Comparison of Prenatal Diagnostic Value between Fast Imaging Employing Steady State Acquisition and Single Shot Fast Spin Echo Sequence in Diagnosis of Placental Invasion / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To compare the prenatal diagnostic value and image quality of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with fast imaging employing steady state acquisition(FIESTA)or single shot fast spin echo(SSFSE)sequence,in order to provide references for sequence selection of prenatal diagnosis.Methods The MRI data of 121 patients with suspected placental invasion were retrospectively analyzed. The ability of FIESTA in displaying MRI signs associated with placental invasion and its image quality were assessed and compared with SSFSE. Based on the records of cesarean section and pathological finding,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive values,and negative predictive values of these two sequences were calculated.Results The image quality was significantly higher in FIESTA than in SSFSE(χ =29.74,P=0.000). FIESTA had significantly higher ability to display focal interruptions in the myometrial wall than SSFSE(χ =6.750,P=0.006);in addition,the ability to display abnormal vessel in the placenta(χ =8.471,P=0.020),placental heterogeneity(χ =13.885,P=0.000),hypointense intraplacental bands(χ =4.267,P=0.035)were also significantly higher in SSFSE than in FIESTA,while the efficiency for displaying uterine bulging(χ =0.250,P=0.625),uterine recess(χ =0.167,P=0.687),uterine penetration and parametrium implantation(χ =0.800,P=0.375),and protrusion of the placenta into the cervix(χ =0.081,P=0.776)were not significantly different between these two sequences. Both sequences had a specificity of 100% in displaying uterine penetration and parametrium implantation,uterine recess,and protrusion of the placenta into the cervix. Conclusions FIESTA has better ability in displaying the contour and demarcation of placenta and uterine,whereas SSFSE is more efficient in displaying the changes of intraplacental signals. FIESTA can be used to observe the relationship between the placenta and the surrounding structures and whether the surrounding tissue is implanted,and the changes of placental signals can be observed in SSFSE. The combination of these two sequences can improve the prenatal diagnosis of placenta invasion.

Serum sclerostin levels associated with lumbar spine bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Sclerostin, expressed exclusively by osteocytes, is a negative regulator of bone formation. To gain insights into the action of sclerostin in postmenopausal osteoporosis, we evaluated serum sclerostin levels in postmenopausal women and investigated its possible associations with bone turnover markers in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We detected serum sclerostin, and measured lumbar spine bone mineral density in 650 Chinese postmenopausal women. We also assessed serum levels of β-isomerized C-terminal crosslinking of type I collagen, intact N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, N-mid fragment of osteocalcin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and estradiol.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum sclerostin levels were lower in postmenopausal osteoporotic women compared with non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women ((38.79 ± 7.43) vs. (52.86 ± 6.69) pmol/L, P < 0.001). Serum sclerostin was positively correlated with lumbar spine bone mineral density (r = 0.391, P < 0.001) and weakly negatively correlated with β-isomerized C-terminal crosslinking of type I collagen, intact N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, N-mid fragment of osteocalcin (r = -0.225, P < 0.001; r = -0.091, P = 0.046; r = -0.108, P = 0.018; respectively) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. There was no significant association of serum sclerostin with age, body mass index, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and estradiol (r = -0.004, P = 0.926; r = 0.067, P = 0.143; r = 0.063, P = 0.165; r = -0.045, P = 0.324; respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sclerostin may be involved in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and may play a role in bone turnover.</p>

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum 4-hydroxyisoleucine on high-glucose induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes of mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), an active component of Trigonella Foenum-graecum L. on high glucose induced insulin resistance (IR) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and to explore underlying molecular mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with 25 mmol/L glucose and 0.6 nmol/L insulin to induce IR. They were intervened by different concentrations of 4-HIL (at 5, 10, and 20 micromol/L). [3H]-Deoxy-D-glucose up-taking method was used to detect the glucose uptake. The mRNA expression of cellular tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The content of TNF-alpha in the culture supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Palmitic acid (PA) acted as the control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After intervened by 25 mmol/L glucose and 0.6 nmol/L insulin for 18 h, the insulin-stimulated glucose transportation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was inhibited by 63%. The mRNA expression of cellular TNF-alpha in adipocytes significantly increased, when compared with that in normal adipocytes (P < 0.05). The level of TNF-alpha secreted in the culture supernatant was increased by 70 pg/mL (P < 0.05). Similar changes occurred in the PA group. After exposure to 4-HIL (5, 10, or 20 micromol/L) for 24 h, the glucose transportation was increased by 35%, 50%, and 60%, respectively. PCR results showed that along with increasing 4-HIL concentrations, the mRNA expression of cellular TNF-alpha showed a decreasing trend, showing statistical difference when compared with the model group and the PA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the TNF-alpha level in the supernatant was respectively reduced by 10 pg/mL, 18 pg/mL, and 39 pg/mL after intervention (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>4-HIL could remarkably improve high glucose-induced IR in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Meanwhile, 4-HIL could inhibit the secretion of TNF-alpha.</p>

