Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)on oxidative damage to the retina in a rat model of dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD)induced by sodium iodate.Methods A total of 36 male specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the blank control group,sodium iodate group and sodium iodate+EGCG group,with 12 rats in each group.Rats in the sodium iodate group and the sodium io-date+EGCG group were given 50 mg-kg·1 sodium iodate by tail vein injection by weight to build dry AMD models,while rats in the blank control group were administered with an equal volume of normal saline.Following the modeling proce-dure,rats in the sodium iodate+EGCG group received an intravitreal injection of 4 μL EGCG(0.5 g·L-1)into their right eyes,while the right eyes of rats in both the blank control and sodium iodate groups were treated with the same volume of normal saline.After 21 days,the rats were sacrificed,and ocular samples were collected for detection.Histopathological changes of the retinal tissues in each group were examined using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Additionally,the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the retinal tis-sues were quantified.Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of nuclear factor ery-throid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2),NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in the retinas.Furthermore,real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the relative messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 in the retinas of the rats.Results HE staining revealed that,in comparison to the blank control group,the entire retinal layer in the sodium iodate group exhibited injury,characterized by noticeable injury of the retinal pigment epithelial cells and disordered outer nuclear layer with wavy transformation.The so-dium iodate+EGCG group demonstrated ameliorated retinal injury across all layers compared to the sodium iodate group.Compared to the blank control group,the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly reduced(both P＜0.01),while the level of MDA was significantly elevated(P＜0.01)in the sodium iodate group.Compared with the sodium iodate group,the sodium iodate+EGCG group showed a significant increase in the levels of SOD and GSH-Px(both P＜0.01),along-side a substantial decrease in the content of MDA(P＜0.01).Western blot analyses demonstrated that compared with the blank control group,the protein expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 were significantly elevated in the sodium iodate group(all P＜0.01);compared with the sodium iodate group,the sodium iodate+EGCG group exhibited relatively higher protein expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1(all P＜0.05).The results from real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that the relative mRNA expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1 in the retinas of rats in the sodium io-date group were significantly greater than those in the blank control group(all P＜0.05);compared with the sodium iodate group,the sodium iodate+EGCG group showed a significant increase in the relative mRNA expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 and HO-1(all P＜0.05).Conclusion EGCG can improve the capacity to scavenge oxygen free radicals by promo-ting the upregulation of Nrf2 expression.This activation subsequently enhances the expression of downstream products such as NQO1 and HO-1,leading to increased levels of SOD and GSH-Px while simultaneously reducing the MDA level.Consequently,this process inhibits oxidative damage to the retina in rats with dry AMD induced by sodium iodate.

Background and objective Uridine-diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1),UGT1A1 *28 polymorphism can reduce UGT1A1 enzymatic activity,which may lead to severe toxicities in patients who receive irinotecan.This study tries to build a fragment analysis method to detect UGT1A1 *28 polymorphism.Methods A total of 286 blood specimens from the lung cancer patients who were hospitalized in Guangdong General Hospital between April 2014 to May 2015 were detected UGT1A1*28 polymorphism by fragment analysis method.Results Comparing with Sanger sequencing,precision and accuracy of the fragment analysis method were 100％.Of the 286 patients,236 (82.5％ harbored TA6/6 genotype,48 (16.8％) TA 6/7 genotype and 2 (0.7％) TA7/7 genotype.Conclusion Our data suggest hat the fragment analysis method is robust for detecting UGT1A1 *28 polymorphism in clinical practice.It's simple,time-saving,and easy-to-carry.

ObjectiveTo compare the therapeutic efficacies between acupoint thread embedding plus Western medication and dry Western medication in treating metabolic syndrome.MethodTotally 320 patients with metabolic syndrome were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 160 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by ordinary Western medication, while the treatment group was by acupoint thread embedding in addition to the Western medication given to the control group, and Yishu (Extra), Geshu (BL17), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20), Shenshu (BL23), Tianshu (ST25), Daimai (GB26), and Guanyuan (CV4) were selected as the major points. The therapeutic efficacies, metabolism-related parameters, liver function, and kidney function were compared between the two groups, and the therapeutic efficacies of different syndromes were also compared.ResultThe markedly effective rate and total effectiverate of the treatment group were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, there was no significant difference in comparing the HDL-C between the two groups (P>0.05), but there were significant inter-group differences in comparing the rest parameters including liver and kidney functions (P<0.05), and the treatment group was superior to the control group. Acupoint thread embedding produced a more significant efficacy in treating metabolic syndrome due to heat in liver-stomach and phlegm-dampness stagnancy compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the efficacy of acupoint thread embedding in treating metabolic syndrome due to phlegm-dampness stagnancy was significantly different from that of the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionAcupoint thread embedding plus Western medication can produce a more significant therapeutic efficacy in treating metabolic syndrome compared to Western medication alone, and it’s safe; of all the patterns, phlegm-dampness stagnancy responds thebest to acupoint thread embedding.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the acute effects of indoor and outdoor particulate matter on lung function and respiratory symptoms of college students in winter.

