Analysis of bacterial spectrum and variability of drug resistance of bile in patients with common bile duct stones and biliary tract infections / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To analyze the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in bile culture in patients with common bile duct stones and biliary tract infections, in order to guide clinical optimization of antibiotics application.Methods:From March 30, 2017 to December 31, 2021, at Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 753 patients with common bile duct stones and biliary tract infections and received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were selected. Bile samples were obtained for bacterial culture, strain type identification and drug sensitivity test in order to analyze bile pathogenic bacteria distribution, change trend and drug resistance. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:From 2017 to 2021, the total positive rate of bile culture in 753 patients with choledocholithiasis complicated with biliary tract infection was 90.17% (679/753). From 2017 to 2021, the positive rates of bile culture were 82.05% (64/78), 88.81% (119/134), 88.03% (125/142), 93.87% (199/212), and 91.98% (172/187), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=10.78, P=0.029). The positive rate of bile culture in 2017 was lower than those in 2020 and 2021, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=9.43 and 5.57, P=0.002 and 0.018). There were no significant differences in the positive rates of bile culture among the other years (all P>0.05). A total of 1 033 pathogenic bacteria were detected in the 679 bile specimens with positive bile culture results. Among which the total proportion of Gram-negative bacilli was 57.02% (589/1 033), and from 2017 to 2021 the proportions were 66.38% (77/116), 66.47% (111/167), 59.43% (104/175), 54.75% (173/316), and 47.88% (124/259), respectively. The total proportion of Gram-positive cocci was 41.05% (424/1 033), and from 2017 to 2021 the proportions were 31.90% (37/116), 31.74% (53/167), 38.86% (68/175), 44.30% (140/316), and 48.65% (126/259), respectively. The total proportion of fungus was 1.94% (20/1 033), and from 2017 to 2021 the proportions were 1.72% (2/116), 1.80% (3/167), 1.71% (3/175), 0.95% (3/316), and 3.47% (9/259), respectively. From 2017 to 2021, the proportion of Gram-negative bacilli gradually decreased, while the proportion of Gram-positive cocci gradually increased, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=20.14 and 17.91, P<0.001 and =0.001). From 2017 to 2021, the change in the proportion of fungus was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The main Gram-negative bacilli in the bile culture were Escherichia coli (31.36%, 324/1 033) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.68%, 131/1 033); the main Gram-positive cocci were Enterococcus faecalis (14.04%, 145/1 033) and Streptococcus salivarius (4.36%, 45/1 033). From 2017 to 2021, the proportions of Escherichia coli were 39.66% (46/116), 38.92% (65/167), 33.14% (58/175), 28.48% (90/316), and 25.10% (65/259), respectively, with gradual decrease and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=14.34, P=0.006). From 2017 to 2021 the detection rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 30.43% (14/46), 26.15% (17/65), 29.31% (17/58), 38.89% (35/90), 40.00% (26/65), and 4/15, 20.00% (5/25), 20% (5/25), 24.32% (9/37), and 31.03% (9/29), and there were no significant differences in the detection rates of ESBL between different years (both P>0.05). Conclusions:From 2017 to 2021, the positive rate of bile culture in patients with choledocholithiasis complicated with biliary tract infection showed an overall increasing trend. Gram-negative bacilli were still dominated in bile pathogenic bacteria, while the proportion of Gram-positive cocci remarkably increased, and the bile bacterial spectrum significantly changed. Clinicians should adjust the antibiotic dosing regimens according to the variation of bacterial spectrum and drug resistance.

