Asiatic Acid Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Neuroinflammation by Suppressing Mitochondrial ROS Production

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Asiatic acid in LPS-induced BV2 microglia cells and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine (MPP⁺)-induced SH-SY5Y cells, to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Asiatic acid in Parkinson’s disease (PD). SH-SY5Y cells were induced using MPP⁺ to establish as an in vitro model of PD, so that the effects of Asiatic acid on dopaminergic neurons could be examined. The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in BV2 microglia cells to explore potential mechanisms for the neuroprotective effects of Asiatic acid. We showed that Asiatic acid reduced intracellular production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and altered the mitochondrial membrane potential to regulate mitochondrial dysfunction, and suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia cells. We additionally found that treatment with Asiatic acid directly improved SH-SY5Y cell viability and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by MPP⁺. These data demonstrate that Asiatic acid both inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by downregulating mitochondrial reactive oxygen species directly to protect dopaminergic neurons from, and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells, which were established as a model of Parkinson’s disease. Our finding reveals that Asiatic acid protects dopaminergic neurons from neuroinflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia cells as well as protecting dopaminergic neurons directly. This suggests a promising clinical use of Asiatic acid for PD therapy.

Inhibition of bFGF gene expression and tumor angiogenesis of orthotopic implantation of human gastric carcinoma by N-desulfated heparin / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of N-desulfated heparin on tumor metastasis, tumor angiogenesis and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) gene expression of orthotopically implanted human gastric carcinoma in NOD-SCID mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human gastric cancer SGC-7901 tissues were orthotopically implanted into the stomach of the NOD-SCID mice. Twenty mice were randomly divided into two groups which received either intravenous injection of 0.9% NaCl solution(0.9%NaCl solution group) or 10 mg/kg N-desulfated heparin (N-desulfated heparin group) twice a week for three weeks. Mice were sacrificed six weeks after tumor implantation. Tissues from stomach and other organs were obtained for histopathological evaluation. The intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) in tumor was evaluated immunohistochemically. Real time PCR was used to detect bFGF mRNA expression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumor metastasis rates were 9/10 in 0.9% NaCl solution group and 2/10 in N-desulfated heparin group(P<0.05).MVD was 9.1+/-3.4 in 0.9% NaCl solution group and 4.7+/-1.8 in N-desulfated heparin group (t=3.617,P<0.05). bFGF mRNA expression was lower in N-desulfated heparin group(2.60+/-0.56%)than that in 0.9% NaCl solution group(30.65+/-6.84%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>N-desulfated heparin can inhibit the metastasis of gastric cancer through inhibiting tumor bFGF gene expression and tumor angiogenesis with no obvious anticoagulant activity.</p>

Long-term follow-up study of dilation with temporary cardia stent in different diameters for achalasia / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To determine the curative effect of dilation for achalasia with temporary cardia stent in different diameters based on a long-term follow-up.Methods The study cohort was comprised of 135 patients of achalasia.Among them differentiated by stent diameters as followings:30 patients were treated under fluoroscopy with dilation of temporary cardia stent in 20 mm diameter(group A), 30 patients with dilation of temporary eardia stent in 25 mm diameter(group B),and 75 patients with dilation of temporary cardia stent in 30 mm diameter(group C).135 cardia stents were temporarily placed in the 135 patients and withdrawn after 3 -5 days via gastroscopy.All the stents were inserted and withdrawn successfully.The follow-up in all groups lasted 6-128 months.Results Six(20.0%)out of 30 patients,6(20.0%)out of 30 patients,5(22.7%)out of 22 patieuts,6(37.5%)out of 16 patients,5 out of 9 patients,3 out of 3 patients in group A exhibited dysphagia relapse during 6 months,1 year,3 years,5 years,8 years,and 10 years follow-up,respectively. Four(13.3%)out of 30 patients,4(13.3%)out of 30 patients,3(13.0%)out of 23 patients,4(22.2%)out of 18 patients,5(45.5%)out of 11 patients,and 3 out of 4 patients in group B exhibited dysphagia relapse during 6 months,1 year,3 years,5 years,8 years,and 10 years follow-up,respectively.No(0.0%)out of 75 patients, 1(1.5%)out of 66 patients,4(8.3%)out of 48 patients,6(18.2%)out of 33 patients,6(33.3%)out of 18 patients,2 out of 5 patients in group C exhibited dysphagia relapse during 6 months,1 year,3 years,5 years,8 years,and 10 years follow-up,respectively.Conclusion Dilation with temporary cardia metal stent in 30 mm diameter is the best dilation for achalasia in long-term follow-up.

Clinical application of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and tongue base radiofrequency reduction / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and radiofrequency tongue base reduction for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty six patients with OSAHS were enrolled. One group (n = 22) of patients only received uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation, while the other group (n = 24) had both uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and radiofrequency tongue base reduction. Polysomnography and distance between anterior pillars (DBAP), distance between posterior pillars (DBPP), length of roft palate, distance between tongue base and posterior pharyngeal wall (DBTP) were measured before and 6 months after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pre-operation apnea hypopnea index (AHI), x +/- s, lowest SaO2 (LSaO2) of first group were (56. 5 +/- 6. 0)/h, and 0.626 +/- 0.060 respectively, and 6 months after surgery, AHI was (23.7 +/- 2.7)/h, LSaO2 was 0.797 +/- 0.053. The pre-operation AHI, LSaO2 of second group were (58.4 +/- 5.1)/h, and 0.650 +/- 0.057 respectively, and 6 months after surgery, AHI was (15.5 +/- 3.2)/h, LSaO2 was 0.864 +/- 0.064. After surgery AHI and LSaO2 have changed in both groups (P<0.001). Six months after operation, DBAP and DBPP became withy, length of soft palate became short (P<0. 001). In one group the validity ratio is 72.7% (16/22), the other group the validity ratio is 87.5% (21/24) (P< 0.05), and pharyngeal posterior airway width (PPAW) became withy (P <0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For OSAHS patients, the obstructive regions should be evaluated. The combined surgery of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and radiofrequency tongue base reduction could have a better result.</p>