METHODSA panel of 37 college students aged 19-21 in Wuhan were included and the investigation was carried out from 12/23/2009 to 01/05/2010. Daily morning/evening forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and runny) were measured and reported by subjects, respectively. Meanwhile, daily data of indoors and outdoors PM10, PM2.5, temperature, and relative humidity were collected. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were used to estimate the association between particulate matters exposure and respiratory symptoms and FEV1).

RESULTSAverage daily concentrations of indoor, outdoor PM2.5 during the study period were (110.6 ± 42.3), (143.5 ± 51.2) µg/m³, (148.2 ± 43.2) and (239.1 ± 71.3) µg/m³ for indoor, outdoor PM10, respectively. Outdoor exposure to PM2.5 on lag 0 had little effect on evening FEV1). However, researchers observed a significant lagging effect (lag 1 d) and accumulative effect (lag 0-1 d and lag 0-2 d). A rise in the PM2.5 concentration of 10 µg/m³ resulted in the change of evening FEV1) of -0.28% (95% CI: -0.52%, -0.03%), -0.45% (95% CI: -0.81%, -0.08%) and -0.63% (95% CI: -1.15%, -0.11%), respectively. For respiratory symptoms of coughing up phlegm, 10 mg/m³ increase of indoor/outdoor PM2.5 concentration were associated with odds ratio of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.02-1.36) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.97-1.19), respectively. Moreover, risk of coughing up phlegm increased with lagging time, and accumulative time of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10.

CONCLUSIONOur study suggested that short-term exposure to particulate matters in winter was significantly associated with acute changes of respiratory symptoms and FEV1) of college students in Wuhan. Moreover, the effects of particulate matters tended to be larger as the increase of lagged and accumulative days.

Air Pollutants ; Cough ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Humidity ; Mucus ; Particulate Matter ; Respiratory Tract Diseases ; Seasons ; Students ; Temperature

The effect of ambient particulate matters on human health is of great concern. Numerous epidemiological studies have revealed that particulate matters were associated with increased population mortality. Moreover, many studies found that season and temperature might modify the effect of particles on mortality. This paper summarized the potential effect modification of season and temperature and the possible mechanism, so as to provide certain evidence and reference for the future relevant studies.
Air Pollutants ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Particulate Matter ; Seasons ; Temperature

Objective To observe the protective effect of Apelin-13 on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), and to explore the possible mechanism in rat model. Methods Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:sham group, CIRI model group and Apelin-13 (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μg/kg) treatment groups. The model of CIRI was established by filament. After 2 h ischemia, the focal middle cerebral artery was followed by 72 h reperfusion. Apelin-13 was administrated by intracerebroventricular injection 30 minutes before reperfusion. The score of neural function was estimated in different time points. The 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) dye was used to calculate the volume and percentage of cerebral infarction. The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) protein markers including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in cerebral cortex were measured by Western blot assay. Results Compared with the sham group, the score of neural function was significantly increased, the infarct rate was reached(47.63 ± 5.81)%and the protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP were significantly up-regulated in CIRI model group (P＜0.05). There were no significant differences in these data between the CIRI model group and 0.1 μg/kg Apelin-13 treatment group (P＞0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the neural function defect was significantly improved, the muscle strength was significantly enhanced and the infarct rate was significantly decreased, and the protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP were significantly down-regulated in the 1.0 and 10.0 μg/kg Apelin-13 treatment groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion Apelin-13 protects the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat model, which may be related with the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of tetramethoxystilbene, a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, on adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 multi-potent mesenchymal cells. Methods In vitro cultured C3H10T1/2 cells at full confluence were induced by adipogenic agents (10μg/ml insulin, 2μmol/L dexamethasone and 0.5 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) and exposed simultaneously to TMS at the final concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0μg/ml. Oil Red-O staining was used to observe the cell differentiation. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its target genes cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results Oil Red-O staining and TG contents revealed that TMS suppressed induced differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. TMS exposure of the cells dose-dependently decreased both mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, a key nuclear transcription factor during adipogenesis, and also lowered the mRNA expressions of PPARγ target genes CD36 and FABP4. Conclusion TMS can suppress adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells by inhibiting PPARγ.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of tetramethoxystilbene, a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, on adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 multi-potent mesenchymal cells. Methods In vitro cultured C3H10T1/2 cells at full confluence were induced by adipogenic agents (10μg/ml insulin, 2μmol/L dexamethasone and 0.5 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) and exposed simultaneously to TMS at the final concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0μg/ml. Oil Red-O staining was used to observe the cell differentiation. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its target genes cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results Oil Red-O staining and TG contents revealed that TMS suppressed induced differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. TMS exposure of the cells dose-dependently decreased both mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, a key nuclear transcription factor during adipogenesis, and also lowered the mRNA expressions of PPARγ target genes CD36 and FABP4. Conclusion TMS can suppress adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells by inhibiting PPARγ.

