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AIM: To investigate the changes in peripapillary choroidal thickness(pCT)within 1a of the first episode of acute primary angle closure glaucoma(APACG).METHODS: A prospective cohort study. A total of 31 patients with APACG who admitted to the ophthalmology department of Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from October 2015 to September 2019 were selected, with 31 eyes in attack group, 31 fellow eyes in preclinical group and 30 cases(30 eyes)in control group. pCT of the three groups was measured respectively at the attack period, 1wk, 1, 3, 6mo and 1a after surgery.RESULTS: The pCT of the attack group was thicker than that in the attack period when at 1wk after surgery, and continued to become thinner within the following 1a(P<0.05). The pCT of the attack group was thicker than that of the other two groups during the attack period and at 1wk after surgery, while it became thinner at 1a(P<0.05). In the attack group, the average pCT was positively correlated with the duration of intraocular hypertension and negatively correlated with the anterior chamber depth(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: For patients with first episode of APACG, pCT was diffusely thickened during attack and at 1wk after surgery. The pCT returned to normal at 1mo, while it became thinner at 1a. Furthermore, the average pCT was positively correlated with the duration of intraocular hypertension, and the choroidal thickness may play an important role in the attack of APACG.
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Immunotherapy has become a highly promising paradigm for cancer treatment. Herein, a chemo-immunotherapy was developed by encapsulating chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and Toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) in low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)-d--tocopheryl succinate (TOS) micelles (LT). In this process, LMWH and TOS were conjugated by ester bond and they were not only served as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments of the carrier, but also exhibited strong anti-metastasis effect. The direct killing of tumor cells mediated by DOX-loaded micelles (LT-DOX) generated tumor-associated antigens, initiating tumor-specific immune responses in combination with IMQ-loaded micelles (LT-IMQ). Furthermore, the blockade of immune checkpoint with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody further elevated the immune responses by up-regulating the maturation of DCs as well as the ratios of CD8 CTLs/T and CD4 T/T. Therefore, such a multifunctional strategy exhibited great potential for inhibiting the growth of orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer.
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At present,Western medicine is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy.However,about 30%-40% of epileptic patients are resistant to them and are affected by the side effects of these drugs.Traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating epileptic seizures and relieving complications caused by Western medicine.However,the active ingredients and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine remain unclear.This article reviews and summarizes the advances and mechanisms in treating epilepsy,such as Chinese medicine monomer,the extracts of single Chinese medicine and Chinese medicine compound.Chinese medicine monomers,including gastrodin,asarone,rhynchophylline,ligustrazine,tanshinone ⅡA,curcumin,etc.,have antiepileptic effects via regulating excitatory neurotransmitters and receptors,the expression of inflammatory factors,sodium/potassium ion channels and the expression of apoptotic protein,therefore protecting neurons.The extracts of single Chinese herbal including the extracts of Gastrodiae Rhizoma,Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma,Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Ganoderma,Scutellariae Radix and Ginkgo Folium,etc.,have antiepileptic effects related to the inhibition of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor,upregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway and reduction of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and oxidative stress response.Furthermore,these extracts can regulate ion channels and reduce oxidative damage of neurons.Chinese medicine compounds including Dianxian Qing Granules,Danxing Ningxian Granules,Huoxue Dingxian formulae,etc.,can improve the therapeutic effect on epilepsy through simultaneously regulating excitatory transmitters,apoptosis factors and cytokines.
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Humans , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Therapeutic Uses , Epilepsy , Drug Therapy , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , PhytotherapyABSTRACT
Objective To analyse the genetic variability of EG95 sequences and provide guidance for EG95 vaccine application against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). Methods We analysed EG95 polymorphism by collecting total 97 different E. granulosus isolates from 12 different host species that originated from 10 different countries. Multiple sequence alignments and the homology were performed by Lasergene 1 (DNASTAR Inc., Madison, WI), and the phylogenetic analysis was performed by using MEGA5.1 (CEMI, Tempe, AZ, USA). In addition, linear and conformational epitopes were analysed, including secondary structure, NXT/S glycosylation, fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor signal (GPI-anchor). The secondary structure was predicted by PSIPRED method. Results Our results indicated that most isolates overall shared 72.6–100% identity in EG95 gene sequence with the published standard EG95 sequence, X90928. However, EG95 gene indeed has polymorphism in different isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that different isolates could be divided into three subgroups. Subgroup 1 contained 87 isolates while Subgroup 2 and Subgroup 3 consisted of 3 and 7 isolates, respectively. Four sequences cloned from oncosphere shared a high identity with the parental sequence of the current vaccine, X90928, and they belonged to Subgroup 1. However, in comparison to X90928, several amino acid mutations occurred in most isolates besides oncosphere, which potentially altered the immunodominant linear epitopes, glycosylation sites and secondary structures in EG95 genes. All these variations might change their previous antigenicity and thereby affecting the efficacy of current EG95 vaccine. Conclusions This study reveals the genetic variability of EG95 sequences in different E. granulosus isolates, and proposed that more vaccination trials would be needed to test the effectiveness of current EG95 vaccine against distinct isolates in different countries.
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Objective@#To analyze satisfaction with follow-up management of HIV/AIDS cases conducted by Community Health Service Center (CHS) and related factors in Hongkou district, Shanghai.@*Methods@#Out of 302 HIV/AIDS cases followed up by CHS in Hongkou district from 2012 to 2016, 263 HIV/AIDS cases were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study assessed by self-designed questionnaire-based interview during October 1, 2016 and October 20, 2016, with efficiency of 87.1%. Information of basic characteristics including sociodemographic, routes of infection, CD4+T cell counts, diagnose of AIDS and status of receiving ART were collected, as well as satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS including service professionalism, service attitude, service environment, referral service, privacy protection, health education, psychological support, and care and assistance. Factors related to satisfaction were analyzed using multiple binary logistic regression.@*Results@#Among 263 HIV/AIDS cases, the average age was 42.0±13.5, 93.2% (245 cases) were male and the proportion of overall satisfaction was 72.2% (190 cases). Out of 8 items of satisfaction, service attitude and health education got the highest score with a total number of 235 (89.4%) answering "very satisfied" or "satisfied" , while care and assistance got the lowest score with a total number of 69 (26.2%) answering "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" . Compared to HIV/AIDS local residents and followed up by CHS <12 months, those who were non-local residents and followed up by CHS ≥12 months were more likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 2.66 (1.30-5.44) and 2.52 (1.01-6.29), respectively. Compared to HIV/AIDS ≤30 years old and receiving ART, those who were 31-50 years or >50 years old and not receiving ART were less likely to be satisfied, the OR (95%CI) were 0.36 (0.15-0.89), 0.32 (0.10-0.97) and 0.11 (0.01-0.90), respectively.@*Conclusion@#Satisfaction with follow-up management conducted by CHS in Hongkou district is relatively high. Age, residence, status of receiving ART and cumulative time of following up by CHS are significantly associated with satisfaction, suggesting that CHS should improve their professional abilities during follow-up management, as well as be more targeted and focus on different aspects.
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OBJECTIVE@#To analyse the genetic variability of EG95 sequences and provide guidance for EG95 vaccine application against Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus).@*METHODS@#We analysed EG95 polymorphism by collecting total 97 different E. granulosus isolates from 12 different host species that originated from 10 different countries. Multiple sequence alignments and the homology were performed by Lasergene 1 (DNASTAR Inc., Madison, WI), and the phylogenetic analysis was performed by using MEGA5.1 (CEMI, Tempe, AZ, USA). In addition, linear and conformational epitopes were analysed, including secondary structure, NXT/S glycosylation, fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor signal (GPI-anchor). The secondary structure was predicted by PSIPRED method.@*RESULTS@#Our results indicated that most isolates overall shared 72.6-100% identity in EG95 gene sequence with the published standard EG95 sequence, X90928. However, EG95 gene indeed has polymorphism in different isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that different isolates could be divided into three subgroups. Subgroup 1 contained 87 isolates while Subgroup 2 and Subgroup 3 consisted of 3 and 7 isolates, respectively. Four sequences cloned from oncosphere shared a high identity with the parental sequence of the current vaccine, X90928, and they belonged to Subgroup 1. However, in comparison to X90928, several amino acid mutations occurred in most isolates besides oncosphere, which potentially altered the immunodominant linear epitopes, glycosylation sites and secondary structures in EG95 genes. All these variations might change their previous antigenicity and thereby affecting the efficacy of current EG95 vaccine.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study reveals the genetic variability of EG95 sequences in different E. granulosus isolates, and proposed that more vaccination trials would be needed to test the effectiveness of current EG95 vaccine against distinct isolates in different countries.
