Background and Objectives: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in vascular repair and predict cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between EPCs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: and Results: Patients (age 67±9.41 years) suffering from AAAs (aortic diameters 58.09±11.24 mm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients received endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 14 days after surgery from patients with aortic aneurysms. Samples were also obtained from age-matched control subjects. Circulating EPCs were defined as those cells that were double positive for CD34 and CD309. Rat models of AAA formation were generated by the peri-adventitial elastase application of either saline solution (control; n=10), or porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE; n=14). The aortas were analyzed using an ultrasonic video system and immunohistochemistry. The levels of CD34＋/CD309＋ cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations were measured by flow cytometry. The baseline numbers of circulating EPCs (CD34＋/CD309＋) in the peripheral blood were significantly smaller in AAA patients compared with control subjects. The number of EPCs doubled by the 14th day after EVAR. A total of 78.57% of rats in the PPE group (11/14) formed AAAs (dilation ratio ＞150%). The numbers of EPCs from defined AAA rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group. Conclusions EPC levels may be useful for monitoring abdominal aorta aneurysms and rise after EVAR in patients with aortic aneurysms, and might contribute to the rapid endothelialization of vessels.

Objective To explore the effects of ring finger protein 43 (RNF43) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods Synovial tissues from patients with RA treated by knee arthroplasty were used to isolate FLSs by type 2 collagenase.RNF43 lentivirus overexpressing plasmid was constructed and transfected in to RA-FLS.After successful transfection,RNA and super natant of RA-FLS were extracted.QRT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1,MMP-3 and MMP-13.Data were analyzed with Student's t test.Results Transfection efficiency could meet the test requirements when the multiplicity of infection was 40 and was in conjunction with appropriate concentration of polybrene.The mRNA of RNF43 increased for 26158-fold than the control group.In vitro,compared with the control group,RNF43 could significantly inhibit the mRNA of MMP-1,MMP-3 and MMP-13 and MMP-13 [(0.19±0.06),t=28.314,P＜0.05;(0.28±0.07),t=23.413,P＜0.05;(0.21±0.09),t=18.365,P＜0.05]and the protein of MMP-1,MMP-3 and MMP-13 and MMP-13 [(31.0±9.4) pg/ml,(17.1±2.1) pg/ml,t=3.198,P=0.029],MMP-3 [(38.7±8.1) pg/ml,(24.9±3.5) pg/ml,t=3.514,P=0.015],MMP-13 [(35.9±5.4) pg/ml,(20.6±2.9) pg/ml,t=5.632,P=0.001].Conclusion The results of study suggest that RNF43 could inhibit the secretion of MMPs in RA-FLS by suppressing the activity of Wnt signal pathway.

Fructus psoralea is a tonic traditional Chinese herb commonly used in clinic.The chemical constituents of Fructus psoralea are complicated,mainly containing coumarins,flavonoids and monoterpene phenols with various pharmacological effects.Since the increasing number of reports on the toxicity of Fructus psoralea in clinic,the side effects including toxicity on the liver and kidney,as well as skin allergies have gradually attracted attention.The toxicity of Fructus psoralea is produced from ADME (absorption,distribution,metabolism and excretion) in vivo.In this paper,we collected and clarified the studies of ADME of Fructus psoralea in vivo,and summarized recent adverse clinical events and research over its toxicity.We propose to make a thorough study on the toxic material basis of Fructus psoralea and the toxicological mechanism of its extraction,fractions and compounds.The review provided a possible reference and the direction of research for the safe clinical use of Fructus psoralea.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture combined with Jiawei Mojie tablet for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence after surgery.

