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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to patient deaths worldwide, and its pathogenesis is complex and mortality rates are increasing every year. Numerous researches have shown that the gut microbiota and its metabolites were closely associated with the development of CVD, and gut microbiota was expected to be a potential new target for the treatment of CVD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by its multi-component, multi-target and integrity, can play a therapeutic role in CVD by regulating the gut microbiota, which has obvious advantages in stabilizing the disease, improving heart function and enhancing quality of life, and is an ideal intestinal microecological regulator. Therefore, this review will mainly discuss the intimate association of gut microbiota and its metabolites with CVD, and the therapeutic strategies of TCM targeting gut microbiota to improve CVD, including regulating the composition of gut microbiota, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, influencing the intestinal immune function and modulating the metabolites of gut microbiota, in order to provide a reference for the research of TCM targeting gut microbiota for CVD.
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GC-MS metabolomics was used to investigate the effects of fudosteine on lung cancer A549 cells in an inflammatory microenvironment. Eleven metabolites (malic acid, isoleucine, lactose, galactinol, creatinine, gluconic acid, oleic acid, phosphate, S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine, uridine and tagatose) were identified in the metabolomics results and could be used as biomarkers of fudosteine treatment. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolic pathways of amino acids including isoleucine, valine, leucine, glycine, serine and threonine were significantly altered, as were the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates such as galactose and pentose phosphate. Fudosteine significantly reduced the level of inflammatory factors in A549 cells and corrected the inflammatory microenvironment by interfering with the effects of amino acid metabolites and amino acid metabolism pathways. This study reveals that fudosteine may be able to inhibit the continuous inflammatory response and prevent the further progression of lung cancer by suppressing the inflammatory microenvironment.
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OBJECTIVE@#Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is the most common proctological disease, with an estimated prevalence rate of 4.4%, and a peak in individuals between 45 and 65 years of age. This study was done to evaluate whether Lian-Zhi-San (LZS), a clinically used anti-hemorrhoidal ointment could alleviate the inflammatory injury, with its associated changes of inflammatory cytokines and morphology of anorectal tissues, in an experimental model of HD in rats.@*METHODS@#HD was induced by croton oil preparation (COP) applied to the anorectal region. Rats were then treated with cotton swabs soaked in LZS ointment, water or white vaseline, twice a day for 7 d. At the end of the experiment, HD was evaluated by measuring hemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters along with histopathological observations.@*RESULTS@#In this study, COP induced a significant increase in the macroscopic severity score, anorectal coefficient and Evans blue extravasation, compared to normal rats. Additionally, it greatly enhanced the expression and secretion levels of some important inflammation-related cytokines along with marked histological damage, compared to normal rats. Rats treated with LZS ointment experienced significantly ameliorated Evans blue extravasation (P < 0.05), decreased macroscopic severity score (0.86 ± 0.14 vs. 1.65 ± 0.16) and the anorectal coefficient (P < 0.01); its use also attenuated tissue damage and inhibited the expression and secretion levels of inflammation-related cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α).@*CONCLUSION@#This study validates a preliminary understanding of the use of LZS ointment to treat inflammatory factors and tissue damage in an experimental model of HD in rats.
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Objective To explore the prevalence and analyze the related risk factors for post-stroke depression among middle-aged and elderly stroke patients of Mongolia and Han nationality in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.Methods A stratified multistage random cluster sampling method was used to investigate the prevalence of stroke in the population aged ≥45 years in different areas of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.A total of 11 088 people were investigated and 498 were stroke patients among them.A set of scale assessment and the general situation were used to investigate stroke patients and 443 patients completed the whole survey.Results The total prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD) was 41.08％ in 443 stroke patients,among which the prevalence rate was 40.57％ for Mongolian population and 41.85％ for Han population,and no significant difference was found between Mongolian and Han nationality(x2=1.372,P=0.504).There were significant differences in the types of stroke between the Mongolian and Han nationality (x2 =7.347,P=0.025).The age (t=4.321,P=0.000),educational level (x2 =27.036,P=0.001) and economic burden (x2=27.877,P=0.000) were statistically significant between Mongolian and Han nationality.The differences of frequency of stroke (x2 =6.545,P=0.011),economic burden (x2 =16.148,P=0.001),cognitive dysfunction (x2 =9.065,P=0.003),daily living ability (x2 =34.466,P =0.000),alcohol consumption history(x2=4.516,P=0.034)were statistically significant.Logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol consumption history,economic burden,the frequency of stroke,and cognitive dysfunction were the influencing factors of PSD.Conclusion PSD is one of the important factors affecting the post-stroke psychological burden in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.There is no national difference in the prevalence of PSD among Mongolian and Han people,which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment and intervention of PSD.
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Objective To explore the clinical application of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods 65 hepatocellular carcinoma patients,all were with single lesion,were divided into two groups:preoperative ICG administration group (n =28) and intraoperative ICG administration group (n =37).In preoperative ICG administration group ICG was given 2 to 14 days before surgery,while in the intraoperative ICG administration group it was given during surgery.ICG mediated near-infrared imaging system was used to observe the tumor and determine surgical margin.Results In the preoperative group,tumors were bright fluorescent imaging,in 6 cases 10 new small lesions were found,with cancer diagnosed in 4 patients,cirrhotic liver nodule in 5 patients,fatty degeneration in 1 patient.In the intraoperative group,tumors were clearly demarcated shadow,12 new small lesions were found in 8 cases,with cancer being diagnosed in 5 patients,cirrhotic liver nodule in 4 patients,fatty degeneration in 2 patients,hemangioma in 1 patient.Conclusion Both methods can find small lesions,preoperative administration group was better in identifying the nature of the tumor,while the intraoperative administration group was more valuable in determining the boundaries of the tumor.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effects, indications and key techniques of debridement, internal fixation, and reconstruction with titanium mesh in lumbar tuberculosis via a posterior-only approach in adults.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 26 patients with monosegment lumbar tuberculosis treated with surgery from March 2012 to March 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 15 cases were male and 11 cases were female, and patients' age ranged from 21 to 68 years old (average, 44.7 years old). All patients suffered from back pain and/or pain with radiation to the legs. The clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the complications, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), imaging examination, and back and leg pain score of visual analogue scale (VAS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All operations were successful in 26 patients with an average operation time of (2.4±0.8) h (range from 2 to 4 h), with an average blood loss of (320±86) ml(range from 200 to 700 ml) .VAS was decreased from (5.7±1.4) points preoperatively to (1.6±0.5) points 2 weeks postoperatively (<0.01); and ESR was decreased from (42.8±10.4)mm/h preoperatively to (12.1±5.6)mm/h 3 months after surgery (<0.01). All the patients were followed up for 24 to 48 months with an average of(28.3±5.8) months. One patients suffered from the recurrence of TB and sinus tract formation at 2 months after surgery, and was cured by stronger anti-tuberculosis drugs, local debridement with drainage, and sinus tract healed at 3 months after operation. All intervertebral bone graft obtained fusion within 1 year after operation and no local recurrence of TB was found at final follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Debridement, internal fixation, and reconstruction with titanium mesh via a posterior-only approach is a effective and safe method for the treatment of monosegment lumbar tuberculosis, especially for the patients with secondary spinal stenosis.</p>
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The chemical constituents of the Chinese red ginseng were systematically investigated by using various column chromatographic methods including D-101 macroporous adsorptive resins and open silica gel column chromatographies as well as high-performance liquid chromatography.Their chemical structures were identified by physico-chemical properties and spectral analyses.Fifty-two compounds were isolated from Chinese red ginseng decoction and identified as 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh₁ (1), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh₁ (2), ginsenoside Rg₆ (3), 20(22) E-ginsenoside F₄ (4), ginsenoside Rk₃ (5), 20(22) E-ginsenoside Rh₄ (6), ginsenoside Rg₁ (7), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rf-1a(8), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rf(9), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rf(10),20(S)-notoginsenoside R₂ (11),20(R)-notoginsenoside R₂ (12), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg₂ (13), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₂ (14), ginsenoside Rs₂ (15),ginsenoside Rs₁ (16),ginsenoside Rd(17),notoginsenoside R₁ (18),ginsenoside Re₂ (19), ginsenoside Re(20), 20-gluco-ginsenoside Rf(21),quinquenoside-R₁ (22),ginsenoside Ro methyl ester(23),ginsenoside Ro(24),ginsenoside Rb₁ (25),ginsenoside Rc(26),ginsenoside Rb₂ (27),ginsenoside Ra₂ (28),ginsenoside Ra₃ (29),ginsenoside Rb₃ (30),20(22)Z-ginsenoside Rh₄ (31),chikusetsusaponin IVa butyl ester(32), 20(22)Z-ginsenoside Rs₄ (33),ginsenoside Rs₅ (34),20(22)E-ginsenoside Rs₄ (35),zingibroside R1-6'-butyl ester(36), chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester(37),20(S)-ginsenoside Rs₃ (38),20(R)-ginsenoside Rs₃ (39),zingibroside R1-6'-methyl ester(40),ginsenoside Rz₁ (41),ginsenoside Rk₁ (42),ginsenoside Rg₅ (43),23-O-methylginsenoside-Rg₁ ₁ (44),12β,25-dihydroxydammar-20(22)E-ene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(45), 20(22)Z-ginsenoside F₄ (46),3β,12β-dihydroxydammar-20(22)E,24-diene-6-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(47), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg₃ (48),20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₃ (49),20(22)E-ginsenoside Rg₉ (50),ginsenoside-Ro-6'-butyl ester(51), and polyacetyleneginsenoside Ro(52). Compounds 8, 12, 31-33, 36, 37, 44, 45, 47 and 51 were isolated from the P. ginseng, and compounds 19, 23 and 46 were isolated from Chinese red ginseng for the first time.