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Objective:To analyze the immunogenicity of the extracellular region of Δ42PD1.Methods: Six fragments ofΔ42PD1 extracellular region-encoding sequence were amplified by PCR, and were cloned into pCTCON2 vector, a yeast surface displaying vector.Yeast cells were transfected with Δ42PD1 fragment-carrying plasmids, then yeast cells were spread on SDCAA plates.Single cell clones were selected and cultured in SGCAA media to induce expression of the target genes.Mouse anti-humanΔ42PD1 anti-serum were generated by immunization of BALB/c mice via intramuscular injection ofΔ42PD1-carrying plasmid plus in-situ electroporation.The binding of anti-serum with yeast cells surface-displaying Δ42PD1 fragments were analyzed using flowcytometry.Results:Nucleotide sequences analysis indicated that the amplified six fragments ofΔ42PD1 sequence length were 110 bp,and the isolated sequence ofΔ42PD1 fragments were 100%homology with PD1 gene previously registered in GenBank.Results from flowcytometry showed that among the six fragments of Δ42PD1 displaying on the surface of yeast cells,F3 and F2 profoundly boundΔ42PD1-specific polyclonal antibodies.Conclusion:F3 and F2 ofΔ42PD1 is an immunogenic dominant region,which pave the way for generation of Δ42PD1-specific monoclonal antibody and epitope mapping.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical efficacy of closed reduction and external fixation under local anesthesia for the treatment of high-risk elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2013 to March 2015, 10 patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with closing reduction and external fixator under local anesthesia were analyszed, including 4 males and 6 females, aged from 69 to 88 years old with an average of 75.2 years old. All fractures were caused by injury and classified to type I (5 cases), II (3 cases), and V (2 cases) according to Evans classification. According to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), 6 cases were type III and 4 cases were type IV. Blood loss,operative time,hospital stays, postoperative complications, ambulation time and fracture healing time were observed, and Harris scoring were used to evaluate hip joint function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 3 to 23 months with an average of 13.1 months. One patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease died for non-operation reason at 4 months after operation, the other fractures were healed at stage I, the mean fracture healing time was 5.6 months. There were no coxa vara, lower limb venous thrombosis, loosen and remove of needle passage. The average operative time was 46 min, blood loss was (35.00 ± 8.46) ml without blood transfusion. One patient was occurred pulmonary infection and stent-tract infection on the 2 nd and 3 rd day after operation, and improved with active anti-infection and dressing change; the other patients gone to ground activity at 4.2 d after operation. The patients stayed hospital for 10.6 d on average. According to Harris scoring at final following-up, the total score was 83.42 ± 3.27, 3 cases obtained excellent results, 5 cases good and 1 case poor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Closed reduction and external fixation under local anesthesia in treating high-risk elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture,which has advantages of shorter operative time, less blood loss, good recovery of postoperative function, is a safe, stable and economic method.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Anesthesia, Local , Bone Nails , Follow-Up Studies , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary , Fractures, Closed , General Surgery , Hip Fractures , General Surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective ] To study the molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella diarrhea cases in sentinel hospitals through active surveillance system conducted by public health laboratory. [ Methods] Two sentinel hospitals were chosen for collection of stool specimens from food-borne infectious diarrhea cases and for Salmonella separation and detection immediately following serotyping and antimicrobial susceptible test ( AST ) on those isolates .Moreover , pulsed field gel electrophoresis ( PFGE) was used for the genetic homology analysis . [ Results] A total of 2 579 diarrhea specimens were collected and analyzed from 2010 to 2012, with 185 Salmonella isolates, covering 23 different serotypes (annual positive rates were 9.1%, 6.8%, 5.1%, with an average 7.2%).Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis(S.Enteritidis) and Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium) were the most common serotypes, of which 68.9% cases were seen in those aged 21 to 60 and 21.4% cases in those over 60 years old. 27.7%-96.9%S.Enteritidis and 2.6%-63.2% S.Typhimurium(P all <0.05) proved resistant to Nalidixic acid, Sultisoxazole, Streptomycin, Sulfamethoxydiazine, Gentamicinand Tetracycline. PFGE analysis on 22 S.Enteritidis strains showed 11 different clusters , while 20 S.Typhimurium strians showed 6. [Conclusion] S.Enteritidis and S.Typhimurium are the most common Salmonella serotypes, and molecular typing indicates the existence of clustering and sporadic outbreaks caused by dominance clones . We should be alert to early warnings on potential outbreaks of multiple-drug-resistant ( MDR ) S.Enteritidis.Active surveillance system based on public health laboratory should play an important role in the control of food-borne infectious diseases .
