Metabonomics technology was employed to investigate and identify the mechanisms and metabolic pathways of the crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni extracts on anti-hepatic fibrosis effects in rats, and to compare and analyze the potential mechanism of enhanced interference of the wine-processed Fructus Corni on hepatic fibrosis effects in rats. The rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, the model group, the colchicine group, the crude Fructus Corni groups with low, medium, and high-doses, and the wine-processed Fructus Corni groups with low, medium, and high-doses, and there were six rats in each group. The hepatic fibrosis model was established by subcutaneous injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride, and the intragastric administration was performed at the third week of modeling. The blood and liver samples of rats were taken and carried out for pharmacodynamic index detection and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis after intragastric administration for six weeks. The results of pharmacodynamic investigation showed that both the crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni had the effects of anti-hepatic fibrosis in rats. Metabonomics analysis indicated that, compared to the blank control group, the twenty-four potential biomarkers related to hepatic fibrosis were screened and identified in the model group, which mainly involved in primary bile acid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronide metabolism, retinol metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. The crude and wine-processed Fructus Corni extracts had different degrees of callback effects on the ten of the above potential biomarkers, and the effect of wine-processed Fructus Corni was better than that of crude one. The present study clarifies the mechanism of enhanced efficiency of wine-processed Fructus Corni from the perspective of plasma metabolism, and provides the theoretical foundation for further development and clinical application of Fructus Corni.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall on the lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet. METHODS: Fifty-five male Wistar rats were subjected to adaptive feeding for 4 days and weight-free swimming training for 3 days, 20 min/d. After eliminating 5 rats that were not suitable for swimming training, the other rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their body weight:control group (C group), high fat diet group (H group), high-fat diet + chlorella group(HC group), high fat diet + aerobic exercise group (HM group), high fat diet + chlorella + aerobic exercise group (HMC group), 10 in each group. The HM and HMC group were subjected to 60 min/d swimming training for 6 weeks with non-weight-bearing. Group C were fed regular diet. The other groups were fed with high-fat diet, the rats in group HC and HMC were intragastrically treated with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall at the dose of 3.9 g/(kg·d), the volume was 5 ml/kg, and the other groups are given equivalent saline. The Lee's index and biochemical indexes of blood and liver were measured after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with group C, Lee's index, serum levels of free fatty acids(FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), liver FFA and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased significantly (<0.01), the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased significantly (<0.01) in group H. Compared with group H, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (<0.05 or <0.01), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (<0.05 or <0.01) in group HC, HM and HMC. Compared with group HC and HM, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (<0.05), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (<0.05) in group HMC. CONCLUSIONS Aerobic exercise and chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall can improve lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet and reduce the lipid toxicity caused by obesity. Joint intervention is more effective than single intervention.
Animals ; Cell Wall ; Chlorella ; Diet, High-Fat ; Lipid Metabolism ; Male ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

Objective To explore the feasibility of low-concentration contrast agent and low-dose technology for pulmonary angiography by comparing the image quality and radiation doses to the patient by different tube voltages and concentrations of contrast agents.Methods Totally 60 patients suspected with pulmonary embolism were divided into C, L1 and L2 groups, of which,Group C had the scanning parameters of 120 kV and 350 mgI/ml,Group L1 had the parameters as 100 kV and 350 mgI/ml and Group L2 had the parameters of 100 kV and 270 mgI/ml.The three groups had the tube voltage as 500 mA, the contrast agent dose as 25 ml,physiological saline dose as 40 ml and flow rate as 4.5 ml/s.SPSS 19.0 software was used to compare and analyze the CT values of pulmonary artery segment,superior vena cava and ascending aorta,main pulmonary artery noises,the image quality as well as the radiation doses of volume scanning. Results The three groups had the main pulmonary aortas and their branches display clearly to meet clinical requirements.When compared with Group C,Group L1 had higher CT values of the main pulmonary aorta and its branches,higher image noise while lower radiation dose (P<0.01);Group L2 had equivalent CT values of the main pulmonary aorta and its branches (P>0.05),higher image noise while lower radiation dose (P<0.01).When compared with Group L1,Group L2 had lower CT values of the main pulmonary aorta and its branches (P<0.01),and equivalent image noise and radiation dose (P>0.05).Conclusion Low-concentration contrast agent and low-dose technology gains feasibility and advantages when used in 320-slice CT pulmonary angiography.

