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Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture at Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)on the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and nitric oxide(NO)of NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in L5 spinal nerve root of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)model rats and explore the mechanism of acupuncture in LDH treatment.Methods:Forty specific-pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group,a model group,acupuncture group 1,and acupuncture group 2,with 10 rats in each group.The non-compression nucleus protrusion model was made by puncturing L4-L5 spinous process space and injecting autologous nucleus suspension.Acupuncture at bilateral Shenshu(BL23),Dachangshu(BL25),and Weizhong(BL40)was carried out in acupuncture group 1,and acupuncture at bilateral Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)in acupuncture group 2.All rats were treated with balanced reinforcing and reducing needling manipulations,and the needles were retained for 30 min/time with one episode of needling manipulation every 10 min,once a day,14 times in total.The threshold value of paw withdrawal pain was measured by a thermal stimulation pain instrument;the serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The pathomorphological changes of spinal nerve roots were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect iNOS mRNA expression in spinal nerve roots;the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression in spinal nerve roots was detected by the immunofluorescence method.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the threshold of paw withdrawal pain in the model group was decreased,and the expression levels of serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO were increased;HE staining showed many degenerated and dissolved Schwann cells in spinal nerve roots with vacuolar changes;meanwhile,the expression levels of NF-κB and iNOS proteins,and the iNOS mRNA in spinal nerve roots were increased.Compared with the model group,the paw withdrawal pain thresholds in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were increased,and the increase in acupuncture group 2 was greater(P<0.05);the expression levels of serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,especially in acupuncture group 2(P<0.01);the vacuolar changes of spinal nerve roots,and the degeneration and lysis of Schwann cells in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,which were more obvious in acupuncture group 2;the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression and the iNOS mRNA expression levels in spinal nerve roots of acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,especially in acupuncture group 2(P<0.01).Conclusion:Acupuncture at Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)can improve the morphology of spinal nerve roots,inhibit the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression levels in spinal nerve roots and the serum NO level,and relieve the pain caused by inflammation of spinal nerve roots,which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture in LDH treatment.
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Objective To explore the clinical significance of non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT)for fetal chromosomal abnormalities in the cases of twin pregnancy and its relationship with age and other related factors.Methods A total of 3733 women with twin pregnancy of 12-26+6 weeks who voluntarily underwent NIPT in the Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected.The results of NIPT and amniocentesis were compared and all the participants were followed up.The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities by NIPT was calculated,and its correlations with age,gestational weeks,chorionicity,and pregnancy type were analyzed.Results Among the 3733 cases,71 cases of fetal chromosome abnormality were indicated by NIPT,including 13 cases of trisomy 21,19 cases of trisomy 18,5 cases of trisomy 13,18 cases of sex chromosome abnormality,and 16 cases of chromosome microdeletion/duplication(excluding 21,18,13,and sex chromosomes),among which 34 cases were true positive and 37 cases were false positive.The overall sensitivity,specificity,and positive predictive value(PPV)of NIPT for chromosomal abnormalities in the cases of twin pregnancy were 100%,98.99%,and 47.89%(34/71),respectively.NIPT showed the sensitivity,specificity,and PPV of 100%,99.78%,and 78.38%(29/37)for trisomy 21,18,and 13,100%,99.56%,and 16.67%(3/18)for sex chromosome abnormalities,and 100%,99.62%,and 12.5%(2/16)for chromosome microdeletion/duplication,respectively.In the age group of ≥40 years,the NIPT for chromosomal abnormalities showed the PPV of 66.67%,the sensitivity of 100%,and the misdiagnosis rate of 30%。However,the NIPT for trisomy 21,18,and 13 showed the PPV of 100%,the misdiagnosis rate of 0,and the sensitivity and specificity of 100%.In terms of grouping based on gestational weeks,the NIPT for chromosomal abnormalities showed the highest PPV(51.28%)in the women with twin pregnancy for 14-17+6 weeks,followed by that(50.00%)in the women with twin pregnancy for 22-26+6 weeks;the NIPT for trisomy 21,18,and 13 showed the highest PPV of 94.74% in the gestation group of 14-17+6 weeks,followed by that(83.33%)in the gestation group of 18-21+6 weeks.The rate of dichorionic diamniotic twins was higher in assisted pregnancies than in natural pregnancies,and NIPT showed the same detection efficiency for dichorionic diamniotic twins and monochorionic diamniotic twins and the same detection efficiency for different pregnancy types.Conclusions NIPT has high accuracy in the diagnosis of twin pregnancy and high sensitivity and high specificity for different ages and gestational weeks,especially for trisomy 21,18,and 13.NIPT is suitable for assisted pregnancy and natural pregnancy,and it is of high value in clinical application.However,extensive application needs a large population-based study.