The value of MR amide proton transfer weighted imaging technique in predicting the pathological grade of brainstem glioma / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application value of MR amide proton transfer weighted imaging (APTWI) in predicting the pathological grade of brainstem glioma (BSG).Methods:The data of 41 BSG patients in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from August 2019 to June 2020 who underwent both MRI and APTWI 2 weeks before surgery and had pathological grading results were retrospectively analyzed. According to the pathological results, 41 patients were classified into high-grade BSG (20 patients) and low-grade BSG (21 patients). Combined with conventional MR images, the signal intensity (%) of amide proton transfer (APT) in the parenchymal area of the tumor was obtained on APTWI images. χ 2 test or independent sample t-test was used to analyze the differences in gender distribution, age and APT signal intensity between patients with high and low grade BSG. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to predict the efficacy of APT signal intensity in the differential diagnosis of high and low grade BSG, and Youden index was calculated to obtain the optimal diagnostic threshold; the predictive ability of APT signal intensity was analyzed in combination with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Results:There was no significant difference in age [(23±18) years, (20±17) years, t=0.97, P=0.340] and gender distribution (9/11, 9/12 for males/females, χ 2=0.02, P=0.890) between high-grade and low-grade BSG patients. The APT signal intensity of high-grade BSG [(3.9±0.9)%] was significantly higher than that of low-grade BSG [(2.8±0.9)%], and the difference had statistical significance ( t=4.16, P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve of APT signal intensity to distinguish high-grade and low grade BSG was 0.836, and with 2.85% as the optimal diagnostic threshold of APT signal intensity, its sensitivity for the diagnosis of high-grade BSG was 90.0% and specificity was 71.4%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that APTWI had a good predictive ability for BSG grade (χ 2=13.33, P=0.101). Conclusion:APTWI can be applied in distinguishing high grade BSG from low grade BSG, and has clinical value in predicting glioma grading.

Spatial clustering and dynamic change of mumps in Hubei Province in 2010-2020 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore spatial clustering of mumps in Hubei Province during 2010-2020, and to provide evidence for mumps prevention and control. Methods The surveillance data of mumps during 2010-2020 in Hubei Province was obtained from the national infectious diseases reporting information system. Trend surface analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis of mumps incidences at county/district levels were performed using ArcGIS10.5 software. Results Mumps incidence rates in Hubei Province during 2010-2018 ranged from 8.70 per 100 000 to 44.99 per 100 000. The trend surface analysis showed that mumps incidences gradually decreased from west to east, and was low in the middle and high at the north-south direction. Global spatial autocorrelation showed that there were positive spatial correlations in every year except 2012 and 2014 (Morans I> 0, P <0.05). Local autocorrelation analysis showed that the hotspots of mumps incidences varied every year from 2010 to 2020. Conclusions According to the spatial analysis, mumps incidences had obvious spatial clustering in Hubei Province. The hotspots were mainly concentrated in the northwestern region of Hubei, but the hot spots also extended to the urban areas of eastern, central and northern Hubei. It is necessary to take appropriate prevention and control measures in the high-incidence areas.

Clinical effect of red blood cells transfusion on newborns with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the risk factors related to the number of RBCs transfusion in neonates with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), and to explore the complications and the predictive indicators related to the increase of RBCs transfusion frequency. 【Methods】 NRDS newborns admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected and divided into three groups according to the number of RBCs transfusion, namely, non-transfusion group, 1~ 2 times group, and ≥3 times group. The clinical data and complications of the three groups were compared, and the risk factors leading to the increase of the number of blood transfusion were analyzed. 【Results】 Such factors as maternal age ≥35 years old, gestational age, birth weight, hemoglobin(Hb) at admission, non-invasive ventilation time, hospitalization time in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU), total enteral feeding time affected the blood transfusion frequency of the three groups(χ2=14.24, F=28.44, 41.70, 60.05, 3.83, 5.97, 4.40, P<0.05). The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), septicemia and feeding intolerance in blood transfusion ≥3 times group was significantly higher than that in 1~2 times group and non-transfusion group (χ2=19.30, 18.68, 6.98, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that birth weight, Hb at admission, length of stay in NICU and time of reaching total enteral feeding were independent risk factors for≥ 3 times of blood transfusion (OR=-3.942, -0.186, 0.530, 0.324, P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that birth weight and Hb at admission were effective in predicting blood transfusion ≥3 times, and the area under the ROC curve were 0.846 and 0.802, respectively, and the truncation values were 2.315 kg and 157.5 g/L. 【Conclusion】 Feeding intolerance, NEC and septicemia are the complications of the increased transfusion frequency in children with NRDS, and birth weight and hemoglobin at admission are effective in predicting blood transfusion ≥ 3 times.