Acupuncture Points ; Head ; anatomy & histology ; Humans

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a key regulatory role in glucose homeostasis. In particular, the brain is important in initiating and coordinating protective counterregulatory responses when blood glucose levels fall. This may due to the metabolic dependency of the CNS on glucose, and protection of food supply to the brain. In healthy subjects, blood glucose is normally maintained within a relatively narrow range. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients can increase the risk of complications, such as heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The clinical research finds that the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a positive effect on the treatment of hypoglycemia. Here the authors reviewed the current understanding of sensing and counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, and discuss combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the theory of iatrogenic hypoglycemia in diabetes treatment. Furthermore, the authors clarify the feasibility of treating hypoglycemia on the basis of TCM theory and CNS and have an insight on its clinical practice.
Brain ; metabolism ; Central Nervous System ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus ; metabolism ; therapy ; Hormones ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; metabolism ; therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVETo explore the roles of intracellular cholesterol metabolism in neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation of prostate cancer based on an androgen-independent prostate cancer NE cell model induced by androgen deprivation.

METHODSLNCaP cells were cultured in androgen-depleted medium, and NE phenotypes were identified by observing the changes in cell morphology, molecular markers (SgIII, NSE and CgA) and cell proliferation. The expression and distribution of cholesterol and Sg III were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of the key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe LNCaP cells showed shrinking bodies and extending axons after androgen deprivation, and all the molecular markers, such as Sg III, NSE and CgA, significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, while the cell proliferation was obviously inhibited (P < 0.05). The cholesterol distribution in the LNCaP cells after NE differentiation presented remarkable aggregation at the axon terminals. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of cholesterol between the two types of cells, nor in the changes of the expressions of key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransient androgen depletion could successfully induce NE differentiation of LNCaP cells, and the intracellular cholesterol could re-distribute into axon terminals to enhance the formation of neurosecretory granules.

Androgens ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Neurosecretory Systems ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, LDL ; metabolism ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; metabolism ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the enhanced recovery program after surgery (ERAS) with conventional perioperative management in patients undergoing radical resection for colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe ERAS protocol included a combination of evidence-based and consensus methodology. A total of 597 consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resection were randomized to either the ERAS(n=299) or the control group(n=298). Outcomes related to nutrition and metabolism index, stress index, and recovery index were measured and recorded.

RESULTSDemographics and operative parameters were similar between the two groups(P>0.05). The nutritional status of patients in the ERAS group was improved after surgery compared with that of the control group. On postoperative day (POD) 1, the HOMA-IR in the ERAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.01). The cortisol level in the control group was elevated on both POD 1(P<0.01) and POD 5(P<0.01) compared to the preoperative level. However, the cortisol level was not increased until POD 5(P<0.01) in the ERAS group. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ were reduced in the ERAS group, indicating less postoperative stress responses compared with the control group. In addition, ERAS group was associated with accelerated recovery of gastrointestinal function. The postoperative length of stay [(5.7±1.6) d vs. (6.6±2.4) d, P<0.01] and expense[(15 998±2655) RMB vs. (17 763±3059) RMB, P<0.01] were reduced in the ERAS group. Twenty-eight patients(9.4%) in the control group and 29(9.7%) in the ERAS group developed complications, while the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONERAS protocol alleviates surgical stress response and accelerates postoperative recovery without compromising patient safety.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perioperative Care ; methods ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the changes of blood viscosity and erythrocyte rheology in mice after acute hypoxic hypoxia (AHH).

