This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical effect and safety of Qing-Fei Tong-Luo (QFTL) ointment for treating children with pneumonia.Randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among 460 cases of children with pneumonia.The observation group was given QFTL ointment combined with basic treatment.And the control group was only treated by basic treatment.Evaluation was given on the total clinical efficacy,disappeared time of fever,cough,expectoration,shortness of breath,and medication safety.The incidence of respiratory diseases was followed up on the 30th days after drug withdrawal.The results showed that in the aspect of clinical efficacy between two groups,the cure rate of the observation group was 98.26％,and that of the control group was 93.89％,with statistic significance (P ＜ 0.05).The cure rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group.There was statistical difference on expectoration disappeared time (P ＜ 0.05).There was no statistical difference on disappeared time of fever,cough and shortness of breath (P ＞ 0.05).There was statistical difference on the incidence of respiratory diseases on the 30th days followed-up after drug withdrawal (P ＜ 0.05).There was no statistical difference on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection,pneumonia and asthma (P ＞ 0.05).No adverse reactions occurred in the observation group.It was concluded that QFTL ointment combined with basic therapy on the treatment of pneumonia in children was significantly better than the control group in the aspect of clinical efficacy,expectoration disappeared time and the incidence of bronchitis.It is safe and effective.The prognosis is good and worthy of promotion in the clinical practice.

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of RhoA down-regulation by RNA interference on the invasion of tongue carcinoma Tca8113 and SCC-4.

METHODSDetermination of the human RhoA sequence as well as the design and constructionof a short specific small interfering RNAs (siRNA) were performed. The siRNA of RhoA gene was transfected into humantongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 and SCC-4 cells line by Lipofectamine 2000. Quantitative real-time polymerasechain reaction was used to examine the mRNA expressionlevels of RhoA. Protein expressions of mRNA, galectin-3,and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were evaluated byWestern blot. Transwell invasion assay was performed toassess the invasion ability of tongue carcinoma.

RESULTSRhoA expressions in Tca8113 and SCC-4 cells were reducedsignificantly after transfection of RhoA-siRNA. Protein levels f galectin-3 and MVP-9 were also down-regulated significantly. Invasion ability was inhibited as well.

CONCLUSIONRhoA-siRNA can effectively inhibit RhoA expression in Tca8113 and SCC-4 cells. The invasion ability of tongue carcinoma cells decreased with down-regulation of the protein expressions of galectin-3 and MMP-9, indicating that RhoA-siRNA can inhibit invasion of tongue carcinoma. Results show that RhoA may play an important role in the processes of invasion and metastasis of tongue carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Down-Regulation ; Galectin 3 ; metabolism ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Tongue Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(MEHP) on proliferation of primary neural stem cells(NSCs)of rats and NE-4C cells of mice and on the migration of NE-4C cells and the mechanism. METHODS NE-4C or NSCs were treated with MEHP 1,10,100 and 1000 μmol · L-1 for 72 h,respectively. The cytotoxicity was estimated with the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell proliferation was analyzed by EdU assay. The mRNA expression levels of the glucocorticoid receptor(GR),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3)and sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 2(Sox2) were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of total GR,GRβ, Sox2,Stat3 and p-Stat3 were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS Cell viability of NE-4C cells and NSCs at MEHP 1000μmol·L-1 was significantly decreased,which was 70.3%and 40.0%of the control group, respectively. EdU assay showed that MEHP 100 μmol · L-1 decreased NE-4C cells and NSCs by 74.8%and 12.0%(P<0.05)compared with control. The effect of MEHP on the cell migration of NE-4C was evidenced by the fact that the migration was obviously reduced to (63.4±2.0)%(P<0.05)after treatment with MEHP 100μmol · L-1 for 72 h. The mRNA expression levels associated with proliferation and migration in NE-4C of GR,Stat3 and Sox2 in MEHP 100 μmol · L-1 group were down-regulated to 49.8%,26.0% and 14.0%of control(P<0.05). At MEHP 100μmol · L-1,mRNA of GR, Stat3 and Sox2 in NSCs declined to 10.0%,14.0% and 15.3% of normal control. Western blotting results revealed that protein expressions of GR,GRβ,Sox2 and p-Stat3 were remarkably inhibited by MEHP 100 μmol · L-1 in that the relative expression of NE-4C was 0.92 ± 0.17,0.87 ± 0.35,0.81 ± 0.22 and 0.62 ± 0.24(P<0.05). The corresponding protein expression in NSCs was 0.82 ± 0.20,0.56 ± 0.12,0.84 ± 0.36 and 0.53 ± 0.20(P<0.05)when the cells were treated with MEHP 100μmol · L-1 for 72 h. CONCLUSION MEHP can inhibit the proliferation and migration of NE-4C cells and NSCs possibly by decreasing Stat3 and Sox2 that are mediated by GRβ.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) of rats and the mechanism. METHODS NSCs derived from the forebrain of rat E15 embryos were cultured in vitro and identified by neuroepithelial stem cell protein ( nestin and SOX2) staining. NSCs were treated with curcumin 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5 and 62.5 μmol.L-1 for 24 h, respectively. The cyto-toxicity was estimated by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). Cell viability and prolif-eration were analyzed respectively by MTT and BrdU assay. The mRNA expression levels of glucocorti-coid receptor (GR), Stat3, Notch1 and p21 were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of total GR, Stat3 and phosphorylated Stat3 were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS The primary neural stem cells were identified as NSCs. Curcumin 12.5 and 62.5 μmol.L-1 had cell cytotoxicity( P<0.05). Cell viability assay indicated that curcumin 0.5 and 2.5 μmol.L-1 enhanced NSCs viability( P <0.05), but in 62.5 μmol.L-1 group the cell cytotoxicity was inhibited(P<0.05). Curcumin 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 μmol.L-1 increased NSCs proliferation ( P < 0. 05), whereas 12. 5 and 62. 5 μmol.L-1 caused a decrease in NSCs proliferation(P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of GR in 0.5 μmol.L-1 group was significantly reduced( P<0.05). Western blotting analysis revealed that the protein expression of GR, Stat3 and p-Stat3 was inhibited by curcumin in 0.5 μmol.L-1 group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION Curcumin stimulates NSCs proliferation, possibly by inhibiting GR mRNA and related protein expression.

