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Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of atorvastatin calcium on pulmonary vascular remodeling, the authors explored the regulatory mechanism of Histone Deacetylation Enzyme-2 (HDAC2) in rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and provided a new direction for drug treatment in the progression of vascular remodeling. Methods Eighteen female SD rats were randomly divided into control (Group S1), COPD (Group S2), and atorvastatin calcium + COPD (Group S3) groups. A COPD rat model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal injection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Victoria Blue + Van Gibson staining were used to observe pathological changes in the lung tissue. The pulmonary vascular inflammation score was calculated, and the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling was evaluated. The ratio of Muscular Arteries in lung tissue (MA%), the ratio of the vessel Wall Area to the vessel total area (WA%), and the ratio of the vessel Wall Thickness to the vascular outer diameter (WT%) were measured using imaging software. The expression of HDAC2 was measured using western blotting, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and qPCR (Real-time PCR). Results Compared with the control group, the degree of pulmonary vascular inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling increased in rats with COPD. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores increased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissue decreased, and the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the lung tissues increased (p< 0.05). Compared with the COPD group, the lung tissues from rats in the atorvastatin group had fewer inflammatory cells, and the vascular pathological changes were significantly relieved. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores decreased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissues increased, and the level of VEGF in the lung tissues decreased (p< 0.05). Conclusion The present study revealed that atorvastatin calcium could regulate the contents and expression of HDAC2 in serum and lung tissues and inhibit the production of VEGF, thereby regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model with COPD.
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Objective:To study the protective effect of polysaccharides from Plantaginis Semen （PSP） against renal injury in rats with membranous nephropathy （MN） and its influence on the gut microbiota to provide a theoretical basis for the further investigation of PSP in the treatment of MN. Method:The MN model was induced by tail vein injection of cationic bovine serum albumin （C-BSA， 3.5 g·L<sup>-1</sup>） in rats with a modeling period of seven weeks. At the 4th week of modeling， the model rats were divided into a model group， a positive drug group （benazepril hydrochloride， 10 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>·d<sup>-1</sup>）， a PSP high-dose group （PSP-H， 800 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>·d<sup>-1</sup>）， a PSP medium-dose group （PSP-M， 400 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>·d<sup>-1</sup>）， and a PSP low-dose group （PSP-L， 200 mg·kg<sup>-1</sup>·d<sup>-1</sup>） according to the random number table， with 10 in each group. Ten healthy rats were assigned to the normal control group. The rats in the normal control group and the control group received an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage， and those in the groups with drug intervention were administered correspondingly，once a day，for consecutive four weeks. The pathological changes of rat kidney and colon tissues were observed by optical microscopy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α </italic>（TNF-<italic>α</italic>） and interleukin-1<italic>β </italic>（IL-1<italic>β</italic>） in the serum and colon tissues. The immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the protein expression of TNF-<italic>α </italic>and IL-1<italic>β </italic>in renal tissues. The 16S rRNA sequencing method was used to investigate the effect of PSP on the gut microbiota in MN rats. Result:Compared with the normal control group， the model group showed enlarged glomeruli， thickened basement membrane， atrophied colonic gland， increased TNF-<italic>α</italic> and IL-1<italic>β</italic> in the serum and colon tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and elevated protein expression of TNF-<italic>α</italic> and IL-1<italic>β </italic>（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the positive drug group and the PSP-H group displayed shrunk glomerular capsules， relieved basement membrane thickening， and neatly arranged colonic mucosa in colon tissues， while the PSP-M and PSP-L groups were inferior in improving renal tissues and colon tissues. Additionally， the PSP-H and PSP-M groups showed declining TNF-<italic>α</italic> and IL-1<italic>β</italic> in the serum and colon tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and dwindled protein expression of TNF-<italic>α</italic> and IL-1<italic>β </italic>in the renal tissues （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. No significant difference was observed in the PSP-L group. Compared with the normal control group， the model group showed increased abundance of Firmicutes and decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes. After PSP intervention， the abundance of Firmicutes was decreased， while that of Bacteroidetes was increased， and such changes were predominant in the PSP-H group. Conclusion:PSP can effectively alleviate renal injury， reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， regulate the structure of gut microbiota， and improve the damaged intestinal barrier of MN rats.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation for pediatric adenoid hypertrophy (AH). Methods: A total of 60 children with AH were randomized into an observation group and a medication group, with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with pediatric Tuina treatment, and the medication group was treated with 0.05％ mometasone furoate nasal spray. The changes of main clinical symptom score, quality of life (QOL) score and X-ray nasopharynx lateral film were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 90.0％, and that of the medication group was 66.7％. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the A/N value [ratio of adenoid thickness (A) and nasopharyngeal cavity width (N)] of posterior nasopharyngeal lateral film did not show significant change in either group (P>0.05). After treatment, the clinical symptom scores in both groups decreased, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.001), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the QOL scores of children in both groups decreased, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.001), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Tuina manipulation is effective in treating pediatric AH, and produces a better effect in improving traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and QOL than 0.05％ mometasone furoate nasal spray.
