A new polyketide of endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp. ZJ-58 from Coptis chinensis / 中国中药杂志

A new polyketide, coptaspin A(1), along with two known compounds 4-acetyl-3,4-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylisocoumarin(2), and cytochalasin Z_(12)(3), was isolated from the endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp. ZJ-58, which was isolated from the genuine medicinal plant Coptis chinensis in Chongqing after solid-state fermentation on rice and silica gel, MCI, and HPLC-based separation. Their structures were elucidated by MS, NMR, IR, UV, and ECD. The newly isolated compound 1 showed moderate inhibitory activities against LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages with the IC_(50) value of 58.7 μmol·L~(-1), suggesting its potential anti-inflammatory activity.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of reported schistosomiasis cases in China based on a Bayesian interrupted time-series model / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the spatial-temporal characteristics of reported schistosomiasis cases in China from 2004 to 2017, so as to provide insights into the development of different schistosomiasis control strategies at various stages. Methods The monthly data of reported schistosomiasis cases at a provincial level of China from 2004 to 2017 were collected from the Public Health Science Data Center, and the spatial-temporal distribution of reported schistosomiasis cases was preliminarily identified using a descriptive statistical method. According to the goals at different stages proposed by the National Mid- and Long-term Program for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in China (2004—2015), a Bayesian interrupted time-series model was established to analyze the provincial reported incidence, time trend and seasonal variations of schistosomiasis in China at different stages. Results The reported schistosomiasis cases were mainly concentrated in 5 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan and 2 provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in China from 2004 to 2017, and the number of reported cases in endemic areas decreased gradually. The incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases predominantly peaked during the period from May to September in the marshland and lake regions, while no regular seasonality was seen in hilly regions. Bayesian interrupted time-series analysis showed the peak incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases in 4 provinces of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi between May and September and in Jiangsu Province from July to November; however, no regular seasonal cycle was identified in hilly regions. The number of reported schistosomiasis cases showed a tendency towards an increase in 2 provinces of Hubei and Hunan from 2008 to 2014, with a minor peak during the period between March and April, and since 2015, the seasonality was not remarkable any longer in 3 provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Jiangxi with a decline in the incidence of reported schistosomiasis cases, while the seasonality remained in Hubei Province. Conclusions The spatial-temporal characteristics of schistosomiasis in China, notably seasonality, vary at different control stages. Bayesian interrupted time-series model is effective to identify the spatial-temporal changes of schistosomiasis, and the schistosomiasis control strategy may be adjusted according to the spatial-temporal changes to improve the schistosomiasis control efficiency.

Study on promoter methylation of PCDHA13 gene and breast cancer development / 医学研究生学报

Objective The mechanisms of PCDHA13 promoter methylation in breast cancer have not yet been elucidated at present. This study was to investigate the role of PCDHA13 gene promoter methylation in the development of breast cancer.Methods The methylation state of PCDHA13 gene promoter in human breast cancer tissues was detected by MassARRAY mass spectrum methylation sequencing. 100μmol/L 5-Aza was prepared with culture medium. The ZR-75-1 cells with 60% cell confluence were added to the final concentration of 5 μmol/L(low concentration group) and 10 μmol/L(high concentration group) 5-Aza, and the control group was only added culture medium. Detection of methylation status of PCDHA13 gene promoter in human breast cancer cells by bisulfite sequencing and methylation-specific PCR, and analysis of methylation status and mRNA expression of PCDHA13 gene by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Western blot, MTT and DAPI staining were used to detect the effect of 5-Aza treatment on proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer ZR-75-1 cells.Results The methylation degree of PCDHA13 gene promoter in the 1, 4-6, 9, 10 and 11 CpG loci in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal breast group \[(0.2639±0.1575) vs (0.1612±0.1706), (0.2509±0.1377) vs (0.1688±0.0992), (0.4204±0.2087) vs (0.2621±0.1731), (0.3761±0.1407) vs (0.2824±0.1486), (0.3922±0.1294) vs (0.3072±0.1496)\], and the difference was statistically significant (P0.05). The expression of PCDHA13 mRNA of ZR-75-1 cells was loss in control group, but the expression of PCDHA13 mRNA was reversed after treated with 5-Aza, and the expression of PCDHA13 mRNA was significantly higher in high concentration group than that in low concentration group(P>0.05). After treated with 5-Aza for 24, 48 and 72 hours, the growth inhibition rates were lower in low concentration group than that in high concentration group (P>0.05). The morphology of the nuclei was basically normal and there was no apoptosis occurred in ZR-75-1 cells. But after treated with 5-Aza, some ZR-75-1 cells showed nuclear condensation, chromatin agglutination and heavy coloration.Conclusion This study showed that the low expression or loss of mRNA is associated with hypermethylation of the PCDHA13 gene promoter in breast carcinoma. The PCHDA13 gene expression can be reversed by 5-Aza in ZR-75-1 cells. The re-expression of PCHAD13 not only inhibit the proliferation of cells, but also promote apoptosis. Abnormal methylation of PCDHA13 may become a potential tumor marker for breast cancer.