METHODSOne hundred and six patients after the conservative surgery against endometriosis were randomly divided into a western medication group and an acupuncture and medication group(a combination group), 53 cases in each one. In the western medication group, gestrinone was applied orally. In the combination group, acupuncture and Jiawei Mojie tablet with oral administration were adopted. Xuehai (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4) were mainly used, and acupoints based on syndrome differentiation were combined. After the surgery and when the menstruation was end, 3 to 5 days later the preventive treatment was used successively for 6 months. Patients were followed up after treatment and in 3 months, 6 months, and 18 months (two years after surgery) after treatment. The recurrence [Abdominal/perineal ultrasonic examination, serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) test], menstruation score, endometriosis health profile-5 (EHP-5) and the safety index of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSEight patients (five cases in the western medication group and three cases in the combination group) were rejected because of dropping, and six ones (two cases in the western medication group and four cases in the combination group) discontinued. When patients were followed up in 18 months after treatment, the suspected recurrence rate through ultrasonic examination was 2.0% (1/50), and the unusual rate of serum CA125 text was 4.0% (2/50) in the combination group, which were apparently lower than 18.8% (9/48) and 25.0% (12/48) in the western medication group (both P < 0.01). After treatment and 3-month, 6-month, and 18-month following up, the menstruation scores of the combination group were obviously lower than those of the western medication group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After 18 months, the positive rate of EHP-5 in the combination group was 0 (0/50), which was markedly lower than 18.8% (9/48) in the western medication group (P < 0.01). After treatment and 3-month, 6-month, and 18-month following up, the unusual rates of serum ALT text in the combination group were lower than those in the western medication group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After treatment, the unusual rate of serum ALT text was not significantly different in the combination group compared with that before treatment (P > 0.05), and after treatment and 3-month, 6-month following up, the unusual rates of serum ALT text in the western medication group were remarkablely higher than those before treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After 18-month following up, the unusual rate of serum ALT text in the western medication group was not statistically significant compared with that before treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with Jiawei Mojie tablet can effectively prevent endometriosis recurrence after surgery, and improve menstruation condition and life quality, which are less injurious for liver than gestrinone.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Administration, Oral ; Adult ; CA-125 Antigen ; blood ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Endometriosis ; blood ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recurrence ; Young Adult

Objective:To analyse the biological function of anti-IL-6Rβ(gp130) monoclonal antibody and its regulatory effect on IL-6 signaling.Methods:Biological characteristics of anti-IL-6Rβ(gp130) mAb were assessed by Western blot analysis, capture ELISA and peptide ELISA .The phosphorylation of STAT 3 was tested by Western blot analysis in IL-6-stimulated U266/RA-FLS/RA-PBMC with or without anti-IL-6Rβ(gp130) mAb treatment.Results:3 strains of mouse anti-human gp130 mAb were with high affini-ty and different binding epitopes , the kaff of 10A1 was 2.62E-10.In U266, RA-PBMC and RA-SFMC, IL-6 signaling highly activated STAT3 which could be inhibited by anti-gp130 mAb.Conclusion: Anti-IL-6Rβ( gp130 ) mAb might have different binding epitopes and could affect IL-6 stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3, which provides a preliminary experiment for analyse the correlation of IL-6 signaling and RA .

OBJECTIVETo investigate changes in the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, heart, lung, and testes of rats after exposure to electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

METHODSEighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham and exposure groups. The exposure groups received EMP at 200 kV/m for 200 pulses with a repetition rate of 1 Hz. The expression of TJ proteins (ZO-1, occludin, actin) in the several organs was examined by western blotting.

RESULTSZO-1 levels in the cerebral cortex decreased 1 h and 3 h after EMP exposure compared with sham group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed for occludin and actin. ZO-1 levels in the hippocampus increased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure (P<0.05), and occludin decreased after 3 h (P<0.05); however, actin was unaffected. ZO-1 levels in the heart increased 3 h post-exposure (P<0.05), occludin decreased 3 h post-exposure (P<0.05), and actin increased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure (P<0.05). ZO-1, occludin and actin levels in the lung decreased compared with those in the sham group (P<0.05). ZO-1 and occludin levels in the testes decreased 1 h and 3 h post-exposure (P<0.05), but actin showed no significant change.