Perioperative management of severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the perioperative management of severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-three patients with severe OSAHS received uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and radiofrequency tongue base reduction. All the patients were treated with automated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 3-7 days before operation and automated antibiotic therapy administered in the oropharynx, with 24 h ECG monitoring postoperatively. Polysomnography were carried out before and 6 months after surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The preoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest SaO(2) (LSaO(2)) were 58.4-/+5.1/h and 0.650-/+0.059, respectively, which were 15.5-/+3.2/h and 0.864-/+0.064 at 6 months after surgery, respectively, showing significant changes after surgery (P<0.01). Dyspnea occurred in 2 cases after operation, intraoperative bleeding in 1 case, primary bleeding in 2 cases and hypertension crisis in 1 case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Severe OSAHS patients are subject to great surgical risk. Application of auto-CPAP before operation can significantly improve the patients' tolerance of surgery and anesthesia, and reduce the surgical risks and preoperative complications.</p>

Salvage surgical approach for patients with post-radiation local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate salvage surgical approaches and efficacy for post-radiation local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen patients with post-radiation local recurrent NPC underwent salvage surgical treatment by routes as transpalatal approach, nasal medial swing approach, maxillary swing approach and infratemporal fossa approach. All cases were followed up for 2 to 5 years. Analysis was done on the indications and efficacy of these 4 different approaching routes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No immediate operative complications occurred for all these 13 cases. Four patients with T1 and T2a operated via transpalatal approach and nasal medial swing approach survived more than 3 years. Five patients with T2b and T3 operated via maxillary swing approach. Among them, two patients died at second and 24th month after operation, one survived with tumor and died at 13rd month after operation, two were alive free of tumor for 2 and 4 years after operation. Four patients with T4 operated via infratemporal fossa approach. Among them, three died in 1 year, one was alive free of tumor for 2 years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical approaches were decided by a comprehensive consideration of recurrent tumor site and invasive range to achieve the best operative site exposure with minimal traumatic damage.</p>

An experimental study of mucociliary clearance of trachea reconstructed with free jejunum / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate tracheal mucociliary transport change after reconstructed with free jejunum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve canine models of extensive circumferential tracheal defects reconstructed with revascularized jejuno combined with Ni-Ti alloy mesh tube were established. Every canine model was marked in cervical skin projecting the lower resected margin of trachea lumen and was injected 50% barium sulfate mucilage as a tracer into the trachea lumen under bronchoscopy. Record the time from tracer injected into trachea lumen to its arriving glottis (mucociliary transit time, MTT) and the length from tracer injected into trachea lumen to glottis (mucociliary transport length, MTL). Mucociliary transit rate (MTR), as MTL/ MTT, was calculated. The same procedure was performed at preoperative and postoperative 7th day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were statistical significance between preoperative MTR and 1 month postoperative MTR (P < 0.05). There were no differences between preoperative MTR and postoperative MTR at the 7th day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. There were also no differences between postoperative MTR at the 7th day and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In new tracheal tract reconstructed with free jejunum, MTR becomes normal at 3 months postoperatively.</p>

Oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B for one year: a multicenter random double-blind placebo-controlled trial / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 144 patients with chronic hepatitis B entered the study for 52 weeks; of them 72 received oxymatrine, and 72 received a placebo. Before and after the treatment, clinical symptoms, liver function, serum hepatitis B virus markers, and adverse drug reactions were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 144 patients, 14 were dropped and excluded due to inconsistencies in the included standard. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of 130 patients were analyzed. After being treated for 52 weeks, 70.77% of the patients in the study group had a normal ALT level, and in 43.08% and 33.33% their HBV DNA and HBeAg became negative. In the placebo group, 39.68% had normal ALT level, and 12.31% and 3.33% had their HBV DNA and HBeAg become negative. The rates of complete response and partial response in the oxymatrine group were 23.08% and 58.46%, and in the placebo group they were 3.08% and 44.62%. They were significantly higher in the oxymatrine group than in the placebo group. In the oxymatrine treated patients, 12 weeks after its withdrawal, 60.00% had a normal ALT level, 41.54% and 23.33% had both HBV DNA and HBeAg negative. In the placebo group, 31.75% had a normal ALT level, 3.08% and 1.67% had both HBV DNA and HBeAg negative. The rates of complete response and partial response in the oxymatrine group were 21.54% and 47.69%, and in the placebo group they were 0 and 41.54%. They were significantly higher in the study group than in the placebo group. The adverse reaction rates of oxymatrine in the study and the placebo group were 7.69% and 6.15%, respectively, but there was no statistical significant difference between them.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oxymatrine is an effective and safe agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.</p>

The development and application of a continuous passive motion instrument / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To validate if the continuous passive motion instrument we developed is practical and sta- ble for animal experiment.Methods Ten New Zealand male rabbits were used to establish the animal model of full- thickness defect of articular cartilage in the facies patellaris of femur with their both knees.The rabbits were then randomly divided into groups A and B(10 in each group).The rabbits in group A were administered with CPM of both knees daily for 4 weeks,while those in group B remained normal cage activity only.At the end of the treatment,all the animals were sacrificed,and their articular cartilage was harvested for HE staining and observation.Results It was found that group A had a significantly better repair of the full-thickness defects of articular cartilage than that of the group B,as reflected by the range of motion and morphological observation of the knees(P