Bone tissue engineering of a composite scaffold simultaneously releasing two kinds of bone morphogenetic proteins / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To prepare a 3D polymer scaffold capable of simultaneously releasing both bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-7 for osteogenic differentiation of hFOB1. 19 cells in bone tissue engineering. Methods The BMP-2 and BMP-7 microspheres of poly (glycolic acid-co-lactic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PGLA-PEG) were prepared using an emulsion method, and the 3D porous scaffold of PGLA-PEG was produced by phase separation. Then in order to obtain composite scaffold loaded with BMPs, the two microspheres were fixed into scaffolds with methylene chloride fumigation technology, and the slow-release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 was observed. The human osteoblast line cells (hFOB1. 19) were seeded on the prepared composite scaffolds for testing cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Results It was showed that the produced 3D composite scaffolds could release the BMP-2 and BMP-7 gradually. The hFOB1. 19 cells grew better on the 3D composite scaffolds than on the traditional scaffolds on day 10 of cell culture (P<0. 01), and the cells had normal morphology. The mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type- I, osteocalcin and osteopontin of cells on the 3D composite scaffolds were higher than those on the scaffold without BMPs (P<0. 05, P<0. 01). Conclusion We have successfully prepared a 3D polymer scaffold which can simultaneously release BMP-2 and BMP-7, and t may be used bone for tissue engineering.

Chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Abortiporus biennis / 中成药

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Abortiporus biennis (Bull.) Singer.METHODS The ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract from A.biennis fruiting bodies was isolated and purified by silica,Sephadex LH-20 and RP-18 column,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by spectral data.RESULTS Six compounds were isolated and identified as (22E,24R)-ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3ββ-ol (1),(22E,24R)-5α,8α-epoxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (2),cerevisterol (3),(22E,24R)-ergosta-4,6,8 (14),22-tetraen-3-one (4),1,3-dioleoyl-2-1inoleoylglycerol (5),cereboside B (6).CONCLUSION All the compounds are isolated from this fungus for the first time.

Chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Abortiporus biennis / 中成药

AIM To study the chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Abortiporus biennis (Bull.) Singer.METHODS The ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract from A.biennis fruiting bodies was isolated and purified by silica,Sephadex LH-20 and RP-18 column,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by spectral data.RESULTS Six compounds were isolated and identified as (22E,24R)-ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3ββ-ol (1),(22E,24R)-5α,8α-epoxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (2),cerevisterol (3),(22E,24R)-ergosta-4,6,8 (14),22-tetraen-3-one (4),1,3-dioleoyl-2-1inoleoylglycerol (5),cereboside B (6).CONCLUSION All the compounds are isolated from this fungus for the first time.

Effect and mechanism of total flavone of epimedium on primary callus formation in ovariectomized rats with fractures / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects and related mechanisms of total flavone of epimedium treatment(TFE)on primary callus for mation in ovariectomized rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty male SD rats weighted from 209 to 246 g and aged 6 to 8 weeks were selected. Six weeks after ovariectomy a femur fracture model with middiaphyseal segment fracture was established, estimated and randomly divided into TFE group (150 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and control group(received saline). HE staining was used to evaluate the morphologic difference of primary callus during the bone callus healing between these two groups. The relative expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2) mRNA in the callus was identified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the Casein kinase 2-interacting protein 1(CKIP-1) protein level in the callus of the two groups. Maximum fracture load was tested by three point bend test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BMD, primary callus volume, trabecular member(Tb.N) and trabecular thickness(Tb.Th) were higher in TFE group than that in control group(<0.001). The Tb.N and Tb.Th of primary callus were higher in TFE group than control group (=0.001). The volume and bone volume/tissue volume of primary callus were in TFE group than control group(<0.01). The trabecular separation(Tb.Sp) of primary callus were in control group higher than TFE group(<0.01). The HE staining of the 6 week slices showed that the degree of cartilage ossification in callus of the TFE group was significantly higher than that in control group under high magnification. Real-time PCR revealed that the comparative expression of Runx2 mRNA in control group was higher than that in TFE group(<0.001); the positive number of CKIP-1 was less in TFE group than that in control group (<0.001). TFE could increase the maximum load of the primary callus (<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TFE can promote the cartiage ossification of callus in ovariectomized rats, enhancing the bone strength and bone quality in the process of fracture healing via the CKIP-1/Runx2 pathway.</p>

Identification of human serum protein targets of Qianggu Decoction () in primary type I osteoporosis based on tandem mass tag labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the serum protein targets of Qianggu Decoction (, QGD) on treating osteoporosis by the proteomics analysis using tandem mass tag (TMT) and liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty serum protein samples were recruited (10 patients with primary type I osteoporosis before and after QGD treatment) and the high abundance ratios protein was removed, two serum samples were extracted and labeled with TMT reagent. Then, mass spectrometric detection, identification of differentially expressed proteins and bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins were carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 60 proteins were identified, within a 99% confidence interval, to be differentially regulated of which, 34 proteins were up-regulated and 26 proteins were down-regulated. Differentially expressed proteins analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation mainly get involved in 12 different biological processes, 7 types of cellular components, and 6 kinds of molecular functions. Angiotensinogen (AGT), stromelysin-1 (MMP3), heparanase (HPSE) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were screened as candidate protein targets of QGD treatment, which were related to metabolic mechanism of bone remodeling and/or bone collagen of osteoporosis. By the utilization of the protein-protein interaction network analysis tool named STRING10.0, it showed that AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH were located in the key node of the protein-protein interactions network. Furthermore, AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH were found to be directly related to BMP, MAPK, Wnt, SMAD and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11) families.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The proteomics analysis by using TMT combined with LC-MS/MS was a feasible method for screening the potential therapeutic targets associated with QGD treatment. It suggests that AGT, MMP3, HPSE and GAPDH may be candidate protein targets of QGD treatment which can be used as therapeutic effect monitor and early diagnosis of primary type I osteoporosis.</p>

Tranilast inhibits myocardial fibrosis in mice with viral myocarditis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of tranilast on myocardial fibrosis in mice with viral myocarditis (VMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male balb/c mice (n=72) were randomly divided into control, VMC and tranilast groups (n=24 each). In the VMC and tranilast groups, the mice were infected with Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) to prepare VMC model, while the control group was treated with Eagle's medium. After modeling, the tranilast group was administrated with tranilast [200 mg/(kg.d)] until the day before sampling. On days 7, 14 and 28 after CVB3 or Eagle's medium infection, heart specimens (n=8) were taken and examined after Toluidine blue staining and Nissl staining for counts of mast cells (MC), hematoxylin-eosin staining for myocardial pathological changes, and Masson staining for myocardial fibrosis. The expression of CTGF and type I collagen (Col I) in the myocardial tissue was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. The correlations of CTGF mRNA expression with MC counts and Col I expression were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The myocardial pathological changes and collagen volume fraction in the VMC group were significantly higher than in the control group at all three time points (P<0.05). Tranilast treatment significantly decreased the myocardial pathological changes and collagen volume fraction compared with the VMC group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CTGF and Col I increased in the VMC group compared with the control group, and the increases were reduced with tranilast treatment (P<0.05). The number of MC was positively correlated to CTGF mRNA expression on the 7th day and 14th day (r=0.439, P=0.049) in the VMC group. There were positive correlations between the mRNA expression of Col I and CTGF on the 7th day and 14th day (r=0.646, P=0.007) and the 28th day (r=0.326, P=0.031).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tranilast may inhibit the aggregation of MC and down-regulate the expression of CTGF, relieving myocardial fibrosis of mice with VMC.</p>

Effects of Qizhi Jiangtang capsule on protein expressions of InsR, PI3K, GLUT2 and p-JNK in hepatic tissues of rats with type 2 diabetes / 中国中药杂志

To observe the hypoglycemic effect of Qizhi Jiangtang capsule in rats with type 2 diabetes, and investigate the preliminary mechanism of its hypoglycemic effect, type 2 diabetes rat models were established by high glucose and high fat combined with small dose of streptozotocin (STZ). After continuous administration for 6 weeks, blood glucose, and glycosylated serum protein (GSP) levels were detected in all of the animals; immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the number of islet β cells; Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of insulin receptor (InsR), phosphoinositide-3 kinases (PI3K), glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) and phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK)in hepatic tissues. The results showed that Qizhi Jiangtang capsule could reduce the blood sugar and GSP levels in serum in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, increase the level of insulin in serum and number of islet β cells, increase the protein expression levels of InsR, PI3K and GLUT2, and reduce the level of p-JNK protein expression. In conclusion, Qizhi Jiangtang capsule has relatively stable hypoglycemic effect, and the mechanism may be associated with increasing the number of islet β cells and level of insulin in serum, up-regulating the protein expression levels of InsR, PI3K and GLUT2, down-regulating the level of p-JNK protein expression in hepatic tissues, and reducing the level of insulin in hepatic tissues.

Effect of reactive oxygen species induced by paraquat on neutrophil apoptosis / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of paraquat (PQ) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil apoptosis and its possible signal transduction pathways.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured neutrophils were treated with different concentrations of PQ for 6-24 h. The apoptosis rate of neutrophils and ROS content were determined by flow cytometry. The exoressions of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Caspase 3 were detected by Western blot. These parameters were checked again after NF-κB and Caspase 3 antagonist were applied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PQ could boost ROS generation and depress neutrophil apoptosis significantly. At the same time PQ could enhance the expression of NF-κB and inhibit the expression of Caspase 3. These effects could be reversed by ROS inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PQ is a potent inducer of ROS and can inhibit neutrophil apoptosis by activating NF-κB and surpressing Caspase 3 activity.</p>

Effect of tranilast on myocardial fibrosis in mice with viral myocarditis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the role of tranilast in the pathogenesis of myocardiac fibrosis in viral myocarditis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control, model and intervention groups (n=24 each). Mice in the model and intervention groups were infected with Coxsackievirus B3 to induce viral myocarditis. The intervention group was given with tranilast (200 mg/kg) by gavage until sacrifice for sampling, while the other two groups were administered with the same volume of normal saline. Cardiac tissues were obtained from 8 mice on 7, 14 and 28 days after modeling. The mast cell number was observed by toluidine blue staining and thionine staining. The cardiac tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as masson trichrome to observe the pathological changes in cardiac tissues. The mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin and transforming growth factor-β1 was measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin reached the highest level on the 7th day, decreasing from the 14th day, and became to the least on the 28th day; while the expression of TGF-β1 increased from the 7th day, reaching a peak on the 14th day, and decreased slightly on the 28th day. The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and OPN was lower in the intervention group than the model group (P<0.05), but higher than the control group (P<0.05). The expression of OPN mRNA was positively correlated to the number of mast cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tranilast can reduce myocardial fibrosis by decreasing the number of mast cells, inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 and OPN.</p>

Roles of cardiac mast cells and Toll-like receptor 4 in viral myocarditis among mice / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role and significance of cardiac mast cells and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the development and progression of viral myocarditis (VMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight Balb/c mice were randomly divided into a control group (n=24) and a model group (n=24). Coxsackievirus B3 was intraperitoneally injected into the model group mice to establish a VMC model. In each group, cardiac tissues were collected from 8 mice at 7, 14 and 28 days after the model was established. The cardiac tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson trichrome to observe pathological changes in cardiac tissues. The number and degranulation of cardiac mast cells at each time point were measured and evaluated by toluidine blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 in cardiac tissues was measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. In the model group, the correlation between number of cardiac mast cells and mRNA expression of TLR4 at all time points was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The model group had significantly higher pathological scores of cardiac tissues than the control group at all time points (P<0.05). The myocardial collagen volume fraction in the model group at 28 days was significantly higher than in the control group at all time points and higher than in the model group at 7 and 14 days (P<0.05). At each time point, the model group had a significantly increased number of mast cells (P<0.05), and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 (P<0.05) compared with the control group. In the model group, the number of cardiac mast cells was positively correlated with the mRNA expression of TLR4 at all time points (R<suP>2</suP>=0.877, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mice with VMC have significantly increased numbers of cardiac mast cells and expression of TLR4 compared with control mice at all time points, suggesting that mast cells and TLR4 may play important roles in the inflammatory response and fibrosis of VMC.</p>

Constituents of the anti-asthma herbal formula ASHMI(TM) synergistically inhibit IL-4 and IL-5 secretion by murine Th2 memory cells, and eotaxin by human lung fibroblasts in vitro / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI(TM)), a combination of three traditional Chinese medicinal herbs developed in our laboratory, has demonstrated efficacy in both mouse models of allergic asthma, and a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with asthma. This study was designed to determine if the anti-inflammatory effects of individual herbal constituents of ASHMI(TM) exhibited synergy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Effects of ASHMI and its components aqueous extracts of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Kushen (Sophora flavescens) and Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), on Th2 cytokine secretion by murine memory Th2 cells (D10.G4.1) and eotaxin-1 secretion by human lung fibroblast (HLF-1) cells were determined by measuring levels in culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Potential synergistic effects were determined by computing interaction indices from concentration-effect curve parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Individual Lingzhi, Kushen and Gancao extracts and ASHMI (the combination of individual extracts) inhibited production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 by murine memory Th2 cells and eotaxin-1 production by HLF-1 cells. The mean 25%-inhibitory-concentration (IC25) values (mg/mL) for ASHMI, Lingzhi, Kushen and Gancao for IL-4 production were 30.9, 79.4, 123, and 64.6, respectively; for IL-5 production were 30.2, 263, 123.2 and 100, respectively; for eotaxin-1 were 13.2, 16.2, 30.2, and 25.1, respectively. The IC50 values (mg/mL) for ASHMI, Lingzhi, Kushen and Gancao for IL-4 production were 158.5, 239.9, 446.7, and 281.8, respectively; for eotaxin-1 were 38.1, 33.1, 100, and 158.5, respectively. The interaction indices of ASHMI constituents at IC25 were 0.35 for IL-4, 0.21 for IL-5 and 0.59 for eotaxin-1. The interaction indices at IC50 values were 0.50 for IL-4 and 0.62 for eotaxin-1 inhibition. Inhibition of IL-5 did not reach IC50 values. All interaction indices were below 1 which indicated synergy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>By comparing the interaction index values, we find that constituents in ASHMI(TM) synergistically inhibited eotaxin-1 production as well as Th2 cytokine production.</p>