METHODSThirty-two Kui-ming mice were randomly divided into control group, AHH group (duplicating AHH model, and divided into 5 min, 8 min, 11 min subgroups), the blood sample was taken out from heart after neck dislocation at corresponding times, for detecting the blood viscosity and erythrocyte rheology indices.

RESULTSCompared with control group, the whole blood viscosity at different shears, whole blood reduced viscosity, whole blood relative viscosity were lower and the erythrocytes aggregation index was higher in AHH 5 min group; the electrophoresis time was longer and the electrophoresis length, migration of erythrocyte were lower in AHH 8 min and AHH 11 min groups. The whole blood reduced viscosity, whole blood relative viscosity, erythrocytes aggregation index in AHH 8 min group were higher, and the erythrocyte deformability index was lower significantly than that of AHH 5 min group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThese data suggested that the AHH could induce the blood viscosity and electrophoresis ability.

Animals ; Blood Viscosity ; Erythrocyte Aggregation ; Erythrocyte Deformability ; Erythrocyte Indices ; Erythrocytes ; physiology ; Hypoxia ; blood ; etiology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains

OBJECTIVETo discuss the effective operative approach for the treatment of distal radius fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2003 to April 2010,107 patients with distal radius fractures suffered internal fixation with locking compression plate (LCP). There were 48 males and 59 females with an average age of 51.27 years (ranged, 23 to 79). Of them, with directed volar approach was in 55 cases and Henry approach was in 52 cases. Surgical feature, fractured exposure time, operative time, median nerve complication, repair rate of the musculus pronator quadratus were compared between the two groups. Gartland-Werley wrist score (GW score), range of motion of wrist joint, grasp force and imageology score were observed in two groups at the first year after operation.

RESULTSThe average fractured exposure time in directed volar approach group and Henry approach group was (21.18 +/- 1.69) min and (12.56 +/- 1.35) min,operative time was (89.90 +/- 4.86) min and (61.58 +/- 4.37) min, postoperative median nerve irritation rate was 34.55% and 5.77%, and repair rate of the musculus pronator quadratus was 52.73% and 100%,respectively;there was statistical difference between two groups (P < 0.01). At the one-year after operation, GW score was 3.25 +/- 2.29,and with rate of excellent and good of 90.91% in directed volar approach group;in Henry approach group that was 2.92 +/- 2.13 and 92.31%, respectively; there was no statistical difference between two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in range of motion of wrist joint, grasp force and imageology score between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONHenry approach can obtain the same operative result compared with directed volar approach in treating distal radius fractures. Henry approach has advantage of simple anatomy,easy operation,better repair rate of the the musculus pronator quadratus and lower postoperative median nerve complication,which should be used preferentially to treat distal radius fractures.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular

Objective To analyze effects of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected diaphragmatic injury after thoracoabdominal stab wound.Methods Sixty-eight patients who received thoracoscopic diagnosis and management of diaphragmatic injuries due to thoracoabdominal stab wounds from April 2000 to October 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Results Occult diaphragmatic injuries were found in 11 patients.Seven patients underwent thoracoscopic suture,of which five had synchronous laparotomy for inspected abdominal organ injuries.Pulmonary parenchymal lacerations occurred in 15 patients who received thoracoscopic repair or resection.Coagulated hemothorax in 13 patients were removed.Postoperative complications included pleural effusion in one patient,pneumonia in two and pulmonary atelectasis in one.Hospital stay was(7.9±13.5)days,without ICU stay.The length of drainage,operation time and intraoperative blood loss were(3.3±1.5)days,(45.6±78.1)minutes and(57.8±24.3)ml respectively.There was no conversion to thoracotomy.Thoracic CT scan was performed six months postoperatively,without hernias.The accuracy of thoracoscopy in diagnosing diaphragmatic injury was 100％.Conclusion Thoracoscopy should be performed for the thoracoabdominal stab wounds with stable hemodynamics,with definite significance especially for the diagnosis and treatment of wounds at the 7-9th intercostal spaces.