Expression and clinical significance of runt-related transcription factor 3 in children with bronchiolitis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the mRNA level of runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in children with bronchiolitis and its clinical significance in bronchiolitis.@*METHODS@#A total of 54 young children with bronchiolitis were enrolled as the bronchiolitis group, among whom 28 with atopic constitution were enrolled in the atopic bronchiolitis group and 26 with non-atopic constitution were enrolled in the non-atopic bronchiolitis group. A total of 48 healthy young children were enrolled as the healthy control group, among whom 24 with atopic constitution were enrolled in the atopic healthy control group and 24 with non-atopic constitution were enrolled in the non-atopic healthy control group. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA level of RUNX3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ).@*RESULTS@#The bronchiolitis group had a significantly lower mRNA level of RUNX3 than the healthy control group, and the atopic bronchiolitis group had a significantly lower mRNA level of RUNX3 than the non-atopic bronchiolitis, atopic healthy control, and non-atopic healthy control groups (P<0.05). The bronchiolitis group had a significantly higher serum level of IL-4 than the healthy control group, and the atopic bronchiolitis group had a significantly higher serum level of IL-4 than the non-atopic healthy control group (P<0.05). The bronchiolitis group had a significantly lower serum level of IFN-γ than the healthy control group, and the atopic bronchiolitis group had a significantly lower serum level of IFN-γ than the non-atopic bronchiolitis, atopic healthy control, and non-atopic healthy control groups (P<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the mRNA level of RUNX3 was negatively correlated with the serum level of IL-4 and was positively correlated with the serum level of IFN-γ (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Measurement of RUNX3 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells has a certain value in identifying children with atopic constitution at high risk of asthma among children with bronchiolitis.

Determination of Six Index Components in Xiaoyao Pills by Quantitative Analysis of Multi-components by Single Marker / 中国药师

Objective:To develop a method of quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) for six active constituents in Xiaoyao pills. Methods:Using glycyrrhizic acid as the reference, an HPLC method with a Kromasil C18 column (250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm) was applied,the mobile phase was acetonitrile(A)-0.1% phosphoric acid solution(B) with gradient elution (0-10 min,5 % A;10-25 min,5 % →20 % A;20-70 min,15 % →60 % A and 40-60 min,60 % A). The detection wavelength was 280nm,the column temperature was 35℃ and the injection volume was 10 μl. The relative correction factors among the six index components were detected by QAMS. The contents of the six index components were determined by an external standard method and QAMS to compare the results obtained from the two different methods and verify the practicability and stability of QAMS. Results:The established QAMS was used to determine the six index components in Xiaoyao pills,and totally 6 batches of Xiaoyao pills were determined.There were no significant differences in the calculated values and the determined ones (P > 0.05). Conclusion:The QAMS method is simple,effective and accurate in determining the contents of the six index components in Xiaoyao pills,which can be used for the quality control of Xiaoyao pills and provide reference for the further study.

Relationship between learning and memory capacities and levodopa in rat models of Parkinson’s disease / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Classical drug for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa, but long-term application of levodopa can induce complications such as dyskinesias. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of levodopa on learning and memory capacities of Parkinson’s disease rats and to study its mechanisms. METHODS:The rat models of Parkinson’s disease were established using 6-hydroxydopamine. The 228 model rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. Rats in the experimental group were intraperitoneal y injected with 10, 20 and 30 mg/(kg?d) levodopa for 28 consecutive days. At 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days after intraperitoneal injection, we observed the rats’ learning and memory capacities and tested plasma concentration of homocysteine and folic acid. Acetylcholinesterase activities in the rat hippocampus were measured. Hippocampal neurofibril ary tangles were observed using Bielschowsky staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Increased dose of levodopa and prolonged application time obviously decreased learning and memory capacities in rats (P<0.001), increased plasma homocysteine levels, reduced folic acid levels (P<0.001), diminished acetylcholine esterase activities in the rat hippocampus (P<0.001), and increased neurofibril ary tangles in the rat hippocampus (P=0.000). Results suggested that a large dose of levodopa could significantly decrease the learning and memory capacities, and disease acetylcholine esterase activities, and increase neurofibril ary tangles in hippocampus. Its mechanism possibly associated with the increased plasma concentration of homocysteine.