Objective To explore the toxicity of Polygonum multiflorum alcohol extract on 3D hepatospheres.Methods Variations in culture conditions and cell ratios were implemented,followed by the assessment of cell sphere diameter,density,and roundness,aiming to explore the optimal culture conditions.The 3D hepatocyte spheres were divided into control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups.The experimental-L,-M,-H groups were treated with 0.25,1.00 and 2.50 mg·mL-1 Polygounm multiforum alcohol extract,and the control group was given the same amount of culture medium.The cell viability of the cell spheroids was tested by CellTiter-Glo reagent,the expression level of liver function related genes was detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qRCR).The toxicity of cell spheres was detected by double fluorescent staining of living and dead cells.Results The ideal culture condition of cell sphere was 500 cells per micropore,and the cell ratio was HepG2-Huvec-LX-2=8∶1∶1.It displayed the values of 0.91±0.07 for circularity,0.91±0.02 for firmness,1.12±0.14 for aspect ratio,and(170.97±14.79)μm for diameter.On the 3rd,7th,10th and 14th days,the expression levels of albumin(ALB)mRNA were 1.00±0.02,0.96±0.02,0.54±0.07,0.52±0.07,and the expression levels of cytochrome P450 1A2(CYP1A2)mRNA were 1.00±0.10,2.15±0.16,2.45±0.33,1.30±0.03,respectively.The expression levels of multidrug resistance protein 2(MPR2)in the control group and the experimental-L,-M,-H groups were 1.00±0.31,1.38±0.24,1.48±0.06 and 1.90±0.08,respectively;spheroid viability were(98.19±0.49)％,(88.53±0.90)％,(71.60±2.91)％and(56.65±5.41)％.There were statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the experimental-L,-M,-H groups and the control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The established hepatocyte sphere co-culture model showed varying degrees of expression of phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ drug metabolism enzymes,transporters,and liver cell specific marker molecule albumin and can be used to evaluate the toxicity of multiflorum multiflorum,which provides further reference for the clinical application of multiflorum multiflorum.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

Objective To investigate the genotype of D class of carbapenemase of carbapenem－resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in traumatology department, so as to guide the rational use of antibiotics as well as prevent the nosocomial infection. Methods A total of 96 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii were collected in traumatology department. Patient history were analyzed and genotype of carbapenemases of OXA－51,OXA－23,ISAba1－oxa－51 and ISAba1－oxa－23 were analyzed by PCR.Results 70.84% (68/96) of Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from wound tissue. 12 antibacterial agents were tested, 96 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii showed the highest resistance rate (78.13%) to imipenem and the lowest resistance rate (43.75%) to levofloxacin. Among 23 strains of imipenem－sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii, OXA－ 51 gene expression was not detected in 4 strains, however, OXA－23 gene expression were observed in 5 strains. The gene expression rates of OXA－51,OXA－23, ISAba1－oxa－51 and ISAba1－oxa－23 genes were 100%, 95.89%, 79.45% and 71.23% respectively in 73 strains of imipenem－insensitive Acinetobacter baumannii. The rate of gene expression profile of OXA－51+ISAba1－oxa－51+OXA－23+ISAba1－oxa－23 was 65.75% .Conclusion The strains of imipenem－sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii may have the gene expression of OXA－23 of D class of carbapenemase. The main pattern of carbapenemase－producing was OXA－51+ISAba1－oxa－51+OXA－23+ISAba1－oxa－23 in traumatology department,which might be regarded as one of the mechanisms that led to the high resistance of the bacterium of acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenem antibiotics.

