ABSTRACT
Objective To study the role of abnormally changed migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by low shear stress (LowSS) in vascular remodeling during atherosclerosis as well as the molecular mechanism involved in this process. Methods By using comparative proteomic analysis with two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry, differential protein expression profiles of cultured vascular tissues under normal shear stress (NSS) (1.5 Pa) and LowSS (0.5 Pa) were studied. Using endothelial cells (ECs) and VSMCs co-cultured parallel plate flow chamber system, two levels of shear stress i.e. LowSS and NSS, were applied, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of Rab28 and phosphor-ERK. Transwell system was used to detect the migration ability of VSMCs. After using RNA interference and ERK inhibitor PD98059 to decrease the expressions of Rab28 and phosphor-ERK, respectively, the migration ability of VSMCs was observed again. Results The expression of Rab28 in the cultured rat aorta was significantly up-regulated by the LowSS (0.5 Pa) application in comparison with the NSS (1.5 Pa). The migration, expressions of Rab28, and phosphorylation of ERK in VSMCs were significantly increased by the LowSS application. Target RNA interference of Rab28 significantly decreased the migration of VSMCs, but had no specific effect on the phosphorylation of ERK. Target inhibitor of ERK, PD98059, significantly decreased both the migration and Rab28 expression in VSMCs. Conclusions The LowSS may increase the phosphorylation of ERK and then increase the expression of Rab28 in VSMCs, which subsequently modulate VSMC migration during vascular remodeling. The investigation on the role of Rab28 and its signal path in LowSS-regulated VSMCs as well as the molecular mechanism might provide a biomechanical reference for understanding the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling during atherosclerosis and finding the therapeutic target of new drugs.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the epidemic pattern,diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis after the 16-years intervention program on its transmissionin Jiaxing region of Zhejiang province.Methods Clinical data of schistosomiasis patients during the last 10 years and pathological specimens with deposited schistosomal eggs during the last 8 years were retrospectively analyzed.Results The total numbers of schistosomiasis patients admitted to hospital increased from 194 in 2001 to 960 in 2010,and from 78 to 266 with complications.Number of the ones with accompanied diseases increased from 116 to 694.All the numbers of the above said three groups showed an yearly increase.The hardest hit age of the patients was between 60 and 74.The number of specimens with deposited schistosomal eggs increased from 192 in 2003 to 298 in 2010.While the ratio of specimens with deposited schistosomal eggs to the total number of pathological specimens became slightly decreasing,the average age of patients increased,Eggs were mainly deposited on appendix,colon,rectum,stomach,liver,gallbladder and small intestine.Conclusion Schistosomiasis still hit the Jiaxing region,with the average age of patients increased.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Few double-blind controlled trials have been reported on Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Qianlie Jiedu Capsule for chronic prostatitis (CP) by the randomized double-blind controlled method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty CP patients were equally randomized into an experimental and a control group, the former treated with Qianlie Jiedu Capsule + Rufloxacin, and the latter given placebo + Rufloxacin, both for 4 weeks. All the patients were evaluated by NIH-CPSI and EPS examination before and after the medication.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 4-week treatment, the total score of NIH-CPSI and the scores of pain, voiding symptoms and quality of life were significantly decreased in both groups compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), so did the leukocyte count in EPS (P < 0.05). And the experimental group showed significant drops in the above scores as compared with the control (P < 0.05), except in the leukocyte count in EPS (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Qianlie Jiedu Capsule combined with Rufloxacin is highly effective for CP by relieving pain and voiding symptoms,decreasing the leukocyte count in EPS and improving the life quality of the patients.</p>