Subject(s)
Pregnancy , Child , Female , Humans , Adult , Down Syndrome/genetics , Pregnancy, Twin , Prenatal Diagnosis , Trisomy , Chromosome AberrationsABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the efficacy of needling the Xi-Cleft points of yang meridians plus topical surrounding needling and pregabalin in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) affecting the head and face and its influence on quality of life (QOL). Methods: Eighty patients with PHN affecting the head and face were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group and a Western medication group by their visiting sequence, with 40 cases in each group. The Western medication group took pregabalin capsules orally, 75 mg each time, twice a day. The dosage could increase to 150 mg each time and twice a day within 1 week based on the efficacy and tolerance. The treatment lasted for 5 weeks. The acupuncture-medication group was given additional surrounding needling at the herpes zoster on the head and face, and Xi-Cleft points of yang meridians were chosen according to the affected area for acupuncture, once every other day, for 5 weeks in total. Results: Prior to treatment, there were no significant differences in the visual analog scale (VAS) and QOL scores between the two groups (both P>0.05). After treatment, VAS and QOL scores dropped significantly in both groups (all P<0.01), and were significantly lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the Western medication group (both P<0.01). The total effective rate was 67.5％ in the Western medication group, versus 92.5％ in the acupuncture-medication group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on oral administration of pregabalin, needling the Xi-Cleft points of yang meridians and topical surrounding needling can reduce PHN, notably improve patients' QOL, and produce more significant efficacy than oral administration of pregabalin alone.
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The butanol extract part was extracted and isolated with water, alcohol and different organic solvents from Abrus mollis leaves. 6 compounds were isolated and purified using various column chromatographies and identified with the spectral techniques such as UV, MS, TLC, HPLC and NMR. The structures of 6 compounds were trigonelline (1), praline (2), alanine anhydride (3), (Z)-N-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)tyrosine (4), (E)-N-(4-hydroxycinnamoyl)tyrosine (5), and abrusamide C (6). Compound 6 is a new compound, and compounds 1-4 were isolated from the plant for the first time.
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Objective To evaluate the role of spinal neuronal Mas-related gene receptor C (MrgC) in the maintenance of bone cancer pain (BCP) in mice.Methods A total of 132 SPF male C3H/HeJ mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=33 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (S group) , BCP group, bovine adrenal medulla peptide 8-22 (BAM8-22, a highly selective MrgC agonist) group (group BAM), and MrgC antibody group (group MA).BCP was produced by injecting α-MEM 20 μl containing 2×105NCTC2472 cells into the distal medullary cavity of right femur bone.While α-MEM 20 μl was injected only in group S.The artificial cerebrospinal fluid 5 μl was injected intrathecally in S and BCP groups, and BAM 8-22 8 nmol/5 μl and MrgC antibody 5 μl were injected intrathecally in BAM and MA groups, respectively, once a day for 7 consecutive days starting from the day 14 after inoculation of the tumor cells.At 1 day before inoculation (T0), before administration (T1) , and at 14, 16 19 and 21 days after inoculation (T2-5, at 0.5 h before the initial administration and 2 h after each administration) , the number of spontaneous flinches (NSF) and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) were measured.Five animals selected from each group at each time point were sacrificed, and the lumbar enlargement segments of the spinal cord were removed for determination of MrgC expression in the spinal neurons (by immunofluorescence).Results Compared with group S, NSF was significantly increased, MWT was decreased, and the expression of MrgC was up-regulated at T1-5 in BCP, BAM and MA groups.Compared with group BCP, NSF was significantly decreased, MWT was increased, and the expression of MrgC was up-regulated at T2-5 in group BAM, and NSF was significantly increased, MWT was decreased, and the expression of MrgC was down-regulated at T2-5 in group MA.Conclusion Spinal neuronal MrgC is involved in the maintenance of BCP in mice.