Objective To evaluate the role of adenosine A1 receptors in hippocampal neurons in the cognitive dysfunction caused by isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice.Methods Sixteen male adenosine A1 receptor gene knockout homozygote mice (gene knockout mice) and 16 male wild-type mice,aged 18-22 months,weighing 27-32 g,were studied.Each type of mice was randomly divided into 2 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and isoflurane anesthesia group (group Ⅰ).Mice inhaled 1.4％ isoflurane in 100％ O2 for 2 h in group Ⅰ,and 100％ O2 for 2 h in group C.All the mice underwent Morris water maze test at 24 h after isoflurane or O2 inhalation.After the test,the mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal tissues were harvested to determine the number of β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42) plaques (using immunohistochemistry) and expression of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein,and 2B subunit-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NR2B) (by Western blot analysis).Results Compared with group C of wild type mice,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the number of Aβ1-42 plaques was enlarged,the expression of p-tau protein was up-regulated,and the expression of N R2B was down-regulated in group Ⅰ of wild type mice.Compared with group Ⅰ of wild type mice,the escape latency was significantly shortened,the number of Aβ1-42 plaques was decreased,the expression of p-tau protein was down-regulated,and the expression of NR2B was up-regulated in group Ⅰ of gene knockout mice.There was no significant difference in the parameters mentioned above between group Ⅰ and group C of gene knockout mice.Conclusion Adenosine A1 receptors in hippocampal neurons mediate isoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged mice,and the mechanism may be related to promotion of deposition of Aβ,phosphorylation of tau protein and inhibition of activities of NR2B.

Objective To explore the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose（18F-FDG）PET-CT and CT in diagnosing bronchioloalveolar carcinoma （BAC）.Methods The PET-CT and CT findings of 15 patients with BAC pathologically confirmed were retrospectively analyzed.Results According to 18F-FDG PET-CT,there was definite diagnosis of malignant in 8 cases（53.3 %）,no exclusion of malignancies in 2 cases （13.3%）,definite diagnosis of benign tumors in 5 cases（33.3%）.The misdiagnosis rate of 18F-FDG PET-CT is higher.According to CT,there was definite diagnosis of malignant tumors in 11 cases（73.3 %）,no exclusion of malignancies in 2 cases（13.3%）,definite diagnosis of benign tumors in 2 cases（13.3%）.Conclusion The false negative rate and the misdiagnosis rate are high when SUVmax as 2.5 was employed as criteria in the diagnosis of BAC.To improve diagnosis accuracy and decrease misdiagnosis of BAC,we should be familiar with the CT images of different BACs and adjust the SUVmax as a diagnosis value.