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the technique and outcomes of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and evaluate the efficacy of the urinary reservoir constructed with ileum in patients with invasive bladder cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2005 - 2010, A total of 11 patients with bladder cancer were enrolled in this study. Laparoscopy was performed with 5 trocars. Urodynamic examination was performed, the function of upper urinary tract was tested, and complications were evaluated in all the eleven cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean operation time was 420 minutes (ranged 350 to 490 min) and mean blood loss was 410 ml (ranged 300 to 700 ml). Ten of the 11 patients had complete continence, and one case had incontinence. The average flow rate was 11.5 ml/s. The first pressure of the reservoir was 29 cm H2O, and the maximum pressure was 36 cm H2O. The average capacity was 162 ml and 410 ml, respectively. The outlet pressure was 49 cm H2O. The volume of residual urine was 0 - 35 ml. No evidence of ureteral reflux was noted.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a promising method for the treatment of bladder cancer. Orthotopic ileal neobladder is considered as an ideal form of urinary diversion characterized with low pressure, larger capacity and continence.</p>

Coexistence of fatal disseminated invasive aspergillosis and pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report

To report an unusual case of disseminated aspergillosis involving the lymph nodes, lungs, and skin in a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum [PG] and myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]. A 46-year-old man presented with productive cough of 2 week's duration. Besides, several painless, fixed lymph nodes were palpated at his left neck. He had PG and MDS diagnosed in June 2004 with regular use of oral dapsone and prednisolone. His skin lesions healed with scar formation and no purulent discharge. A compute tomography scan of the head, neck and chest showed bilateral lung consolidation and abscesses at the left neck, right upper lung and right pleura. The neck abscess culture grew Aspergillus species. Dark reddish macules developed over the right arm, chest and abdominal wall, and the left lower limb 2 weeks after the initiation of amphotericin B. The histology of the right arm, chest and abdominal wall, and the left lower limb 2 weeks after initiation of amphotericin B. The histology of the right arm skin biopsy showed invasive aspergillosis. Caspofungin was started then for suspicion of poor response to amphotericin B. He expired despite 35 days of antifungal therapy. This report highlights the rarity of coexistence of disseminated aspergillosis and PG, and should alert physicians to the possibility of invasive fungal infection superimposed on a chronic skin lesion

Clinical effect of chaipo granule combined with routine treatment on refractory asthma / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Chaipo Granule (CPG) combined with routine treatment on refractory asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patient with refractory asthma were assigned equally in a double-blind, randomized way to the treatment group and the control group. Routine treatment (including regular inhalation of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate 50/250 microg, and if necessary, inhalation of salbutamol + ipratropium bromide) were given to all patients. CPG (3 pouches every time, twice a day) were administered to the treatment group in addition, while to the control group, placebo with similar appearance in equal volume was given. The therapeutic course for all was 24 weeks. Asthma control test (ACT) scoring and lung function tests (FEV1 and PEF) were performed before treatment and at the end of the 4th, 12th and 24th week; daily records of asthma, dose of hormone used, withdrawal reaction and adverse reaction occurred were monitored, and serum levels of cortisol, total IgE and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma) were measured before treatment and at terminating the 24-week treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Symptoms and lung function were significantly improved after treatment in both groups, but the improvements were better in the treatment group than the control group at all time points, the difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-5, IL-13, total IgE decreased, IFN-gamma and Cor increased in all patients after 24-week treatment, but the improvements in the treatment group was more significant, with statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05); the mean hormone withdrawal time in the treatment group was (14.6 +/- 5.1) days, with the incidence of systemic withdrawal reactions of 20%, while those in the control group was (22.1 +/- 6.8) days and 36.7% correspondingly, the difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, one patient in the treatment group quit the trial due to a severe seizure of asthma. No obvious treatment-related side effects appeared in the treatment group, except that 3 patients suffered from slight abdominal pain.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CPG could improve the clinical symptoms and lung function, facilitate to Th1/Th2 balance and enhance the secretion of adrenal cortex. It is an effective and safe Chinese herbal remedy for treatment of refractory asthma.</p>

Effects of dihydroxy-stilbene compound Vam3 on airway inflammation, expression of ICAM-1, activities of NF-kappaB and MMP-9 in asthmatic mice / 药学学报