Epidemiological characteristics and trend prediction of scarlet fever in Hubei Province from 2010 to 2018 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To provide reference for formulating scarlet fever prevention and control strategies by analyzing the epidemiological characteristics and predicting the incidence trend of scarlet fever. Methods Spearman correlation analysis, clustering analysis, seasonal index model and seasonal ARIMA model were used for analysis and prediction. Results The average annual incidence of scarlet fever in 2010-2018 was 1.37/100 000, and there was a positive correlation between annual incidence and year (rs=0.817,P=0.007). April-June and November-December were high incidence months. The clustering analysis was significant(F=4795.30，P<0.001), showing that the high-incidence areas are Shennongjia, Yichang, Enshi, Wuhan. Reported cases were concentrated in 1-14 years old, mainly for students, child care children and scattered children. The incidence rate of males was higher than that of females. The optimal model is ARIMA(0,1,1)(0,1,0)12. The prediction showed that the monthly incidence characteristics of 2019 were consistent with previous years, and the annual incidence rate was 10.22/100 000(95% CI:2.33/100 000-30.43/100 000), which was higher than the incidence of 2018. Conclusions The incidence of scarlet fever in Hubei Province is generally on the rise from 2010 to 2018. The incidence is bimodal. Students are the main disease group. The incidence rate of males is higher. The incidence is mainly concentrated in the mountainous areas of southwest and capital cities. The ARIMA model has a good applicability in the prediction of scarlet fever. The incidence level will continue to rise in 2019, and it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and control measures with reference to epidemiological characteristics.

Reflection on the management of infectious disease information reporting during the COVID-19 outbreak / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective Summarize the characteristics of infectious disease reporting management, reflect on the exposed problems, and make reference suggestions under the situation of COVID-19. Methods In-depth analysis through literature research and practical demonstration. Results The functions of each department, organic integration, unified management, communication from top to bottom, upgrade and perfection, and information sharing can give full play to the early warning role of infectious disease surveillance. Conclusion The infectious disease reporting management system should be perfected and upgraded from top to bottom and from the inside out.

Comparative study of ARIMA model and seasonal index model in the prediction of mumps in Hubei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To establish an ARIMA model and a seasonal index model to predict the trend of mumps, compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two models, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mumps. Methods ARIMA model and seasonal index model were established based on the monthly incidence of mumps in Hubei Province from 2008 to 2019. Results The average annual incidence rate from 2008 to 2019 was 28.89 / 100,000. April-July was the month of high incidence. The established ARIMA model and seasonal index model were （1-1.070B+0.441B2-0.291B3）*（1-B12）*Xt=（1-0.611B12）*Ɛt and Xt=（2.802-0.006t）*St. The average relative errors of the ARIMA model and the seasonal index model were 11.49% and 20.86%, respectively. Conclusion The ARIMA model and the seasonal index model both have good applicability in predicting the onset time characteristics and trend of mumps. However, while the ARIMA model demonstrated more advantages in fitting the annual change trend, the seasonal index model is better in fitting the monthly change trend. The two models can be used in combination to predict the trend of mumps.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Inhibits Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction in Rats Through Regulating ATF3/MAP2K3/p38 MAPK and NF κ B Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) exhibits heart protective effect in myocardial infarction (MI) rats and to identify the potential signaling pathways involved.@*METHODS@#MI rats induced by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery were assigned to sham coronary artery ligation or coronary artery ligation. Totally 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (distilled water, n=9), MI group (distilled water, n=9), PNS group (PNS, 40 mg/kg daily, n=9) and fosinopril group (FIP, 1.2 mg/kg daily, n=9) according to a random number table. The left ventricular morphology and function were conducted by echocardiography. Histological alterations were evaluated by the stainings of HE and Masson. The serum levels of C reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and the ratio of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1) were determined by ELISA. The levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), collagen I, nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NFκB p65), phosphorylation of NFκB p65 (p-NFκB p65), and phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa Bα (p-Iκ Bα) in hearts were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.@*RESULTS@#PNS improved cardiac function and fibrosis in MI rats (P<0.05). The serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, GDF-15 and the ratio of MMP9/TIMP1 were reversed by PNS in MI rats. The expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, MAP2K3, p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, NFκB p65, p-NFκB p65, and p-IκBα were down-regulated, while ATF3 increased with the treatment of PNS (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PNS may improve cardiac function and fibrosis in MI rats via regulating ATF3/MAP2K3/p38 MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways. These results suggest the potential of PNS in preventing the development of ventricular remodeling in MI rats.