In this study, the thermoresponsive micelles were synthesized with random copolymerization method and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) was loaded on micelles through the physical adsorption. The light energy was converted into heat energy to increase the temperature after irradiation with near-infrared light. When the phase transition temperature was reached, the micelle was disassembled and the targeted therapy was achieved. The nanoparticles were characterized with a transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and other characterization were used to investigate. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), upper critical solution temperature, the photothermal properties of the carrier and the release of drug triggered by light were investigated after the doxorubicin (DOX) loaded. The carrier was evaluated for toxicity, cellular uptake, the effect of photothermal, the combination of photothermal and chemotherapy; the p(AAm-co-AN)-g-PEG (PAAP) was spherical in shape with a particle size of about 45 nm and a phase transition temperature was about 43℃. The critical micelle concentration was 24 μg·mL^-1. The particle size increased to 88 nm after loaded with ICG and DOX which the photothermal effect was obvious. The cumulative release of the drug under the irradiation of near-infrared light (808 nm, 2 W·cm^-2, 2 min·h^-1) was increased to 59.4% (pH 5.0) after 5 h. The results of the cell experiment indicated that ICG-PAAP was almost non-toxic and uptaken by the lysosomal pathway. The cell killing effect was stronger with combination of chemotherapy (DOX as 20 μg·mL^-1) with more than 70% of the cells killed. The results showed that the prepared micelle with low toxicity was thermoresponsive and could be used in combined therapy of tumor under the irradiation of near-infrared light.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) have elevated levels of activated myeloid-derived leukocytes as a source of inflammatory cytokines. The selective depletion of these leukocytes by adsorptive granulocyte/monocyte apheresis (GMA) with an Adacolumn should alleviate inflammation, promote remission and enhance drug efficacy. However, studies have reported contrasting efficacy outcomes based on patients’ baseline demographic variables. This study was undertaken to understand the demographic features of GMA responders and nonresponders. METHODS: This was a multicenter study in China involving four institutions and 34 patients with active UC. Baseline conventional medications were continued without changing the dosage. The treatment efficacy was evaluated based on the endoscopic activity index and the Mayo score. RESULTS: Thirty of the 34 patients completed all 10 GMA treatment sessions. The overall efficacy rate was 70.59%. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve was approximately 0.766 for a Mayo score of ≤5.5 with 0.273 specificity and 0.857 sensitivity (Youden index, 0.584) for GMA responders. No GMA-related serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The overall efficacy of GMA in patients with active UC who were taking first-line medications or were corticosteroid refractory was encouraging. Additionally, GMA was well tolerated and had a good safety profile.
Blood Component Removal* ; China* ; Colitis, Ulcerative* ; Cytokines ; Granulocytes* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Leukocytes ; Monocytes* ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Treatment Outcome ; Ulcer*

OBJECTIVETo determine the effectiveness and safety of Xinfeng Capsules (XFC) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with decreased pulmonary function.

METHODSThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial of 80 RA patients. Participants were assigned to the trial group (40 cases) and the control group (40 cases) by block randomization. The trial group was treated with XFC, three pills each time three times daily for 2 months. The control group was treated with tripterygium glycoside (TPT), two pills each time three times daily for 2 months. Both groups were followed up after 2 months. The clinical effects, changes in joint and pulmonary function, and quality of life before and after treatment were observed; safety indices were also evaluated.

RESULTSPain, swelling, tenderness, and duration of morning stiffness of joints were obviously decreased after treatment in both the trial and the control groups compared with baseline (P<0.01). Compared with before treatment, hand grip strength increased significantly after treatment in the trial group (P=0.0000); pulmonary function parameters such as forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), 50% of the expiratory flow of forced vital capacity (FEF50), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) were increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); measures of quality of life such as role-physical, body pain, vitality and mental health were also improved after treatment in the trial group (all P<0.05). Joint swelling in the trial group decreased compared with the control group (P=0.0043), while hand grip strength was increased after treatment (P=0.0000). The increase in FEF50, DLco, and the dimensions of quality of life such as vitality and mental health were all significantly greater in the trial group than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSXFC not only relieved joint pain in RA patients, but also significantly improved the ventilation and diffusion function of the lungs. Therefore, XFC could improve the whole body function and enhance the quality of life of RA patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Joints ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) on pulmonary function and related mechanism in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats.

METHODSThe rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (NC), model control (MC) groups, methotrexate (MTX), tripterygium glycosides tablet (TPT) and Xinfeng capsule (XFC) treatment groups. The adjuvant-induced arthritis model was established by intracutaneous injection of 0.1 mL Freund ' s complete adjuvant in the right paw of rats; the drugs were given 19 d after model establishment. The toe swelling degree (E), arthritis index (AI), pulmonary function, peripheral blood Treg levels, pathological changes of lung tissue and expression of Foxp3, TGF-β1, Smad3, Smad7 proteins in lung tissue were measured 30 d after drug administration.

RESULTSCompared to NC group, the levels of E, AI, alveolitis score, TGF-β1 and Smad3 were significantly increased (P <0.05 or P <0.01); maximum expiratory flow 25% of vital capacity (FEF25),50% maximal expiratory vital capacity flow (FEF50), maximum expiratory flow at 75% of vital capacity (FEF75), maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMF), force peak expiratory flow (PEF), CD4+ CD25+ Treg, Foxp3 and Smad7 were significantly decreased in MC group (P <0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared to MC group,the expression of E, AI, TGF-β1 and Smad3 were reduced, while FEF50, FEF75, MMF, PEF, Treg, Foxp3 and Smad7 were elevated in XFC group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). Compared to XFC group, the level of body mass,FEF25,FEF50, FEF75, MMF and Treg were lower in MTX and TPT groups (P <0.05 or P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONThere are inflamed joints and reduced pulmonary function in rats of adjuvant-induced arthritis. XFC can inhibit paw edema degrees, reduce arthritis response, and improve pulmonary function, which is associated with up-regulating expression of Treg and Foxp3, down-regulating the expression of TGF-β1 and adjusting TGF-β1/Smads signal pathway.

Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Smad3 Protein ; metabolism ; Smad7 Protein ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo access the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms, and their related factors in old and middle-aged males in the area of Hefei.

METHODSThis study included 1 026 males aged over 45 years that came to the clinic for health examination. We collected their personal data, and evaluated their general health status and the results of the questionnaire investigation using the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale.

RESULTSThe total incidence of menopause-like symptoms was 64.7% among the old and middle-aged males in Hefei area, of which 58.1% were mild, 30.9% moderate and 11.0% severe. The average AMS score was 31.2 +/- 6.8, in which the scores on psychological, physical and sexual function symptoms were 8.3 +/- 2.1, 12.4 +/- 4.8 and 9.3 +/- 4.5, respectively. Sexual function symptoms were increased significantly with the increase of age (P < 0.05), but psychological and physical symptoms showed no obvious correlation with age (P > 0.05). The main risk factors of menopause-like symptoms included age, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity, but physical exercise was an important protective factor against them.

CONCLUSIONWith the increase of age, the prevalence of male menopause-like symptoms rises and sexual function declines gradually, but psychological and physical scores are not affected significantly. Age, general health status and lifestyle are closely associated with the prevalence of menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; Andropause ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Life Style ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To observe treadmill exercise test (TET) characteristics in patients with myocardial bridging(MB).Methods TET results from January 2003 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed in 156 patients with confirmed MB diagnosis.MB patients were divided into smoking group (68 cases) and non-smoking group(88 cases).Coronary angiography results were used to analyze the relations between MB length,myocardial ischemia and exercising duration.Results ( 1 ) MB was documented on two coronary arteries in 2 patients ( 1％ ),MB was detected in single artery in 154 patients (99％),of whom 146 cases were located at left anterior descending artery,8 cases were located at right coronary artery.The degree of narrowing of MB was graded 1 ( less than 50％ ) in 16 patients ( 10％ ),grade 2 (50％ to 75％ ) in 108 patients (69％) and grade 3 (greater than 75％ ) in 32 patients (21％).The length of MB ranged between 4 to 40 mm,MB length was less than 10 mm in 40 patients( 26％ ),between 11 to 20 mm in 48 patients(31％ ),between 21 to 30 mm in 44 patients(28％ ),greater than 31 mm in 24 patients( 15％ ).(2) TET positive rate was 41％ (64/156) and the TET positive rate was significantly higher in smoking group than in non-smoking group [ 57％ (39/68) vs.28％ (25/88,P ＜ 0.01 ) ].(3) The length of MB was positively related to the ST-segment depression (r =0.723,P ＜ 0.01 )and negatively related to exercising duration ( r =- 0.828,P ＜ 0.01 ).Heart rate was positively related to the ST-segment depression ( r =0.368,P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions TET may serve as a good test to assess myocardial ischemia in patients with MB.The length of MB is positively related with myocardial ischemia and negatively related with exercising duration.Smoking might increase myocardial ischemic incidence in MB patients,MB patients should be advised to stop smoking.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the difference in intracellular calcium ion [Ca2+]i concentration in prostate smooth muscle cells (PSMCs) between SD rat models of chronic abacterial prostatitis (CAP) and normal controls, and to evaluate the role of [Ca2+]i concentration in CAP.

METHODSWe established CAP models in SD rats using purified prostate protein and Freund's complete adjuvant, cultured in vitro and then purified the PSMCs of both the CAP models and normal controls. Continuous dynamic scanning was performed under the laser confocal scanning microscope after incubation of the cells with FLUO-3AM.

RESULTSThe fluorescence intensities of [Ca2+]i in the PSMCs were 80.39 +/- 9.00 and 27.95 +/- 10.04 in the CAP models and normal controls, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe concentration of [Ca2+]i increased in the PSMCs of the CAP rat models, which might enhance the constriction of PSMCs and subsequently increase the sensibility to pain and cause lower abdominal pain.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; metabolism ; Prostate ; metabolism ; Prostatitis ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley