Effect of Daizongfang on Insulin Resistance of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Induced by Different Methods / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Daizongfang （DZF） on insulin resistance （IR） of adipocytes induced by different methods. Method:The cocktail induction method was adopted to induce the differentiation and maturity of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. An IR model in mature adipocytes was established by the induction of palmitic acid （PA）， high-concentration glucose （HG）， and dexamethasone （DEX）. DZF extracts at different concentrations （2.0， 0.5， 0.1 g·L^-1） intervened for 24 hours. A model group， a rosiglitazone （RSG） group， and a blank control group were set up at the same time. The glucose concentration in the culture supernatant was measured by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase （GOD-POD） method. Glucose consumptions under basic conditions （G_Basic） and insulin stimulation （G_Ins） were calculated to evaluate the insulin sensitivity index （ISI）. The mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4 （GLUT4） was detected by the real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Result:Compared with the model group， the DZF （2.0 g·L^-1） showed increased G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in three IR models （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. In addition， for the PA-induced IR model， G_Basic and G_Ins in the DZF （0.5 g·L^-1） group were elevated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in the RSG group increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. For the HG-induced IR model， G_Ins and ISI increased in the DZF （0.5 g·L^-1） group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI were elevated in the RSG group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. For the DEX-induced IR model， G_Ins and ISI increased in the RSG group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. In the three models， there were differences among groups with different doses. G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in the high-dose DZF group increased in varying degrees compared with those in the medium- and low-dose DZF groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. In the three models， the DZF （2.0 g·L^-1） group and the RSG group both increased GLUT4 mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:DZF can reduce IR of adipocytes induced by HG， DEX， or PA in a dose-dependent manner and increase glucose uptake in an insulin-independent manner， which may be related to the increase in GLUT4 expression.

Elevated Levels of Soluble ST2 were Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity and Ameliorated Inflammation in Synovial Fibroblasts / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Much evidence has demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-33 plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there have been limited studies about soluble ST2, a receptor for IL-33, in RA. The aims of this study were to detect the levels of ST2 in the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients and to reveal the association of these levels with disease activity and the function of ST2 in RA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 56 RA patients and 38 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from another 30 RA patients and 20 osteoarthritis patients. Serum and synovial fluid levels of ST2 were measured by ELISA. In addition, the levels of ST2 in the serum of RA patients before and after therapy were detected. The function of ST2 in RA was revealed by the results of an in vitro cell assay, where recombinant ST2 proteins were used to treat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum-soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in RA patients (127.14 ± 61.43 pg/ml) than those in healthy controls (78.37 ± 41.93 pg/ml, P < 0.01). Synovial fluid-soluble ST2 levels (41.90 ± 33.58 pg/ml) were much higher in RA patients than those in osteoarthritis patients (19.71 ± 16.72 pg/ml, P < 0.05). RA patients who received effective therapy for 6 months showed decreased serum-soluble ST2 levels (113.01 ± 53.90 pg/ml) compared to baseline (139.59 ± 68.36 pg/ml) (P = 0.01). RA patients with high disease activity had higher serum-soluble ST2 levels (162.02 ± 56.78 pg/ml) than those with low disease activity (94.67 ± 40.27 pg/ml, P = 0.001). Soluble ST2 did not affect IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in PBMCs from RA patients. However, soluble ST2 ameliorated the expressions of IL-33 and IL-1β but not that of IL-6, IL-8, or TNF-α in resting RASFs. Interestingly, in the RASFs stimulated by TNF-α plus IL-1β, soluble ST2 showed extensive suppressive effects on the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Elevated levels of ST2 in the serum and synovial fluid were associated with disease activity and ameliorated IL-33 expression and IL-33-induced inflammation in RASFs, suggesting that soluble ST2 might be a potential therapeutic candidate for RA.</p>

Analysis of prevalence and related factors of H-type hypertension in Jinshan District, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence and related factors of H-type hypertension in Jinshan District, Shanghai. Methods By means of multi-stage sampling residents of seven communities in Jinshan District were randomly selected as the object of investigation.A questionnaire survey was done on the prevalence and risk factors of H-type hypertension and measurements were made on blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference in addition to biochemical measurement.Then statistical methods such as chi-square test, multi-factor regression analysis and others were used to analyze data results. Results H-type hypertension accounted for 82.83% of all patients with hypertension in Jinshan District. Multi factor regression analysis showed that age, gender, family history, abdominal obesity, overweight and obesity, hyperglycemia, and high triglyceride were the main related factors of H-type hypertension in Jinshan District. Conclusion We should encourage people to change bad habits, control weight, and pay attention to the screening of homocysteine.And early intervention should be done so as to control and prevent H-type hypertension.

Supplemental Fuzhenghuayu capsule therapy for improving liver fibrosis markers in patients with chronic hepatitis B following unsatisfactory outcome of nucleos(t)ide analogue monotherapy / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the ability of Fuzhenghuayu capsule to improve markers of liver fibrosis when provided as supplemental therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who achieved complete virological response but unsatisfactory resolution of fibrosis markers with nucleos(t)ide analog (NAs) monotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One-hundred-and-ten patients with CHB-related liver fibrosis who had received NA for more than or equal to 2 years and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) but no improvement in liver fibrosis index were randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental group, continued oral NAs (one tablet, 1 time/day) with simultaneous Fuzhenghuayu capsule (1.5 g, 3 times/day) for 48 weeks; control group, continued oral NAs only for 48 weeks. Serum fibrosis markers (hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP) and IV collagen (IV-C)), liver fibrosis stages, B ultrasonic wave, and liver function were observed before (baseline) and after treatment and compared by statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline levels of fibrosis markers were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. After treatment, the levels of all of the fibrosis markers were lower in the experimental group (P less than 0.05 vs. control group; HA t = 19.548, LN t = 2.264, PIIIP t = 2.230, and IV-C t = 6.649) and lower than the baseline levels (P less than 0.01; HA t = 12.458, LN t = 7.402, PIIIP t = 4.620, IV-C t = 8.937). The control group also showed a significant reduction in HA and LN levels after treatment (P less than 0.01 vs. baseline; t = 5.202 and 3.444), but PIIIP and IV-C were unaffected. The baseline liver fibrosis stages were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. After treatment, only the experimental group showed significant improvement in liver fibrosis stages (P less than 0.01). The rates of excellent therapeutic outcome, effectiveness, and non-effectiveness were significantly different between the experimental group (11.3%, 43.4%, and 45.3%) and the control group (1.0%, 22.2%, and 75.6%) (x2 = 9.408, P less than 0.01). Similar trends were observed for improvements in B ultrasonic wave for liver and spleen and in markers of liver function. Finally, neither treatment group experienced adverse effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For CHB patients who achieve SVR by antiviral treatment with NAs, but unsatifactory improvement in liver fibrosis indices, administration of supplemental Fuzhenghuayu capsule with continued NAs therapy may represent a safe and effective treatment.</p>

Ultrastructure of hepatocytes in Gilbert's syndrome patients and chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the pathological characteristics of inborn hyperbilirubinemia of patients with Gilbert's syndrome (GS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with GS (n = 7) and patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB; n = 8) were enrolled in the study. GS was diagnosed by peripheral blood analysis results showing glucuronyl transferase gene mutation. The histology and ultrastructure of biopsied liver tissues were evaluated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The GS group showed normal structure in the hepatic portal area and lobule; however, bile pigment granules with high electron density were noted in the hepatocytes. The CHB group showed abnormal structure of the hepatic lobules, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, necrotic regions, degenerated hepatocytes, bile duct injury, and fibrosis in the portal tracts; a few bile pigment granules were observed. The GS group also showed greater quantity and size of bilirubin deposits than the CHB group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The histological and ultrastructural features of GS include normal hepatic lobule and deposition of bile pigment granules in hepatocytes.</p>

Correlation of serum arylesterase activity on phenylacetate estimated by the integrated method to common classical biochemical indexes of liver damage / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The correlation of serum arylesterase (PON1) activity on phenylacetate determined by an integrated method to classical biochemical indexes of liver damage was investigated for the use of PON1 activity to evaluate liver damage. PON1 reaction curve as absorbance at 270 nm for 0.20 mmol/L phenylacetate hydrolysis was analyzed by the integrated method to determine maximal PON1 reaction rate. Classical biochemical indexes of liver damage were determined routinely. The 95% confidence threshold of PON1 activity in sera from healthy individuals was 2.12 mkat/L [(4.73+/-1.31) mkat/L, n=105]. PON1 activity in clinical sera was closely correlated to serum albumin, total protein and the ratio of albumin to globulins, but was weakly correlated to both direct and total bilirubin in serum. There were no correlations of PON1 activity to gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Among 127 clinical sera with PON1 activity>2.12 mkat/L, there were 92% healthy individuals examined by albumin, 90% healthy individuals examined by total protein, 88% healthy individuals examined by total bilirubin, 86% healthy individuals examined by direct bilirubin and 64% healthy individuals examined by the ratio of albumin to globulins, respectively. In each group of healthy individuals judged by classical biochemical indexes of close correlation to PON1 activity, percentage of healthy individuals examined by PON1 activity was always >80%. These results suggested PON1 activity on phenylacetate estimated by the integrated method was also suitable for the evaluation of liver damage.

Effect on expression of mice alpha-hemoglobin stabilizing protein in different developmental stages treated with Yisui Shengxue granules / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the effect of Yisui Shengxue granules on expression of alpha-hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) mRNA in different developmental stages mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The total RNAs were extracted from the bone marrow karyocyte of normal adult mice and the karyocyte of fetus liver and fetus spleen in pregnanted mice (pregnanted 21 days) and fetal mice (pregnanted 14 days). The expression level of AHSP mRNA in different developmental stages mice interfered with Yisui Shengxue granules was measured by real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The intervention of Yisui Shengxue granules could significantly up-regulated the expression levels of AHSP mRNA in normal adult mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The result revealed that one of possible molecular mechanism of the effects caused by Yisui Shengxue granules is that it can promote the AHSP gene expression, reduce the free a-globin deposit, then prevent the poison to erythrocyte and decrease the haemolysis.</p>

Evaluation of a kinetic uricase method for serum uric acid assay by predicting background absorbance of uricase reaction solution with an integrated method / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

A patented kinetic uricase method was evaluated for serum uric acid assay. Initial absorbance of the reaction mixture before uricase action (A(0)) was obtained by correcting the absorbance at 293 nm measured before the addition of uricase solution, and background absorbance (A(b)) was predicted by an integrated method. Uric acid concentration in reaction solution was calculated from A, the difference between A(0) and A(b), using the absorptivity preset for uric acid. This kinetic uricase method exhibited CV<4.3% and recovery of 100%. Lipids, bilirubin, hemoglobin, ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione and xanthine <0.32 mmol/L in serum had no significant effects. A linearly responded to 1.2 to 37.5 micromol/L uric acid in reaction solution containing 15 microl serum. The slope of linear response was consistent with the absorptivity preset for uric acid while the intercept was consistent with that for serum alone. Uric acid concentrations in clinic sera by different uricase methods positively correlated to each other. By Bland-Altman analysis, this kinetic uricase method accorded with that by quantifying the total change of UV absorbance on the completion of uricase reaction. These results demonstrated that this kinetic uricase method is reliable for serum uric acid assay with enhanced resistance to both xanthine and other common errors, wider range of linear response and much lower cost.

Effect of platelet-derived growth factor and lysosomes of lung injury in macaque with early-phase endotoxic shock / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To study the effect of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)and lysosomes on lung injury in macaque with early-phase endotoxie shock.Method Eleven macaques were randomly divided into two groups,namely,control group(Co group,n=5)iand endotoxic group(En group,n=6).The macaque of the Co group injected with 1 ml/kg normal saline and the macque of the En group received a dose of 2.8 mg/kg Lipopolysaccharides(LPS)i.v.The blood gas was detected at 120 minutes after LPS challenging. Uhrastructure,cytochemistry of acid phosphatase(ACPase)detection by electronic microscopy and immunohistochemical assay of PDGF were completed in hmgs of all the macaque .Results Administration of LPS did not change the parameters of gas exchange,namely,PaO_2,PaO_2/Fi and PaCO_2.In the early phase,of endotoxic shock,ACPase activity products increased and lysosome destroyed in the alveolar cells.The pathologic changes of alveolus,such as degeneration of vessel endothelium,injury of alveolar epithelium and damage of basement membrane,and transudation of blood component were observed by electron microscopy in the En group. However,no pathological changes were found in the control group.By immunohistochemical staining,PDGF on alveolar wall in the En animals was observed,whereas no PDGF protein in the Co macaques was noticed. Conclusions Administration of LPS induced the expression of PDGF in the alveolar wall and lysosome injury in the alveolar cells,as a result of alveolar damage in early-phase endotoxin shock.In the meantime,the parameters of gas exchanges did not change.The PDGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung during the early-phase of endotoxin shock.

Clinical observation on tongue acupuncture for treatment of stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe therapeutic effect of tongue acupuncture on stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and ninety cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 95 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated by tongue acupuncture combined with body acupuncture, and the control group by simple body acupuncture.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 95.8% in the observation group and 80.0% in the control group, the observation group being significantly better than the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tongue acupuncture has a better therapeutic effect on stroke.</p>

Effect of opening point method of ziwu liuzhu on myocardial ischemia in the patient of stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effect of opening point method of ziwu liuzhu on myocardial ischemia in the patient of stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty cases of stroke with myocardial ischemia were treated with opening acupoint according to time of the combination of reinforcing mother point and reducing son point of the heart channel in nazi method of ziwu liuzhu, and 30 cases in the control group were treated with acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37). Changes of electrocardiogram before and after treatment were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ST-T segment raised significantly 30 min after treatment with ziwu liuzhu needling method as compared with the control group (P < 0.05), the treatment group being better than the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Excessive and deficient changes of the qi and blood in the meridians and collaterals are correlated with time rhythm, and ziwu liuzhu needling method can increase clinical therapeutic effect.</p>