Characteristics and influencing factors analysis of depressive symptoms among only-child-lost-persons / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the characteristics and influencing factors of depressive symptoms among the only-child-lost persons.Methods A total of 841 only-child-lost persons and 674 controls conforming to entering group condition were selected.The difference of SDS score between the two groups and the demographic characteristics distribution differences of depression severity in only-child-lost persons were compared and the influencing factors were analyzed.Results The SDS score had statistical difference between the only-child-lost persons group and control group(P＜0.05),and was correlated to the only-child-lost years and no physical disease;the proportion of mild to moderate depression in the only-child-lost persons of the low cultural level,somatic diseases and middle income level groups was significantly higher than that in the other groups;the only-child-lost persons with low income level,age≤60 years old and high educational level had a higher proportion of severe depression;the Logistic regression analysis showed that the educational level had a significant influence on the depression onset among the only-child-lost persons,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The characteristics of depressive symptoms among the only-child-lost persons are related to their demographic characteristics.

The effect of miR-155 on HBV replication and PTEN expression in vivo / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To construct the mmu-miR-155 eukaryotic overexpression vector pmR-155 and to investigate its effect on HBV replication and expression of PTEN in vivo.@*Methods@#The mmu-mir-146a precursor gene fragment pre-mmu-mir-146a was amplified by PCR, then connected to the pmR-mCherry plasmid vector after double enzyme digestion, the accuracy of recombinant vector was verified by colony PCR、double enzyme digestion and sequencing; then the recombinant vector was transfected HBV transgene mice(Experimental Group)with hydrodynamics-based injection via vena caudalis, and pmR-mCherry plasmid、PBS were respectively transfected into the mice as Empty plasmid Group、Blank Group. The concentration of IFN-γ in the serum was detected by ELISA. The expression of SOCS1、PTEN mRNA in the liver was detected by qPCR at 30d post-transfectioned. The Western blot was performed to detect the changes in SOCS1、PTEN、HBX in the liver tissue at 30 d post-transfectioned. The results were analyzed with Student’s t-test, or one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference test.@*Results@#the colony PCR、double enzyme digestion and sequencing verified that the gene was inserted into the pmR-mCherry vector. Compared with Blank Group, the expression of miR-155 in the Experimental Group was significantly increased(t = 8.90, P < 0.01); the concentration of IFN-γ in the Experimental Group was significantly increased(F = 26.58, P < 0.01); the mRNA(FSOCS1 mRNA = 19.72, P < 0.01; FPTEN mRNA = 7.38, P < 0.05) and protein(FSOCS1 = 50.30, P < 0.01; FPTEN = 129.00, P < 0.01) expression of COCS1、PTEN was significantly decreased in the Experimental group and the protein of HBX was also significantly(FHBX = 77.97, P < 0.01).@*Conclusion@#The pmR-155 eukaryotic overexpression vector is successfully constructed, this recombinant vector can express miR-155 stably; miR-155 can down-regulate cocs1、PTEN gene expression and up-regulate the expression of IFN-γ, it can inhibit the replication of HBV and a potential targets to treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of miR-146a on c-Myc gene expression in HepG2.2.15 cells / 重庆医学

