osteoclasts.
Animals ; Autophagy ; Beclin-1 ; metabolism ; Male ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; metabolism ; Osteoclasts ; Periodontal Ligament ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tooth Movement Techniques

Objective To explore whether aging increases severity of colitis in mice and its mechanism.Methods Young (6-8 weeks)and aged (56 weeks) C57Bl/6 mice were divided into the control and experimental group (n=5,each). Dextran sodium sulfate(DSS) was used to induce acute colitis mouse model in the experimental group.The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in colon were measured by RT-PCR. Tight junctions (TJs) of intestinal epithelial cells was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protein expressions of E-cadherin and occludin were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in colon.Results Compared with the young DSS-induced mice,the aged DSS-induced mice had more weight loss(t=3.679,P=0.006),higher disease indexes (t=2.496,P=0.037),higher histologic scores(U=0.000,P=0.008) and higher colonic IL-6 level (U=4.000,P=0.191). The TJs of intestinal epithelial cells were discontinuous in old healthy rats,and the TJs were destroyed significantly in both young and aged DSS-induced mice. Compared with the young DSS-induced mice,the aged DSS-induced mice had decreased protein expressions of E-cadherin (t=0.184,P=0.863)and occludin (t=0.399,P=0.710).Conclusions Aging leads to more severe disease following DSS challenge. Age-related deterioration in the functions of the gastrointestinal barrier and integrity may be one of the possible mechanisms.
Animals ; Colitis ; Colon ; Dextran Sulfate ; Disease Models, Animal ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Rats

Objective To examine cerebral pathologies in cerebral amyloid angiopathy in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods Rat models of Alzheimer's disease was established by stereotactic Aβ1-42 fiber injection in the bilateral hippocampus. The cognitive function of the rats was evaluated with water maze test. HE staining, Congo red staining and double-labeling indirect immunofluorescence were used to examine the dynamic distribution of Aβ fiber deposit in the brain. Results The model rats showed significant differences from the control rats in the escape latency and the times of crossing platform in waster maze test. HE staining revealed a decreased number and degeneration of the granular cells with increased glial cells in the model rats. Congo Red staining showed that the Aβ fiber was deposited gradually in the small vessels in the brain parenchyma to cause thickening, stenosis or occlusion of the small vessels. Immunofluorescence staining detected Aβ fiber migration from the parenchyma to the walls of the small arteries in the rat models. Conclusion Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a major pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease.

Objective To examine cerebral pathologies in cerebral amyloid angiopathy in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Methods Rat models of Alzheimer's disease was established by stereotactic Aβ1-42 fiber injection in the bilateral hippocampus. The cognitive function of the rats was evaluated with water maze test. HE staining, Congo red staining and double-labeling indirect immunofluorescence were used to examine the dynamic distribution of Aβ fiber deposit in the brain. Results The model rats showed significant differences from the control rats in the escape latency and the times of crossing platform in waster maze test. HE staining revealed a decreased number and degeneration of the granular cells with increased glial cells in the model rats. Congo Red staining showed that the Aβ fiber was deposited gradually in the small vessels in the brain parenchyma to cause thickening, stenosis or occlusion of the small vessels. Immunofluorescence staining detected Aβ fiber migration from the parenchyma to the walls of the small arteries in the rat models. Conclusion Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a major pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUNDVascular anomalies are common and multidisciplinary involved diseases. The greatest impediment to their treatment in the past was their confusing terminology and clinical heterogeneities. This hospital-based retrospective study assessed some clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapies and outcomes of patients with vascular anomalies in southeast China.

METHODSA total of 592 vascular anomalies patients (patients with intracranial tissues or viscera involved were excluded), admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2006 to September 2009, were enrolled in the study. Data for clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapies and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSOf the 592 patients, the male:female ratios in the vascular tumor group (n = 187) and the vascular malformation group (n = 405) were 1:1.49 and 1:1.06 respectively, with no significant difference between them. The mean onset age of the vascular tumor group was significantly younger than that of the vascular malformation group (p < 0.001). The head and neck were the most commonly (31.4%) involved areas in vascular anomalies. A total of 23.8% of the patients with vascular anomalies had definite symptoms caused by the vascular lesions. In the vascular tumor group, 94.1% of them were infantile hemangiomas. Venous malformation was the most common (41.0%) subtype of vascular malformations. Surgical therapy was undertaken in 94.2% of the patients with vascular anomalies. Of the 519 patients available for the 16 - 58 month follow-up, 322 patients (62.0%) were cured, 108 patients (20.8%) were markedly improved, 57 patients (11.0%) were partially improved, and 32 patients (6.2%) were uncured.

CONCLUSIONSVascular anomalies are clinically heterogeneous. While the outcome is generally favorable, further effort should be made to determine the appropriate terminology and management.

Adolescent ; Blood Vessels ; abnormalities ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Vascular Neoplasms ; epidemiology

BACKGROUNDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a variable natural history and not all individuals follow the same course. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic COPD patients from a population-based survey in China.

METHODSA multistage cluster sampling strategy was used in a population from seven different provinces/cities. All residents (over 40 years old) were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% was defined as the diagnostic criterion of COPD. All COPD patients screened were divided into symptomatic group and asymptomatic group according to the presence or absence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Socio-demographic, personal and exposure variables were collected and analyzed.

RESULTSAmong the 1668 patients who were diagnosed with COPD from the 25 627 sampling subjects, 589 (35.3%) were asymptomatic. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), rural and urban distributions, smoking habit and education levels were similar in the two groups. A total of 64.7% of the asymptomatic patients had no comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer were more common among symptomatic COPD patients than asymptomatic group. Asymptomatic COPD group were less likely to present with poor ventilation in the kitchen, a family history of respiratory disease and recurrent childhood cough. Asymptomatic COPD patients had significantly higher FEV(1) (73.1% vs. 61.0%), FVC (91.9% vs. 82.0%), and a higher ratio of FEV(1)/FVC (62.9% vs. 58.7%) (all P < 0.001) than symptomatic group. More asymptomatic patients were underdiagnosed (91.9% vs. 54.3%, P < 0.001) than symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONSThis large population-based survey confirmed a high prevalence of asymptomatic COPD patients in China. More use of spirometry screening test may be important to the early detection of COPD.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; Spirometry ; Surveys and Questionnaires