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Small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE) surgery,the latest developed surgery to treat ametropia at present,is applied widely because of its shorttake of time,fewer complications and great curative effects.It has arisen over 5 years in China and many follow-up studies have been performed on the changes in corneal morphology after SMILE to help test the safety and efficacy of the surgery.This review will clarify the changes in corneal morphology after SMLIE surgery.
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A review on the applications of low energy megavoltage (MV) X-ray beams (1-4 MV) in cancer radiotherapy is presented. Firstly, the physical characteristics of low energy megavoltage X-ray beams are reviewed in terms of penumbra, dose fall-off, exit dose, dose to bone, penetration power, skin dose and image quality. Secondly, the therapeutic applications of low energy megavoltage X-rays in cancer radiotherapy are further stratified and discussed based on X-ray energy levels. Thirdly, a systematic review of imaging applications of low energy megavoltage Xray beams in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and megavoltage fan beam computed tomography (MVFBCT) is provided. Finally, we summarize the latest development of low energy megavoltage X-ray beams in cancer radiotherapy and cancer imaging during the past twenty years. With their intrinsic physical characteristics, it is feasible to achieve personalized radiotherapy and personalized imaging protocols for individual patient. However, further technological developments and more clinical data would be needed to fully exploit the potentials of low energy megavoltage X-ray beams in the personalized radiotherapeutic management of cancers.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with osteoarthritis and investigate their roles in the synovial lesions of osteoarthritis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in the synovium were detected by immunohistochemical staining in 30 osteoarthritis cases, 20 acute traumatic arthritis cases and 10 normal synovial biopsy samples. The correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF, and their relationships with osteoarthritis were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rates of positive expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in osteoarthritis cases were significantly higher than those in acute traumatic arthritis (86.7% vs 60% and 80% vs 48%, P<0.05). Normal human synovium showed no positive expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF. HIF-1α expression was positively correlated to VEGF expression in acute traumatic synovitis and osteoarthritis cases, with correlation coefficients of 0.666 and 0.678, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in the synovial tissue are significantly higher in osteoarthritis cases than in cases of acute traumatic arthritis. They have close relationship in the synovial lesions of osteoarthritis and both contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit , Metabolism , Osteoarthritis , Metabolism , Synovial Membrane , Metabolism , Pathology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , MetabolismABSTRACT
The binding function of EGF1 domain peptide with tissue factor(TF)and its ability of triggering coagulation were explored.The TF expression model in vitro was established by lipopolysaccharide induction.The affinity of EGFP-EGF1 and TF expressing cells was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry(FCM).The affinity of EGFP-EGF1 and rat soluble TF was quantitated by surface plasmon resonance(SPR).The ability of EGFP-EGF1 in triggering coagulation was tested by prothrombin time assay.The FCM results showed recombinant factor Ⅶ(rFⅦ)could definitely depress the integration of EGFP-EGF1 with recombinant TF(rTF)(68.65%±3.86% vs 57.98%±4.71%,P<0.01).The SPR results indicated the association constant ka of EGFP-EGF1 proteins was higher than rFⅦ(8.29±1.39 vs 3.75±0.32,P<0.01).However,the EGFP-EGF1 protein lost the activity of triggering coagulation as compared with blood plasma of normal SD rats(56.8±3.2 s vs 17.8±3.4 s,P<0.01).It was concluded that the rat EGF1 peptide could specifically bind to TF without the ability of triggering coagulation.EGF1 peptide may be a good target head for delivering drugs to TF in anticoagulation therapy.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thalidomide on the growth of human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721 cells in vitro, and to explore the curative possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma with thalidomide.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SMMC-7721 cells were treated with Thalidomide at different concentrations. The cell growth and proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. DNA ladder, apoptosis rate and changes of cell nuclei were studied by agarose electrophresis, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of caspase-3 was analyzed with flow cytometry. The VEGF content of SMMC-7721 cells in culture medium was tested by ELSIA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the concentration of Thalidomide solution was increased from 3.125 microg/ml to 200 microg/ml, the cell growth was inhibited by from 11.7% to 34.2%. Compared with the control group, the thalidomide solution at a concentration of 25, 50, 100 and 200 microg/ml solution significantly inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells (P < 0.05). A ladder pattern of DNA fragments appeared after SMMC-7721 cells exposed to 200 microg/ml thalidomide for 24 h, especially for 48 h. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the cell nuclei were condensed and fragmented after the cells were exposed to 200 microg/ml thalidomide for 48 h. In cells treated with 200 microg/ml thalidomide for 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, the apoptotic rate was 3.1% +/- 0.5%, 8.4% +/- 1.3%, 19.4% +/- 3.5% and 25.8% +/- 2.1%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the negative control group 1.6% +/- 0.6%. The cells treated with thalidomide at a concentration of 50, 100, 200 microg/ml for 48 h, the apoptotic rate was 8.7% +/- 1.2%, 16.8% +/- 2.5% and 25.4% +/- 4.5%, respectively, increasing in a dose-dependent manner, also significantly than that in the cells of control group 2.1% +/- 0.5%, (all were P < 0.05). The caspase-3 positivity of SMMC-7721 cells treated with thalidomide was increasing along with the increase of treatment time or drug concentration, but not in the control cells. The VEGF content in SMMC-7721 cells was lowering when thalidomide was used in an increasing concentration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Under the conditions used in this study, thalidomide can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis may be possibly two mechanisms for its anticancer action.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Angiogenesis Inhibitors , Pharmacology , Apoptosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Metabolism , Pathology , Caspase 3 , Metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Liver Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Thalidomide , Pharmacology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test the efficacy of kyphoplasty using an enhanced balloon expander in restoring the height of vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen lumbar vertebral bodies (L1-L5) were harvested from 3 young male fresh cadavers and separated into individual vertebral bodies with the bilateral pedicles of the vertebral arch removed. Before operation, plain X-ray films of all the vertebral bodies were obtained. All the vertebral bodies were compressed lengthwise to approximately 80% of their original heights using a universal material-testing machine to result in compression fractures. Post-compression vertebral bodies were then repaired using an enhanced balloon expander, and the delivery of the bone cement into the vertebral bodies was observed. The heights of the anterior and posterior borders of the vertebral bodied were measured before and after compression as well as after kyphoplasty.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inflation of the balloon expander averaged 2.95-/+0.18 ml and the pressure was 122.67-/+27.89 psi (1 psi=6895 Pa). Kyphoplasty resulted in significant restoration of the vertebral body height lost due to the compression (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Kyphoplasty using an enhanced balloon expander may restore vertebral body height damaged by compression and correct the kyphotic deformity. The balloon expander can be a effective and economic choice for kyphoplasty for its relatively low cost.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Bone Cements , Cadaver , Catheterization , Fractures, Compression , General Surgery , Lumbar Vertebrae , Wounds and Injuries , General Surgery , Spinal Fractures , General Surgery , Tissue Expansion Devices , Vertebroplasty , MethodsABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of low frequency electric deep brain stimulation on amygdale kindling in rats.Methods The amygdale kinkling model of rats was established by operation on the brain.The effects of low frequency deep brain electric stimulation used alone or in combination with anti-epilepsy drugs were ob- served in terms of severity of seizure attack reflected by Racine's scale and afterdischarge duration recorded in electro- encephalogram.Results Fifteen minutes of low frequency electric stimulation at 1 Hz and 100 to 350?A effective- ly inhibited amygdale kindling as demonstrated by a significant decrease of afterdischarge duration,and decreased the severity of seizure attack (P
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Objective To invesgate the effect of P-glycoprotein(PGP)inhibitor,verapamil,on electrobiological activity and seizure behavior in phenytoin-carbamazepine(PHT-CBZ)resistant rats.Methods The model of medically intractable epilepsy was established by kindling of amygdale. Verapamil was applied to PHT-CBZ resistant rats,followed by the observation on after discharge threshold (ADT),after discharge duration(ADD)and seizure activity.Results Compared with the control group, the ADT was higher in PHT-CBZ resistant rats peritoneally injected with verapamil((238.0?32.2)?A vs (177.0?23.3)?A,P