CONCLUSIONExposure to EMP altered the expression levels of TJ proteins, particularly ZO-1, in the organs of adult male rats, which may induce changes in barrier structure and function.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cerebral Cortex ; cytology ; metabolism ; Electromagnetic Radiation ; Gene Expression Regulation ; radiation effects ; Lung ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; cytology ; metabolism ; Occludin ; Phosphoproteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Testis ; cytology ; metabolism ; Tight Junctions ; metabolism ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein

Objective To explore the feasibility and curative effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrinolytic therapy in order to cure radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) and to discuss the principle, indication and precautions. Methods The treatment was taken on 16 cases that had a definite clinical diagnosis and we took a systematic examination to make sure that there was no recurrence or metastasis of the tumor.Brachial plexus and tender area block was taken once a week by injection of mixture of hyaluronidase, hexadecadrol, Vitamine B12 and lidocaine. The therapy was applied for 6 to 12 weeks. Results All the patients were followed up for a period of 0.5 to 10 years. Four cases had an evident alleviation of the symptoms and got a function resumption of hands; 5 cases had an alleviation of pain and improvement of sensation and the progress of illness were terminated, but motor function didn't have improvement; 7 cases had a continued aggravation of the symptoms. All the cases found improvement in electromyography. Concluslon The aim of fibrinolytic therapy is to dissolve the extra ECM such as hyaluronic acid around nerves in order to achieve a new homeostasis. It can relieve the conglutination and entrapment at nerve inside and outside, reduce the pressure of neuraxon and create an availing condition for the regenesis of nerve and the regain of function.

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture on synovial pathology, synovial mast cell degranulation and tryptase expression and to investigate the relationship between the functions of mast cells and effects of acupuncture on early adjuvant arthritis in rats. Methods: Forty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=16), untreated group (n=15) and acupuncture group (n=15). Adjuvant arthritis was induced by injection of 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant in right hind limb footpad. Normal control group and untreated group received no acupuncture treatment, while rats in the acupuncture group were treated with sterilized disposable stainless steel needles inserted perpendicularly as deep as 2 to 3 mm at Xuanzhong (GB39), 6 mm at Shenshu (BL23) and 7 mm at Zusanli (ST36) for eight times (15 min each time) every two days. Setting the modeling day as the 0 day of the experiment, the body weight and paw volume of the rats were measured every three days from the 0 day. In the end, synovial tissues of the right hind ankles were sampled and made into paraffin sections. Then they were firstly stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observing synovial pathology to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on adjuvant arthritis, then stained with toluidine blue for observing the number and degranulation ratio of synovial mast cells and finally detected by immunohistochemical staining method to investigate the expression of tryptase in synovium. Results: Compared with the untreated group, the body weight of rats in the acpuncture group was increased significantly (P<0.05), while the paw volume decreased obviously (P<0.01). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that acupuncture significantly inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial cell hyperplasia, and synovial fibroplasia in synovium of rats with adjuvant arthritis as compared with the untreated group (P<0.05). Toluidine blue staining showed that acupuncture could significantly diminish the numbers of total and degranulated mast cells in rats with adjuvant arthritis (P<0.01), which were significantly higher in the untreated group than in the normal control group (P<0.01). Showing by immunohistochemical staining, the expression of tryptase in synovium in the acupuncture group was decreased as compared with the untreated group (P<0.01). Analyzed by Spearman's bivariate correlation, the number of mast cells and degranulation ratio of mast cells were positively correlated with the pathological scores (r=0.837, P<0.01; r=0.634, P<0.01). Conclusion: Acupuncture can improve pathological condition of inflammatory synovium in rats with early adjuvant arthritis by inhibiting the function of synovial mast cells, which may play an important underlying role in the immunoregulation of acupuncture on adjuvant arthritis.

Objective To evaluate the clinical application of fat granule auto-graft in facial soft tissue depression reconstruction.Methods Autologous subcutaneous fat granules were obtained by syringe aspiration from donating site.then washed with normal saline.Small amounts of fat granules were injected into the facial sites with soft tissue depression by means of multiple passes immediately.Results We performed such fat iniection in a total of 18 cases,all of the procedures were safe and successful.In most cases,single injection were enough,only one underwent two sessions of fat iniection.All members were followed-up for 1.5 months to 24months,the average were 14 months.All facial tissue depression were reconstructed for difierent degrees.The rate of fullness and symmetry.fullness and pretty symmetry and fullness with little asymmetry were 77.8%,16.7%and 5.5%.respectively.No infection,fat necrosis or liquefaction occured.Conclusion Being satisfled in correction of deformity of facial depression.the implantation of autologous fat globules iS safe and effective with less side-effects.