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<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Many investigators advocate anterior release combined with halo-femoral traction and posterior fusion when treating stiff thoracic curves in patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). But the anterior operations often induce severe complications. Some surgeons choose posterior-only surgery with halo-femoral traction, posterior wide release and correction. But to the best of our knowledge, there are only rare prospective studies on these posterior-only surgeries for AIS patients who have a rigid curve more than 80° and flexibility less than 35%.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four AIS patients were recruited from September 2006 to June 2009. All patients had rigid curves and underwent spinal correction. They were randomly divided into group A (combined anteroposterior surgery) and group B (posterior-only surgery). Images and scoliosis research society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22) scores were performed pre- and post-operation and during follow-up visits. The operation time, blood loss, hospital days, and hospital charges were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>These patients were followed for an average of 37.5 months (range, 24 - 65 months). No serious complications were observed. There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, preoperative radiographic data, or preoperative SRS-22 score. The average operation time, blood loss, hospital days and hospital charges in group B were less than those in group A. The SRS-22 score in group B was better than in group A at post-operation and at final follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In AIS with a rigid curve more than 80° and flexibility less than 35%, strong halo-femoral traction with wide posterior spinal release and three dimensional spinal correction can provide better SRS-22 scores, comparable curve correction, shorter operation time, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and lower charges when compared to combined anterior and posterior surgery.</p>
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Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Prospective Studies , Radiography , Scoliosis , Diagnostic Imaging , General SurgeryABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate relationship between expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) as well as their correlation with angiogenesis and prognosis in gastric carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HIF-1alpha and IGF-II mRNA expression were analyzed using in situ hybridization, microvessel density (MVD) was determined by anti-CD34 immunostaining in 118 cases gastric carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rates of HIF-1alpha mRNA and IGF-II mRNA were 49.2% and 47.4%, respectively. In stage T3-T4 cases, positive rates of HIF-1alpha and IGF-II mRNA expression, the frequencies of vessel invasion, lymph node and distant metastasis were significantly higher than those in stage T1-T2 cases. The mean MVD in stage T3-T4 tumors, vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were significantly more frequent than those in stage T1-T2 tumors. The mean MVD in tumors with positive HIF-1alpha and IGF-II mRNA expression was significantly higher than those in tumors without HIF-1alpha and IGF-II mRNA expression. The expression of HIF-1alpha was positively correlated with IGF-II mRNA. There were positive correlations between MVD and expression of HIF-1alpha and IGF-II mRNA, respectively. The mean survival time and 5-year survival rate in cases with positive HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression and MVD value >/= 41.5 were significantly shorter than those in cases with negative HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression and MVD value < 41.5.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HIF-1alpha and IGF-II play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis, especially in tumor angiogenesis. So test of the expression of HIF-1alpha and IGF-II may act as a useful index of treatment and prognosis.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Antigens, CD34 , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit , Genetics , Metabolism , Immunohistochemistry , In Situ Hybridization , Insulin-Like Growth Factor II , Metabolism , Neovascularization, Pathologic , Genetics , Metabolism , Pathology , Prognosis , RNA, Messenger , Genetics , Metabolism , Stomach Neoplasms , Genetics , Metabolism , Survival AnalysisABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate mRNA expression of syndecan-1 and heparanase in gastric carcinoma, and their correlation with the growth-pattern, invasion, metastasis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In situ hybridization technique was used to examine mRNA expression of syndecan-1 and heparanase in 118 specimens of gastric carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rates of syndecan-1 mRNA and heparanase mRNA were 42.4% and 55.9%, respectively. The expression of syndecan-1 mRNA and heparanase mRNA were related to tumor invasion depth (chi(2) = 32.95, P = 0.001; chi(2) = 23.19, P = 0.001), vessel invasion (chi(2) = 46.22, P = 0.001; chi(2) = 33.78, P = 0.001), lymph node (chi(2) = 28.62, P = 0.001; chi(2) = 25.43, P = 0.001) and distant metastasis (chi(2) = 63.30, P = 0.001; chi(2) = 65.76, P = 0.001), and syndecan-1 mRNA positive expression was related to tumor size (chi(2) = 6.25, P = 0.012). There was a negative relationship between Syndecan-1 mRNA and heparanase mRNA expression (r = -0.844, P = 0.001). The mean survival time of cases with low expression of syndecan-1 mRNA was significantly shorter than that of cases with high expression (r = 36.48, P = 0.001), and meanwhile, the mean survival time of heparanase mRNA positive cases was significantly shorter than that of cases with negative expression (r = 34.41, P = 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The mRNA expression of syndecan-1 and heparanase can predict the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, and can be used as markers of prognosis of gastric carcinoma.</p>