Objective To construct the has-miR 146a eukaryotic overexpression vector pmR 146a and to explore its effect on the expression of c-Myc gene in HepG2.2.15 cells.Methods The has-miR-146a precursor gene fragment pre-has-miR-146a was amplified by PCR,then connected to the pmR-mCherry plasmid vector after double enzyme digestion,the accuracy of recombinant vector was verified by colony PCR,double enzyme digestion and sequencing;then the recombinant vector was transfected into HepG2.2.15 cells as the experimental group,meanwhile the empty vector group (transfecting pmR-mCherry empty plasmid group) and blank group(transfecting reagent lip2000+PBS),then the fluorescent protein expression amount was observed under the fluorescence microscopy at 24,48 h;the expression of has miR-146a was evaluated by qPCR;at 24,48 h after transfection,the expression levels of c-Myc gene mRNA were detected by qPCR,and the c-Myc protein expression level after 48 h was detected by Western blot.Results The colony PCR,double enzyme digestion and sequencing verified that the pre-has-miR-146a gene fragment was inserted into the pmR-mCherry vector;at 24,48 h after transfection in the experimental group and empty vector group,intracellular strong fluorescence was seen by fluorescent microscope,the transfection efficiency was at 50％-60％ contrasting without fluorescence;the has-miR-146a expression level in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the empty vector group and blank group (P＜0.01);the c-Myc mRNA expression at 24,48 h after tranfection was significantly lower than that in the empty vector group and blank group (P＜0.05);the protein expression amount at 48 h after transfection was lower than that in the empty vector group and blank group (P＜0.01).Conclusion The pmR-146a eukaryotic overexpression vector is successfully constructed,this recombinant vector can express miR-146a stably;miR-146a can down-regulate c-Myc cancer gene expression,which can serve as one of potential targets for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Comparative study on living quality and mental health status in losing-single-child family couples / 重庆医学

Objective To study the living quality and mental health status in losing-single-child family couples .Methods A total of 841 losing-single-child family couples and 674 family couples with children alive conforming to the entering group condition were random sampled from the three districts of Chongqing main city .The on-site survey was performed by using the general condi-tion questionnaire ,90 Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) ,Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS ) ,Self- rating Depression Scale (SDS ) ,Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) ,Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH) and WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) Chinese version .Results There were no differences in gender ,age and culture between the losing-single-child family couples group and family couples with children alive group (P>0 .05);the SCL-90 total score and each factor score , SAS and SDS score in the losing-single-child family couples group were significantly higher than those in family couples with chil-dren alive group(P<0 .05) ,the SSRS score ,MUNSH score and WHOQOL-BREF Chinese version evaluation score were signifi-cantly lower than those in the family couples with children alive group(P<0 .05);the multivariate regression analysis showed that the four regression equations in the social relation field ,environment field ,depression factors and total happiness had statistical sig-nificance (P<0 .05) .Conclusion The living quality ,mental health status and subjective well-being in the losing-single-child family couples are significantly affected ,timely psychological crisis intervention and persistent psychological support and mental health ed-ucation should be give them to improve their psychological health status ,increase the living quality and subjective well-being .