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This study was aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of telbivudine (LdT) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) and to observe the changes of immunological responses during LdT treatment. Clinical data of 80 CHB and 28 HBV-related LC patients who were administered with LdT for 108 weeks and followed up were retrospectively analyzed. The liver function indicators including ALT, AST and γ-GT, HBV DNA copy number in serum and the rates of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion were analyzed before and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 108 weeks after LdT treatment in CHB and LC groups. Four serum fibrosis-related markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), human laminin (LN), human type IV collagen (IV-C) and human N-terminal procollagen III peptide (PC-III), were detected before and after LdT treatment in LC group. The results showed favorable viral suppression and biochemical responses after treatment with LdT for 12 weeks, and a high rate of virological and biochemical control was maintained during the course of 108-week treatment in both CHB and LC groups. The four fibrosis-related markers, especially HA and LN, were down-regulated to some degrees in LC group. Moreover, LdT treatment led to the fluctuation of the circulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels at different time points in CHB group. It was concluded that LdT could favorably lead to the virological suppression and biochemical remission. Besides, IFN-γ and IL-10 may represent a suitable and effective predictor of responsiveness during LdT therapy.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Antiviral Agents , Therapeutic Uses , Hepatitis B, Chronic , Drug Therapy , Allergy and Immunology , Liver Cirrhosis , Drug Therapy , Allergy and Immunology , Thymidine , Therapeutic UsesABSTRACT
This study was aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of telbivudine (LdT) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) and to observe the changes of immunological responses during LdT treatment. Clinical data of 80 CHB and 28 HBV-related LC patients who were administered with LdT for 108 weeks and followed up were retrospectively analyzed. The liver function indicators including ALT, AST and γ-GT, HBV DNA copy number in serum and the rates of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion were analyzed before and 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 108 weeks after LdT treatment in CHB and LC groups. Four serum fibrosis-related markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), human laminin (LN), human type IV collagen (IV-C) and human N-terminal procollagen III peptide (PC-III), were detected before and after LdT treatment in LC group. The results showed favorable viral suppression and biochemical responses after treatment with LdT for 12 weeks, and a high rate of virological and biochemical control was maintained during the course of 108-week treatment in both CHB and LC groups. The four fibrosis-related markers, especially HA and LN, were down-regulated to some degrees in LC group. Moreover, LdT treatment led to the fluctuation of the circulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels at different time points in CHB group. It was concluded that LdT could favorably lead to the virological suppression and biochemical remission. Besides, IFN-γ and IL-10 may represent a suitable and effective predictor of responsiveness during LdT therapy.
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Lactoferrin (Lf) is one of the food protein belonged to the innate immune system. Apart from its main biological function of binding and transport of iron ions, lactoferrin also has many other functions and properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, catalytic, anti-cancer, anti-allergic and radioprotecting. Lf is usually used as additives of food and cosmetics. The research of lactoferrin has been increasingly reported, and the application of lactoferrin as a drug carrier has drawn extensive attention over the recent year. In this paper, researches of lactoferrin as drug carriers are classified and summarized in brain targeting, liver tumor targeting, lung tumor targeting and oral delivery systems according to their different characteristics.