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This study was undertaken to observe the biochemical changes in striatum of Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model by modified proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 12 SD rats were divided into model (n=7) and control (n=5) groups. At 3 weeks after the injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into right striatum, 1H-MRS on the striatum was taken by modified proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and then tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostatining was used to visualize the changes of the neurons in substantia nigra and neurites in striatum. The results showed that TH positive neurons and neurites in the substantia nigra compacts (SNc) and striatum in the normal side of the rat model of PD were decreased (P < 0.05), which proved the successful establishment of PD models. The NAA/Cr ratio of the injected side striatum of model group was lower than that of the normal side (P < 0.05). The ratios of Cho/Cr showed no significant difference between the two sides (P > 0.05). These results indicated that the modified 1.5T 1H-MRS should be a noninvasive technique which could provide useful information about the biochemical metabolites in striatum for the study of PD in rat model.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Corpus Striatum , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Methods , Oxidopamine , Parkinson Disease, Secondary , Metabolism , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure among residents in Chongqing area.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 5246 residents aged 15 and over in Chongqing area were enrolled in this study by use of stratified sampling and cluster sampling methods. Data on blood pressure (SBP, DBP), pulse, height, body weight, waist and hip circumferences as well as questionnaire survey were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of SBP and DBP and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly positively correlated with BMI (all P < 0.01). SBP, DBP levels and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly higher in people with abdomen obesity than people with normal waist circumference (all P < 0.01). BMI, waist circumference in hypertensive residents were significantly higher than non-hypertensive residents (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Blood pressure level and hypertension prevalence rate were closely related with BMI and waist circumference among residents in Chongqing area.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Blood Pressure , Body Mass Index , China , Epidemiology , Heart Rate , Hypertension , Epidemiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Rural Population , Urban Population , Waist Circumference , Waist-Hip RatioABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of cathepsin D in ovary of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Western blot was performed to detect the expression of cathepsin D and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein distribution in ovarian tissue.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Semi-quantity values of cathepsin D expression in PCOS and control group were 2.06 +/- 0.39 and 4.76 +/- 1.43 (P<0.05), respectively. Immunostaining for cathepsin D was obvious in both follicles and stromal cells, and the strongest immunostaining was seen in granulosa cells of follicles. Immunochemical study showed the protein was mainly located on the cytoplasm and cell membrane.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cathepsin D expression is down-regulated in ovaries of PCOS patients, which may provide a clue for the abnormality of follicle development in PCOS.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Blotting, Western , Cathepsin D , Down-Regulation , Immunohistochemistry , Ovary , Pathology , Polycystic Ovary SyndromeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the levels of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) in human follicular fluid (FF) and its association with response to ovarian stimulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Western blotting was performed to determine the levels of BMP-15 in FF obtained from follicle aspirates in 70 patients undergoing IVF treatment. According to the response to ovarian stimulation the patients were divided into poor responder group and normal responder group.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>BMP-15 levels in FF of poor responders were significantly higher than those in normal responders (1.01 +/- 0.34 vs 0.77 +/- 0.24, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased levels of BMP-15 in FF may be associated with poor response to ovarian stimulation.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Blotting, Western , Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 , Follicle Stimulating Hormone , Follicular Fluid , Metabolism , Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone , Growth Differentiation Factor 9 , Infertility, Female , Metabolism , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins , Ovary , Metabolism , Ovulation InductionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate aquaporin 9 (AQP9) mRNA and protein expression in antrum follicle and luteinizing granulosa cells of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ovary, and its relation to follicular fluid steroids hormone levels during IVF cycles.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>AQP9 mRNA expression on luteinizing granulosa cells in IVF cycles was detected by RT-PCR. AQP9 protein expression in antrum follicles of PCOS ovary and luteinizing granulosa cells was measured by immunohistochemistry. The concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testerone (T) in follicular fluid were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The expression of AQP9 mRNA in luteinizing granulosa cells during IVF cycles was positive by RT-PCR. No significant differences in AQP9 mRNA levels in granulosa cells between PCOS and control group were found during IVF cycles. The expression level of AQP9 mRNA in large follicles was higher than that in small follicles, but not significantly. The immunoreactivity for AQP9 was localized in membrane and cytoplast of granulosa cells in antrum follicles from PCOS ovary and luteinizing granulosa cells during IVF cycles. Multiple regression analysis showed that AQP9 mRNA levels on granulosa cells were not correlated with E2, P and T levels in follicular fluid during IVF cycles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AQP9 may play an important role in the follicle development and antrum formation through water transport and AQP9 may be involved in the mechanism of follicle development in PCOS.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Aquaporins , Genetics , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Follicular Fluid , Metabolism , Granulosa Cells , Metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , Infertility, Female , Genetics , Metabolism , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Genetics , Metabolism , RNA, Messenger , Genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