Construction of human microRNA-21 eukaryotic overexpression vector and its up-regulation of c-myc gene expression in HepG2 .2 .15 cells / 重庆医学

Objective To construct the miRNA‐21 eukaryotic overexpression vector pmR‐21 and to explore its regulation effect on the expression of c‐myc gene in HepG2 .2 .15 cells .Methods The miRNA‐21 precursor gene fragment pre‐miRNA‐21 was amplified by PCR ,then connected to the pmR‐mCherry plasmid vector after double enzyme digestion ,the accuracy of the recombi‐nant vector was verified by double enzyme digestion and sequencing ;then the recombinant vector was transfected into HepG2 .2 .15 cells ,the fluorescent protein expression was observed under the fluorescence microscopy at 24 h and the transfection efficiency was detected by flow cytometry ;the expression of miRNA‐21 was evaluated by real‐time quantitative PCR;at 72 h after transfection ,the expression levels of c‐myc gene were detected by RT‐PCR and Western blot ;CCK‐8 was used to detect the cell proliferation in each group .Results The double enzyme digestion and Western blot verified that the target gene fragment was inserted into the pmR‐mCherry vector;at 24 h after transfection ,intracellular strong fluorescence was seen ,the transfection efficiency was higher than 50% ;miRNA‐21 expression level of the pmR‐21 recombinant vector group was significantly increased;c‐myc gene expression was increased in the pmR‐21 recombinant vector group at 72 h after transfection ,the cell proliferation in the pmR‐21 recombinant group was faster than that in the control group(P<0 .05) .Conclusion The pmR‐21 eukaryotic overexpression vector is successfully con‐structed ,this recombinant vector can express miRNA‐21 stably ;miRNA‐21 can up‐regulate c‐myc gene expression ,c‐myc gene is one of miR‐21′s targets for playing a cancer‐promoting action .

Ginsenoside Rg1 Attenuates Isoflurane-induced Caspase-3 Activation via Inhibiting Mitochondrial Dysfunction / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation, which may lead to learning and memory impairment. Ginsenoside Rg1 is reported to be neuroprotective. We therefore set out to determine whether ginsenoside Rg1 can attenuate isoflurane-induced caspase activation via inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 μmol/L and pretreatment times of 12 h and 24 h on isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation in H4 naïve and stably transfected H4 human neuroglioma cells that express full-length human amyloid precursor protein (APP) (H4-APP cells). For mitochondrial dysfunction, we assessed mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels. We employed Western blot analysis, chemiluminescence, and flowcytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Here we show that pretreatment with 50 µmol/L ginsenoside Rg1 for 12 h attenuated isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in H4-APP cells, while pretreatment with 25 and 50 µmol/L ginsenoside Rg1 for 24 h attenuated isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in both H4 naïve and H4-APP cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 may ameliorate isoflurane-induced caspase-3 activation by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction. Pending further studies, these findings might recommend the use of ginsenoside Rg1 in preventing and treating isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity.</p>

Anti-fibrosis effects of fenofibrate in mice with hepatic fibrosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-fibrosis effects and mechanisms of fenofibrate on hepatic fibrosis using a mouse model of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-six male C57BL mice were divided into the following three groups: CCL4-induced untreated model control (n = 10), CCl4-induced fenofibrate-treated model (n = 10), and uninduced/untreated normal control (n = 6). All animals were sacrificed after the 5 weeks of induction and treatment. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA) and procollagen III amino-terminal peptide (PIIINP) were determined by routine biochemistry assays. Liver content of hydroxyproline (HYP) was measured by spectrophotometry. Liver content of malonic aldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured by enzymatic assays. mRNA expression levels of liver fibrosis-associated factors were determined by PCR, and included alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), type I collagen-alpha (Collagen1a), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARa), and the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Finally, the degree of inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by histological analysis using hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the untreated model group, the fenofibrate-treated model group showed significantly lower levels of serum ALT (55.72+/-1.20 vs. 38.72+/-1.25 IU/L), HA (236.20+/-17.57 vs. 152.9+/-13.06 mug/L) and PIIINP (41.66+/-1.89 vs. 34.32+/-1.53 mug/L) (all P less than 0.05). The fenofibrate-treated group also showed a significantly higher level of hepatic SOD content (untreated model: 67.00+/-4.65 vs. 101.1+/-5.32) but significantly lower level of hepatic MDA content (14.67+/-0.93 vs. 10.17+/-0.60 nmol/mg) and lower level of hepatic HYP content (0.67+/-0.80 vs. 0.41+/-0.50 mg/g) (all, P less than 0.05). In addition, the fenofibrate-treated group showed significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of a-SMA (6.83+/-0.88 vs. untreated model: 11.57+/-1.31), TGFbeta1 (67.83+/-4.65 vs. 112.30+/-4.81), Collagen1a (67.83+/-4.65 vs. 112.30+/-4.81), TNFa (17.43+/-2.32 vs. 37.83+/-4.69), and IL-6 (4.00+/-0.49 vs. 5.62+/-0.54), but significantly increased PPARa (0.30+/-0.03 vs. 0.18+/-0.03) (all, P less than 0.05). Finally, the degree of CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis was attenuated by the fenofibrate treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fenofibrate can reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in mice induced by CCl4. The mechanism may involve up-regulation of PPARa, inhibition of the inflammatory response, and enhancement of SOD antioxidant activity.</p>

