Danqi Tablet () Regulates Energy Metabolism in Ischemic Heart Rat Model through AMPK/SIRT1-PGC-1α Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the cardioprotective effect of Danqi Tablet (DQT, ) on ischemic heart model rats and the regulative effect on energy metabolism through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α).@*METHODS@#Rat ischemic heart model was induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Totally 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, DQT group (1.5 mg/kg daily) and trimetazidine (TMZ) group (6.3 mg/kg daily) according to a random number table, 10 rats in each group. Twenty-eight days after continuous administration, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and the structures of myocardial cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in myocardial cells was measured by ATP assay kit. Expressions level of key transcriptional regulators, including PGC-1α, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and downstream targets of PGC-1α, such as mitofusin 1 (MFN1), mitofusin 2 (MFN2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were measured by Western blot. Expression level of PGC-1α was examined by immunohistochemical staining.@*RESULTS@#The rat ischemic heart model was successfully induced and the heart function in model group was compromised. Compared with the model group, DQT exerted cardioprotective effects, up-regulated the ATP production in myocardial cells and inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the margin area of infarction of the myocardial tissues (P<0.01). The expressions of PGC-1α, SIRT1 and AMPK were increased in the DQT group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the downstream targets, including MFN1, MFN2 and SOD2 were up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TMZ group, the expression levels of PGC-1α, MFN1 and SOD2 were increased by DQT treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#DQT regulated energy metabolism in rats with ischemic heart model through AMPK/SIRT1 -PGC-1α pathway. PGC-1α might serve as a promising target in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Mechanisms of Fufang Danshen tablets on treating heart failure via regulating AT₁-mediated PLA2-COX2/5-LOX metabolic pathway / 中国中药杂志

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an important pathological change involved in the progress from myocardial infarction (MI) to heart failure(HF). Metabolic disorder of arachidonic acid (AA) in cardiomyocytes plays an important role in process of MF. Fufang Danshen tablets is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which showed significant effect on coronary heart diseases and anti-MF. However, the underlying mechanism of anti-MF remains unclear. In this study, HF animal model of myocardial infarction was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. The heart function of rats in each group was evaluated by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurement. Histological examination, TUNEL and Western blot were used to detect the levels of MF and proteins related to AA metabolism. As a result, MI significantly decreased the levels of ejection fraction (EF), ejection fraction (FS) and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and these decreases were significantly improved by the treatment of Fufang Danshen tablets. Besides, Fufang Danshen tablets treatment down-regulated the levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum. HE, Masson and TUNEL staining results showed that Fufang Danshen tablets treatment could inhibit the inflammatory cells infiltration and attenuate the fibrosis and apoptosis to exert cardioprotective effect. Western blot indicated that Fufang Danshen tablets treatment down-regulated the expressions of AT₁, MMP2, MM9, while up-regulated the expression of AT₂ to inhibit MF. Further mechanism study indicated that Fufang Danshen tablets inhibited MF by down-regulated the expressions of AA metabolism, such as PLA2, P450, COX2 and 5-LOX. In summary, Fufang Danshen tablets can effectively inhibit MF in the ischemic area after MI in rats. The mechanism is related to the regulation of AT₁-mediated PLA2-COX2 metabolic pathway.

Effects of valsartan on aortic angiotensin converting enzyme 2 expression after aortic balloon injury in rats / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the process and mechanism of neointimal formation, the level of angiotensin II and angiotensin (1-7), the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the effects of valsartan on them after aortic balloon injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Aortic endothelial denudation of rats was induced by 2F balloon catheter. Thirty-six rats were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 (n = 12): controls; Group 2 (n = 12): aortic balloon injury; Group 3 (n = 12): valsartan (20 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)) given from 1 day before injury to 14 and 28 days after aortic injury. The expression of ACE2 and AT1, the level of P-ERK, AngII, Ang(1-7) and intimal thickening were investigated by RT-PCR technique, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, radioimmunological method, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HE stain, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and the intimal thickening were evidenced at day 14 and 28 after aortic balloon injury. (2) The mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 decreased significantly, but AT(1)R mRNA and protein expression increased significantly at day 14 and 28 after balloon injury. (3) The level of AngII and p-ERK increased and Ang(1-7) reduced after balloon injury. (4) Valsartan not only attenuated the proliferation of VSMC and the intimal thickening but also upregulated the expression of ACE2 and the level of Ang(1-7) and downregulated the expression of AT(1)R and the level of AngII, p-ERK in this model.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intimal thickening after balloon injury is linked with reduced expression of ACE2.Valsartan can inhibit the intimal thickening possibly by upregulating ACE2 and Ang(1-7) and downregulating AT(1) in this model.</p>

Effects of simvastatin on the expression of RANTES in patients with hypercholesterolemia / 中华急诊医学杂志

6.24 mmol/L) and sixty healthy persons in the health center of our hospital were investigated as hyperhpidemia group (Hyperlipidemias) and control group (Controls) respectively.Hyperlipidemias were given simvastatin 20 mg?d~(-1) for twelve weeks (Statins).Blood samples of ulnar vein were extracted from Statins at the end of twelve weeks as well as Controls and Hyperhpidemias at the beginning of the experiment. Blood serum,plasma and mononuclearcell were extracted and stored at a refrigerator of-80℃.The level of plasma angiotensinⅡwas detected by the method of radioimmunity.While the expression of RANTES mRNA and protein on mononuclearcell were assessed by real time reverse transcription polymerse chain reaction and Western blot respectively.Results①The plasma angiotensinⅡof Hyperlipidemias was higher than that of Controls [(92.13?22.03) vs (50.85?12.12),P