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Humans , Administration, Oral , Brain , Drug Carriers , Lactoferrin , Chemistry , NeoplasmsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the diagnostic significance of basophil activation test (BAT) in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media through testing the content of CD63, mast cell-carboxypeptidase A3 (MC-CPA3), and terminal complement complex SC5b-9 of the individuals by testing their levels in the normal immune group and the anaphylaxis groups to β-lactam drugs and non -ionic contrast media.@*METHODS@#The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of MC-CPA3 in blood serum and SC5b-9 in blood plasma were detected by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#The CD63 expression of basophilic granulocyte in blood, the levels of MC-CPA3 and SC5b-9 of anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media and β-lactam drugs were significantly higher than that in normal immune group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#There is activation of basophilic granulocytes, mast cells and complement system in anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media. BAT can be used to diagnose the anaphylaxis to non-ionic contrast media.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anaphylaxis/diagnosis , Basophils/cytology , Carboxypeptidases A/metabolism , Complement Membrane Attack Complex/metabolism , Contrast Media , Flow Cytometry , Granulocytes/cytology , Mast Cells/cytology , Tetraspanin 30/metabolismABSTRACT
Objective] To analyze the effect of enhanced immunization for school-age children in Hongkou District of Shanghai in immunology and epidemiology . [ Methods] One month after completing immunization, the blood antibody titers were measured by ELISA method , and compared with the those of non-enhanced immunization , for epidemiological survey were collected history of measles immunization and close contact with the measles . [ Results] It could not be thought that strengthening immunization im-proved antibody positivity rate , the protection rate , and geometric antibody average concentrations .There was not statistical difference in antibody levels between measles vaccination 2 times and 3 -4 times. [ Conclusion] In the regions where routine immunization rates reach a high level , strengthening immuni-zation done on large scale is a waste of vaccine resources , human resources and financial resources , and leak re-vaccination should be done as a cost-effective preventive measure .
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To ascertain the genotype of measles viruses isolated in 2012 and genetic characterization of measles viruses in Hongkou district of Shanghai during 2000-2012.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Measles virus was isolated from throat swab specimens collected from suspected measles cases and 450 bp fragment of C terminus on nucleoprotein (N) gene was amplified by RT-PCR. Sequence analysis was conducted to ascertain the genotype and to compare the difference of nucleotide with other measles virus strain announced by GenBank during 2000-2012. Measles virus genotype was analyzed. Epidemiological investigation was conducted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Phylogenetic analysis showed that 7 measles virus samples were isolated from 34 throat swab specimens with 6 of them belonged to H1 genotype, 1 belonged to D8 genotype of H1 genotype. H1a appeared the main part of Shanghai measles virus. Epidemiological survey showed that D8 was an imported case, also the first case detected since 2000.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The genotype distribution of measles virus in Hongkou was identified the same as elsewhere in Shanghai. D8 was an imported case, detected for the first time since 2000. The results suggested that viral gene sequencing and genotyping should be regularly conducted at the measles laboratories in Shanghai to strengthen the networking monitoring program of the disease.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , China , Epidemiology , Genotype , Measles virus , Genetics , Phylogeny , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Virus Diseases , GeneticsABSTRACT
[Objective] To analyse the impact factors for adult measles and its epidemiological characteristics in shanghai . [ Methods] The data on adult measles incidence during 2009-2012 were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology method .And the blood antibody titers was measured by ELISA method in the adult over18 years old in Hong Kou District of Shanghai . [Results] Zero dose vaccination and vaccination failure were the key reasons for the increase of adult measles , which were closely related to our history of prevention and treatment of measles . [ Conclusion ] Adult immunization should be strengthened to improve immune barrier and to reduce the measles incidence in adults , and it is suggested that the immunization for 10-15 year-olds should be strengthened so as to improve the overall antibody levels in adults as a whole .