Protective effect of Pogostemon cablin on membrane fluidity of intestinal epithelia cell in ischemia/ reperfusion rats after ischemia/reperfusion / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (PCB), a Chinese aromatic herbal medicine, on serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and membrane fluidity of intestinal epithelial cells (IMC) in rats undergoing lower limbs ischemic reperfusion (I/R), for exploring its action in protecting intestinal barrier and the possible mechanisms, and to seek a new way, viewing from Chinese medicine, for providing the experimental bases of gastrointestinal protection against trauma or surgical operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty adult Wistar rats were induced into lower limb I/R model and randomized equally into the model group, the three PCB water extract groups treated respectively with high- (4 g x kg(-1) x d(-10), middle- (3 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), and low-dose (2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) of PCB water extract, and three PCB volatile oil groups treated respectively with high- (4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), middle- (3 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), low-dose (2 g x kg(-1) d(-1) of PCB volatile oil. Besides, 10 healthy rats was allocated in a normal control group. PCB preparation was given via gastric infusion for 5 successive days just before modeling. The serum levels of NO and TNF-alpha were monitored, and the membranous fluidity of IMC at I/R region was determined by fluorescence polarization technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, both serum NO and TNF-alpha levels in model rats were significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the fluorescence polarization value (P) of IMC obviously increased at the same time (P < 0.05). As compared with the model group, the serum level of NO and TNF-alpha significantly reduced in all the PCB treated groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). As for the membrane fluidity, significant difference was shown between the model group with low-dose of PCB water extract and middle-dose of PCB volatile oil (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCB could effectively protect the intestinal barrier function by way of maintaining the membrane fluidity of IMC through regulating the level of NO and TNF-alpha in serum.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) and Si-guan points combined with reinforcing-reducing manipulation of respiration for treatment of depression / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search for an effective therapy for depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into two groups. The acupuncture group (60 cases) was treated with acupuncture at Zhong wan (CV 12) and Si-guan points [Taichong (LR 3) and Hegu (LI 4)] selected as main acupoints, combined with Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), etc. , meanwhile, the reinforcing-reducing manipulation of respiration was adopted. The western medicine group (60 cases) was treated with oral administration of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride at the dosage of 20 mg every day. These treatments lasted for 8 weeks in both groups. The depression severities were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before treatment and at the 8th week of the treatment and adverse reactions were appraised respectively with Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 95.0% in the acupuncture group and 91.7% in the western medicine group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the HAMD score had very significant changes in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant difference between two groups in TESS score (P < 0.01). There was almost no adverse reaction in the acupuncture group, while the main clinical manifestations in the western medicine group were nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, etc.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) and Si-guan points combined with reinforcing-reducing manipulation of respiration can significantly improve symptoms of depression patients with a similar therapeutic effect to oral administration of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and it is a safe method for depression without adverse reactions.</p>