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Vam3 which is one of the dihydroxystilbene compounds on expressions of ICAM-1 in the lungs of OVA-induced asthmatic mice and the mechanisms of anti-airway inflammation. Balb/c mice were challenged with OVA inhalation. Lung tissues were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic examination. The expression of ICAM-1 in the lungs of mice was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry method. The NF-kappaB activities were detected by NF-kappaB-luc reporter genetic transient transfection method. The activities of MMP-9 induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA in THP-1 cells were determined by gelatin zymography method. The results showed that Vam3 could inhibit the expression of ICAM-1 in the OVA-induced mouse model. In addition, Vam3 could significantly suppress the activities of NF-kappaB in A549 cells and MMP-9 in THP-1 cells induced by LPS, TNF-alpha and PMA. These results suggested that Vam3 could alleviate the asthmatic inflammation by decreasing ICAM-1 expression in asthmatic mice, down regulating NF-kappaB and MMP-9 activities. Compound Vam3 showed inhibitory effects on inflammatory signal pathways involved in asthma.

Effect of atorvastatin on ACE2 expression in pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mRNA and its protein in hypertrophic myocardium in rats.@*METHODS@#Suprarenal abdominal aortic coarctation was performed to create the pressure overload induced left ventricular hypertrophy model in rats.@*RESULTS@#Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) normal control group (Group A); (2) normal control group treated with atorvastatin [(5 mg/(kg.dd), Group B]; (3) sham group (Group C); (4) atorvastatin given orally by gastric gavage for 4 weeks [5 mg/(kg.dd),Group D]; (5) vehicle group (Group E). Stained pathological section was observed under light microscope to measure cardiomyocyte diameter transversa and collagen volume fraction. ACE2 mRNA and its protein expression were detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Compared with Group A,B, and C, the left ventricular mass index, cardiomyocyte diameter transversa and collagen volume fraction in Group E increased statistically (P< 0.01), ACE2 mRNA and its protein expression also elevated remarkably (P< 0.01). Compared with Group E, the above mentioned indexes in Group D reduced significantly (P< 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#ACE2 mRNA and its protein expression increase significantly in hypertrophic myocardium in rats; atorvastatin can attenuate cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure overload in rats effectively, and part of this anti-hypertrophy effect may be attributed to decrease ACE2 mRNA and protein expression.

Effect of fumigation therapy with yinxieling on T-bet and GATA-3 protein expression in the peripheral blood monocyte of patients with psoriasis vulgaris / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of fumigating with Yinxieling (YXL) in treating patients with psoriasis vulgaris and its influence on T-bet and GATA-3 protein expressions in peripheral blood monocyte (PBMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Western blot method was employed to detect the T-bet and GATA-3 protein expressions in PBMC of 30 psoriasis vulgaris patients before and after they received fumigation therapy with YXL, also in 25 healthy persons for controls. The therapeutic efficacy was observed and the relationship between PASI scores and levels of T-bet and GATA-3 analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, 12 out of the 30 patients were cured, 9 were markedly effective, 8 effective and 1 unchanged, the cure rate being 40.0% and the effective rate 96.7%. Level of T-bet expression in PBMC of patients was 1.7917 +/- 0.3840, which was higher than that of healthy persons (0.8860 +/- 0.1486, P < 0.01), but the GATA3 expression was lower than that in control (0.8777 +/- 0.3114 vs. 1.2384 +/- 0.1783, P < 0.01). However, the two indexes were restored after fumigation to 1.3410 +/- 0.3642 and 1.0883 +/- 0.2435 respectively, showing significant difference to those before fumigation (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that PASI score was positively correlated with level of T-bet expression (r = 0.7448, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with level of GATA-3 expression (r = -0.8291, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fumigation therapy is effective in treating psoriasis vulgaris, its mechanism is possibly by way of modulating the equilibrium of the transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 protein expressions in PBMC, and rectifying the immune abnormality of Th1/Th2 subsets imbalance.</p>