Effects of Salivae Miltiorrhizae Liguspyragine Hydrochloride and Glucose Injection on the levels of main platelet thrombin receptors in chronic haemodialysis patients / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Liguspyragine Hydrochloride and Glucose Injection (, SLGI) on the expression of platelet membrane receptors proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) and proteinase-activated receptor-4 (PAR4) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on chronic haemodialysis (HD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-six ESRD patients on HD (treated group) were treated with SLGI, 7 days as one therapeutic course, for two successive courses. The previous therapies were unchanged. Flow cytometry was used to assess the expression of platelet PAR1 and PAR4 in the patients, and turbidity method was used to determine the platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR). Meanwhile, renal function was measured. The final data were compared with those before treatment and with those in the normal control group (54 healthy subjects).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the expressions of PAR1 and PAR4 and platelet MAR in ESRD patients on HD was significantly higher before treatment (P=0.001, P=0.006, and P=0.008); after treatment with SLGI, the above indices in patients were remarkably decreased (P=0.036 and P=0.046), except PAR4 (P=0.067), but still higher than those in the normal control group, however, it was not statistically significant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>(1) The overexpression of PAR1 and PAR4 might lead to increased platelet aggregation and this could be one of the reasons for the thrombotic events in ESRD patients on HD. (2) SLGI was able to down-regulate the expression of PAR1 in ESRD patients on HD, improve platelet function, and regulate platelet activation.</p>

Effect of Xiaoyu Zhixue Tablet on the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein I b/IX/V complex in patients with chronic renal failure / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Xiaoyu Zhixue Tablet (XYZXT) on the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in early metaphase.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-one patients with CRF in early metaphase (treated group) were treated with XYZXT, 3 months as the course of treatment for 2 courses. The previous therapies remained unchanged. Flow cytometry was used to assess the expression of platelet GP Ib/IX/V complex and GP Ib alpha in patients with CRF, and turbidity method was used to determine the platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR), meanwhile the renal function was measured. The final data were compared with those before the treatment, and with those in the normal control group (31 healthy subjects).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, expressions of GP I b/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha, and platelet MAR in CRF patients were significantly lower (P=0.007, P=0.001, P=0.009) before the treatment; after the treatment with XYZXT, the above indexes in CRF patients were remarkably increased (P=0.033, P=0.026, P=0.045), but still lower than those in the normal control group, however, it was not statistically significant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(1) The expression of GP I b/IX/V complex in CRF patients of early metaphase was decreased, which lead to platelet aggregation dysfunction. This might be one of the reasons for the hemorrhagic trend in CRF. (2) XYZXT was able to upgrade expressions of GP I b/IX/V complex and GP I b alpha in CRF patients, improve platelet function and down-regulate platelet activation in patients with CRF.</p>

Clinical observation on trigonella foenum-graecum L. total saponins in combination with sulfonylureas in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trigonella foenum-graecum L. total saponins (TFGs) in combination with sulfonylureas (SU) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) not well controlled by SU alone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-nine T2DM patients whose blood glucose levels were not well controlled by oral sulfonylureas hypoglycemic drug were randomly assigned to the treated group (46 cases) and the control group (23 cases), and were given TFGs or placebo three times per day, 6 pills each time for 12 weeks, respectively. Meanwhile, the patients continued taking their original hypoglycemic drugs. The following indexes, including effects on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms, fast blood glucose (FBG), 2-h post-prandial blood glucose (2h PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), clinical symptomatic quantitative scores (CSQS), body mass index (BMI), as well as hepatic and renal functions, were observed and compared before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The efficacy on TCM symptoms was obviously better in the treated group than that in the control group (P<0.01), and there were statistically remarkable decreases in aspect of FBG, 2h PBG, HbA1c and CSQS in the treated group as compared to those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while no significant difference was found in BMI, hepatic and renal functions between the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined therapy of TFGs with sulfonylureas hypoglycemic drug could lower the blood glucose level and ameliorate clinical symptoms in the treatment of T2DM, and the therapy was relatively safe.</p>

Study on composing mechanism by effect of disassembled compositions of Yiqi Huoxue decoction on platelet aggregation of health adults / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and explain the composing mechanism by observing enhancement property of disassembled compositions of Yiqi Huoxue decoction (YQHXD) on platelet aggregation of health adults.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Venous whole blood was obtained from healthy human subjects and anti-coagulated, and then centrifuged to produce platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Disassembled compositions of YQHXD and sodium chloride were placed in different translucent tubes containing PRP and PPP, calculated the maximum percents of platelet aggregation stimulated by platelet agonists: adenosine diphosphate (ADP), platelet activating factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid (AA).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The maximum percents of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and PAF were largely improved by YQHXD, both astragalus membranaceus and Angelica Scinesis played the most important roles in the decoction, the herbs of Yiqi and Huoxue must work together to enhance platelet aggregation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In vitro study, YQHXD can markedly improve platelet aggregation of health adults, but the exact mechanism should be proved by further experiments.</p>