Objective To evaluate the acute effects of indoor and outdoor particulate matter on lung function and respiratory symptoms of college students in winter. Methods A panel of 37 college students aged 19-21 in Wuhan were included and the investigation was carried out from 12/23/2009 to 01/05/2010. Daily morning/evening forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and runny) were measured and reported by subjects, respectively. Meanwhile, daily data of indoors and outdoors PM10, PM2.5, temperature, and relative humidity were collected. Generalized Estimating Equations(GEEs) were used to estimate the association between particulate matters exposure and respiratory symptoms and FEV1. Results Average daily concentrations of indoor, outdoor PM2.5 during the study period were(110.6 ± 42.3),(143.5 ± 51.2) μg/m3,(148.2 ± 43.2) and(239.1 ± 71.3) μg/m3 for indoor, outdoor PM10, respectively. Outdoor exposure to PM2.5 on lag 0 had little effect on evening FEV1. However, researchers observed a significant lagging effect(lag 1 d) and accumulative effect(lag 0-1 d and lag 0-2 d). A rise in the PM2.5 concentration of 10μg/m3 resulted in the change of evening FEV1 of-0.28%(95%CI:-0.52%,-0.03%),-0.45%(95%CI:-0.81%,-0.08%) and-0.63%(95%CI:-1.15%,-0.11%), respectively. For respiratory symptoms of coughing up phlegm, 10 mg/m3 increase of indoor/outdoor PM2.5 concentration were associated with odds ratio of 1.18(95%CI:1.02-1.36) and 1.08(95%CI:0.97-1.19), respectively. Moreover, risk of coughing up phlegm increased with lagging time, and accumulative time of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10. Conclusion Our study suggested that short-term exposure to particulate matters in winter was significantly associated with acute changes of respiratory symptoms and FEV1 of college students in Wuhan. Moreover, the effects of particulate matters tended to be larger as the increase of lagged and accumulative days.

Objective To evaluate the acute effects of indoor and outdoor particulate matter on lung function and respiratory symptoms of college students in winter. Methods A panel of 37 college students aged 19-21 in Wuhan were included and the investigation was carried out from 12/23/2009 to 01/05/2010. Daily morning/evening forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) and respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm and runny) were measured and reported by subjects, respectively. Meanwhile, daily data of indoors and outdoors PM10, PM2.5, temperature, and relative humidity were collected. Generalized Estimating Equations(GEEs) were used to estimate the association between particulate matters exposure and respiratory symptoms and FEV1. Results Average daily concentrations of indoor, outdoor PM2.5 during the study period were(110.6 ± 42.3),(143.5 ± 51.2) μg/m3,(148.2 ± 43.2) and(239.1 ± 71.3) μg/m3 for indoor, outdoor PM10, respectively. Outdoor exposure to PM2.5 on lag 0 had little effect on evening FEV1. However, researchers observed a significant lagging effect(lag 1 d) and accumulative effect(lag 0-1 d and lag 0-2 d). A rise in the PM2.5 concentration of 10μg/m3 resulted in the change of evening FEV1 of-0.28%(95%CI:-0.52%,-0.03%),-0.45%(95%CI:-0.81%,-0.08%) and-0.63%(95%CI:-1.15%,-0.11%), respectively. For respiratory symptoms of coughing up phlegm, 10 mg/m3 increase of indoor/outdoor PM2.5 concentration were associated with odds ratio of 1.18(95%CI:1.02-1.36) and 1.08(95%CI:0.97-1.19), respectively. Moreover, risk of coughing up phlegm increased with lagging time, and accumulative time of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10. Conclusion Our study suggested that short-term exposure to particulate matters in winter was significantly associated with acute changes of respiratory symptoms and FEV1 of college students in Wuhan. Moreover, the effects of particulate matters tended to be larger as the increase of lagged and accumulative days.