0.05). Significantly less amount of hemorrhage was found in women who delivered after 2 hours of massive hemorrhage than those within 2 hours (P
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the outcome of in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with infertility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was performed from 52 patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 408 cases with tubal infertility (control group). Both groups underwent IVF-ET treatment from 2001 to 2004. The duration of stimulation, amps of gammaFSH, the level of serum E2, P on the day of HCG injection, the number of oocytes retrieved, the rates of fertilization, cleavage, implantation and pregnancy, the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and cancelled rate of ET were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The duration of stimulation and amps of gammaFSH were not significantly different between the two groups. The concentration of serum E2, P on the day of HCG injection, the numbers of oocytes retrieved and cleavaged embryos were significantly higher in PCOS group (P <0.01, <0.05). Fertilization rate was significantly lower in PCOS group (P <0.01). The implantation, pregnancy and miscarriage rates per ET were not statistically significant. The OHSS rates and cancelled rates of ET were higher in PCOS group (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Women with PCOS have a lower fertilization rate compared with those with tubal-factor fertility during IVF-ET. However, more oocytes are recovered and the preimplanted embryo has a normal chance of implantation leading to similar pregnancy rates. The OHSS rates and cancelled rates of ET are higher in PCOS because of a greater number of oocytes developed and a higher level of E2.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Infertility, Female , Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This study was aimed to investigate the effect of D-limonene on K562 leukemia cells and its mechanism. Inhibitory effect of D-limonene on proliferation of K562 leukemia cells was assayed by MTT method and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, the morphologic change of K562 cells was observed by microscopy. The results showed that when K562 cells were treated with 0.125 - 1.0 mmol/L of D-limonene for 48 hours, the proliferation of K562 cells was obviously inhibited in dose-dependent manner. Typical morphological changes and the typical DNA ladder on agarose gel electrophoresis for analysis of cellular apoptosis were significantly appeared in D-limonene treated K562 cells. Simultaneously, the sub-G1 peak was found in FCM analysis. It is concluded that the D-limonene can inhibit proliferation of K562 cells in dose-dependent manner, cause cell detained at G1 phase and induce apoptosis of K562 cells.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antineoplastic Agents , Pharmacology , Apoptosis , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Cyclohexenes , Pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , K562 Cells , Terpenes , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To measure serum and follicular resistin, steroids hormone levels in women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) (BMI (body mass index)<25 kg/m(2)), to assess possible correlations of resistin to hormonal and metabolic parameters and to analyze the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with PCOS and tubal infertility.</p><p><b>STUDY DESIGN</b>We analyzed the clinical outcomes of IVF-ET in women with PCOS (BMI<25 kg/m(2)) and tubal infertility during the years 2002 to 2004 and compared the serum and follicular fluid resistin levels, estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P), testosterone (T) levels in 20 PCOS and 20 healthy, age-matched women without PCOS during IVF-stimulated cycles. The correlations between the resistin levels and the outcomes of IVF-ET were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No significant differences in resistin levels of either serum or follicular fluid between PCOS and control group were found. However, resistin levels in serum were higher than that in follicular fluid in both groups. Multiple regression analysis showed that resistin levels in serum did not correlate with BMI, estradiol, LH (luteinizing hormone) and insulin level in fasting blood. No significant correlations were found between follicular fluid reisistin levels and fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate or early miscarriage rate in both PCOS and control groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results show that resistin does not have correlation with the hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as the outcomes of IVF. These data suggest that resistin is unlikely to be a local determinant factor in steroidogenesis and growth and maturation of oocytes during IVF-ET in lean women with PCOS.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Case-Control Studies , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Follicular Fluid , Metabolism , Gonadal Steroid Hormones , Blood , Metabolism , Infertility, Female , Blood , Metabolism , Therapeutics , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Blood , Metabolism , Therapeutics , Pregnancy OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of renin - angiotensin system ( RAS ) and steroid hormones onpregnancy in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). Methods .53 tubal infertility women underwent IV F-ET under control of ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRHa/FSH/hMG/hCG. Plasma total renin, serum estradiol(E2),progesterone(P) and testosterone(T) were measured on the day of injection of injection of hCG and 36h after hCG( before getting the oocytes). ResultsPlasma total renin level on the day of hCG in pregnant group was higher than that in nonpregnant group(P<0.05), E2 and P lower than that in nonpregnant group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Plasma total renin and E2 levels 36h after hCG in pregnant group were lower than that in nonpregnant group( P<0.05). There was no difference in other hormones between the two groups. ConclusionThe high concentration of total renin on the day of hCG injection and its low concentration 36h after hCG administration are probably conducive to pregnancy.