Objective:To study the molecular mechanism for momordin in inducing apoptosis of multidrug-resistant human chronic leukemia K562/A02 cells. Methods:The growth inhibition value of K562/A02 cells was detected by CCK-8 method. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin Ⅴ flow cytometry (FCM) and cell morphological examination. FCM was also used in determining expression of P-glycoprotein, p53 protein, bcl-2 protein and caspase activity. Results:Momordin inhibited the proliferation of K562/A02 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also induced cell apoptosis, reduced the expression of P-glycoprotein, p53 protein and bcl-2 protein, and increased caspase-3 and caspase-8 activity.Conclusion:Momordin reversed the inhibition of apoptosis in multidrug-resistant K562/A02 cells. The molecular mechanism may be related with down-regulation of expression of p53 protein, P-glycoprotein, and bcl-2 protein and up-regulation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities.

Objective To evaluate the alteration of CD4+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood from patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS). Methods Seventy-eight AS patients and 50 healthy individuals were included in this study. The proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127lo/- T cell population in CD4+ T cells as well as that cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL) and NK cells in lymphocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. Serum TGF-β and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The inhibitory function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells was measured by mixed lymphocyte culture. Results The population of CD4+CD25+CD127lo/- T cells in peripheral blood of AS patients accounted for (4.36±1.21)% of CD4+ T lymphocytes, which was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals (P<0.05). The CD4+CD25+CD127lo/- T cells population in AS patients was positively correlated with TGF-β level, but negatively with TNF-α. Compared with healthy individuals, the function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the inhibition of alloreactive T cells was lower in AS patients, which was related to the decreased secretion of TGF-β. Conclusion The CD4+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of AS patients are significantly decreased and its function is defective, which leads to immune regulatory dysfunction in vivo. It may be one of immune pathogenesis mechanisms of AS.

To investigate the role of mitochondria in neuronal apoptosis, ischemia-reperfusion mediated neuronal cell injury model was established by depriving of glucose, serum and oxygen in media. DNA fragmentation, cell viability, cytochrome C releasing, caspase3 activity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were observed after N2a cells suffered the insults. The results showed that N2a cells in ischemic territory exhibited survival damage, classical cell apoptosis change, DNA ladder and activation of caspase3. Apoptosis-related alterations in mitochondrial functions, including release of cytochrome C and depression of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (deltapsim) were testified in N2a cells after mimic ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, activation of caspase3 occurred following the release of cytochrome C. However, the inhibitor of caspase3, Ac-DEVD-CHO, couldn't completely rescue N2a cells from apoptosis. Administration of cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of mitochondria permeability transition pore only partly inhibited caspase3 activity and reduced DNA damage. Interestingly, treatment of Z-IETD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase8 could completely reverse DNA fragmentation, but can't completely inhibit caspase3 activity. It was concluded that there were caspase3 dependent and independent cellular apoptosis pathways in N2a cells suffering ischemia-reperfusion insults. Mitochondria dysfunction may early trigger apoptosis and amplify apoptosis signal.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; physiology ; Caspase 3 ; Caspases ; biosynthesis ; Cytochromes c ; biosynthesis ; Mice ; Mitochondria ; physiology ; Neuroblastoma ; pathology ; Neurons ; pathology ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

AIM: To explore the change of the expression of cell adhesion molecule CD_ 54 and CD_ 44 in erythroleukemic K562 apoptosis cells induced by momordin from momordica charantia seeds and study the effects of cell adhesion molecule CD_ 54 and CD_ 44 on cell apoptosis induced by momordin. METHODS: After the treatment of K562 cells with appropriated concentration momordin, CCK-8 test was employed to determine K562 cells growth; flow cytometry FACScan (FITC-Annexin V staining) and electron microscopy were used to detect apoptosis; The expression of CD_ 54 and CD_ 44 were examined by flow cytometry FACScan (FITC-CD_ 54 and PE-CD_ 44 staining). RESULTS: CCK-8 test showed K562 cells growth was significant inhibited by momordin; the apoptosis was detected by cell morphology and flow cytometry FACScan (FITC-Annexin V) in K562 cells after treatment by appropriated concentration momordin. The expressions of CD_ 54 and CD_ 44 in momordin treated K562 cells were 18.62 % and 1.32 % respectively, and in negative momordin treated K562 cells were 0.25 % and 0.17 % respectively, and momordin could up-expresses the protein of CD_ 54 18.37 % and CD_ 44 1.15 %. CONCLUSION: Momordin can markedly induce the K562 cell to apoptosis. The up-expressions of CD_ 54 exist in the process of apoptosis induced by momordin. The change of cell adhesion molecule maybe one of the key factors in the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by momordin, and its mechanism maybe involve in adhesion-dependent apoptosis.