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (SB) on the occurrence of acute GVHD and intestine damage after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty BALB/c mice, as recipients, were randomized to control group, irradiation group, model group and intervention group. C57BL/6 mice, as donors, were raised to prepare the bone marrow cells (BMCs) and spleen cells (SCs), which were injected into irradiated recipients mice by tail vein. Except control group, other groups accepted 7.5Gy total body irradiation. Model group and intervention group were infused with BMCs 5×10⁶ and SCs 5×10⁵ by less than 4 h after irradiation. SB was injected into intervention group by intraperitoneally, but only DMSO for model group. The general status and survival rate of each group were evaluated. The expression of p-p38MAPK, Fas and FasL in intestine were determined by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The weight changes of intervention group (13.00±0.50)% was significantly lighter than that of model group (25.00±0.75)% (P<0.05). The clinical score of acute GVHD in the intervention group (3.33±0.82) was significantly lower than that of model group (6.33±1.36) (P<0.05). The expression levels of p-p38MAPK, Fas and FasL in small intestine of intervention group (1.43±0.02, 0.81±0.03, 0.97±0.03) were lower than those of model group (1.76±0.05, 1.52±0.04, 1.48±0.04).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SB inhibited the activation of p38MAPK and Fas/ FasL signal pathway and alleviated the apoptosis of small intestine. And SB could relieve small intestine damages induced by allogeneic T lymphocytes.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Apoptosis , Bone Marrow Transplantation , Fas Ligand Protein , Metabolism , Graft vs Host Disease , Metabolism , Pathology , Imidazoles , Pharmacology , Intestines , Pathology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Pyridines , Pharmacology , Signal Transduction , Transplantation, Homologous , fas Receptor , Metabolism , p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the potential therapeutic properties of the endogenous cannabinoid N-arachidonic acid aminoethanols (anandamide, AEA) in liver fibrosis by observing its affects on proliferation of and expression of phosphorylated-Erk (pErk) in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from a mouse model of schistosome-induced liver fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The schistosome-induced liver fibrosis model was established by attaching cercaria to the skin on the ventral side of the mouse and allowing infection to occur via direct penetration. Six weeks later, the model was confirmed by pathological analysis of liver, with Masson trichrome staining showing collagen fiber deposition around the blood vessels and hematoxylin-eosin staining showing eosinophilic granuloma formation. Primary HSCs were isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation, confirmed by immunofluorescence detection of double-staining for a-smooth muscle actin and desmin (95% purity), and cultured in the presence of absence of various concentrations of AEA. Proliferative ability was evaluated by MTT assay and the expression of pErk was observed by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AEA treatment inhibited the proliferation of the primary HSCs in a concentration-dependent manner (AEA: 5 mumol/L, inhibition: 7.68%; 10 mumol/L, 11.65%; 20 mumol/L, 14.70%; 40 mumol/L, 15.07%; 60 mumol/L, 18.18%; 80 mumol/L, 20.26%; 100 mumol/L, 20.17%; 120 mumol/L, 29.24%). AEA treatment increased pERK expression in both a concentration-dependent manner (AEA: 20 mumol/L, average gray value: 39.90+/-4.61; 60 mumol/L, 43.45+/-0.91; 120 mumol/L, 52.91+/-1.97; vs. negative control, all P less than 0.05) and a time-dependent manner (time: 15 min, average gray value: 85.05+/-15.80; 30 min, 103.41+/-11.89; 1 h, 118.02+/-12.24; 3 h, 109.17+/-15.69; 6 h, 100.86+/-10.55; 12 h, 71.70+/-12.87; 24 h, 34.62+/-14.85; 48 h, 22.84+/-11.73; vs. negative control, all except 48 h had P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AEA can suppress the proliferative capacity of primary HSCs from schistosome-induced fibrotic livers through activation of the Erk signaling pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Cells, Cultured , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis , PhosphorylationABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) in alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis using a rat model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The model of liver fibrosis was induced by administration of alcohol and high fat diet using 20 rats. Six rats given no alcohol and normal diet served as the control group. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate fibrosis-related changes in the mRNA and protein expressions of ASMase.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fibrotic liver tissues of the model rats showed significantly higher expression levels of ASMase than the non-fibrotic liver tissues of the control rats (P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Expression of ASMase is increased in the fibrotic liver tissue of an alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis rat model, suggesting that this lysosomal enzyme may contribute to development of this disease condition.</p>
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Animals , Male , Rats , Liver , Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic , Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase , MetabolismABSTRACT
This study analyzed the genetic characterization on first imported measles virus of genotype D8 in Chinese mainland. Serums were collected from the suspicious MV patients to detect IgM antibody in ELISA. Throat swabs were cultured in Vero/SLAM cell line to get measles virus isolates. Part of the nucleotide sequence of the 3' terminus of nucleoprotein (N) gene of these isolates were amplified by RT-PCR, and the amplicons were directly sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis was based on the nucleotide sequence about 456 base pairs of the 3' terminus of nucleoprotein (N) gene. Results showed that it reported 1 105 suspicious measles cases in shanghai, 2012, including 590 confirmed cases and 2 clinical case. The reported morbidity was 2.52 per one hundred thousand. 247 measles viruses were isolated from 984 throat swabs specimen. Most of them belonged to sub-genotype H1a except Shanghai12-239 was genotype D8. The homology of nucleotide and amino acid sequences were 97.8% and 98.6% respectively between Shanghai12-239 and WHO reference strain (Manchester. UNK30.94(D8)AF280803). Those were 89.6%-94.5% and 88.7%-95.3% between Shanghai12-239 and WHO reference strains of other genotypes.