Clinical outcomes of women with transfusion-associated hepatitis C after 10-15 years follow-up / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To investigate natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related factors in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 41 women infected with HCV 10-15 years ago were evaluated in this study. Their clinical manifestations were recorded and sera tested for alamine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP), as well as virus markers. The B-type ultrasound examination was performed on the liver, gall bladder, spleen and pancreas. For virus markers, HCV RNA was detected with fluorogenic-quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction, HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody, with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten to 15 years after infection, the infection was cleared spontaneously in 8 cases (19.51%); 73%(30/41) cases had signs at present, 32% (13/41) cases had mild ALT and/or AST elevation. On ultrasound examination, 83%(34/41) had mild degree 17%(7/41) moderate degree changes of the viral hepatitis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Women with HCV infection for 13 +/- 1 (10-15) years after transfusion had slight hepatic inflammation. A part of them had cleared the virus spontaneously.</p>

Clinical outcomes of 283 patients of transfusion-related hepatitis C in the northern areas of China / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the natural history and clinical outcomes in a cohort of transfusion-related hepatitis C in northern areas of China. Methods The authors studied 283 patients (137 males, 146 females, mean age 45.79+/-9.92 age) who became infected with HCV while donating plasma 12.25 years ago. These cases were subjected to ultrasonography and liver biochemical tests and serologic anti-HCV assays. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ultrasonographic findings suggestive of liver cirrhosis were 8.3% of cases. No decompensated cirrhosis or HCC was detected. The value of ALT was higher in severe chronic hepatitis (mean 62.07+/-50.87 IU/L) and cirrhosis (mean 115.50+/-108.41 IU/L) patients than in the other groups (mean 32.30+/-29.10 IU/L). The abnormal rate of ALT was 53.3% in severe group, 100% in cirrhosis group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The natural history of transfusion-related hepatitis C in the areas seemed to be relatively mild when compared with previous data. Our cases showed relatively low rate of positive findings in ultrasonography. None of this cohort had the decompensated cirrhosis or HCC. The factor of sex but not the age at time of infection was found being related to the outcomes. In the absence of liver biopsy, ultrasonography was a suitable and sensitive method for the diagnosis of the progressive hepatitis and cirrhosis.</p>

Evaluation of health-related quality of life in chronic hepatitis C women patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) female patients, and to identify factors associated with impairment in HRQOL.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We enrolled 41 women cases with hepatitis C for 10 to 15 years and 51 health women in Guan area of Hebei province, China. HRQOL was assessed by the SF-36 by an interview.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CHC female patients had significantly lower SF-36 scors in all subscales when compared to those of the non-HCV infected female population.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CHC female patients have a reduced HRQOL. CHC alone is associated with significant impairment in HRQOL.</p>

Activation of JAK/STAT1 signal transduction pathway in different organs of MRL/lpr lupus mice / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To explore the activation and function of Janus protein-tyrosine kinase (JAK)/ signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1) signal transduction pathway in kidney,lung and brain of MRL/lpr mice.Methods MRL/lpr mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied at the age of 12 weeks up.Non-SLE MRL/lpr mice were used as controls.We used phosphospecific antibodies to detect STAT1 activation in kidney,lung and brain by immunohistochemistry and Western blots.Gene expression of the STAT induced feedback inhibitors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) was investigated by SYBR green I real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results Phosphorylation of STAT1 protein was markedly activated in these three organs,although renal and pulmonary STAT1 activation were much more evidently activated.SOCS-1 gene expression increased in all three organs,while renal SOCS-1 gene expres- sion increased less than lung and brain.Conclusion The activation of JAK/STATI signal transduction path- way may be pathogenic in the organ involvement and progression of SLE.The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis may also be associated with the down-regulation of SOCS-1 feedback inhibition.

Relationship between the genotypes of hepatitis B virus and the severity of liver diseases / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between different genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the severity of liver diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The S nucleotide sequences of HBV strains isolated from plasma samples of 284 patients were detected and compared. Among them, 87 patients were HBV asymptomatic carriers (ASC), 157 chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 22 liver cirrhosis (LC), and 18 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Genotypes B and C were predominant, with a 26.1% proportion and a 63.2% proportion respectively. The percentage of genotypes B and C in patients with ASC, CHB, LC, and HCC were significantly different (x(2)=15.09, P<0.001). Compared with genotype B, genotype C was more common in patients with CHB and HCC (59.6% vs 43.2%, chi(2)=10.87, P<0.001; 7.7% vs 1.4%, x(2)=7.41, P<0.001), but in patients with LC there was no different (7.7% vs 8.1%, chi(2)=1.29, P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study suggests that genotype B and C are predominant. And genotype C may induce more severe the liver inflammation than genotype B may do.</p>

Comparison of hepatitis B virus serotype and genotype among HBsAg positive hepatitis B patients in a northern and a southern city of China / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand HBV serotypes and genotypes epidemiology in a northern city and a southern city in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing of HBV DNA PCR products, the serotypes and genotypes of HBV in 530 from HBsAg positive samples. The enrolled patients were from Harbin, a northern city and Lianjiang, a southern city in China.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Comparison of the serotypes and genotypes of HBV between Harbin and Lianjiang showed that adrq+ was the most predominant hepatitis B virus serotype in both Harbin and Lianjiang (87.2% and 73.5%,respectively), adw2 was the next (12.0% and 25.7%, respectively); genotype C was the most frequent in Harbin and Lianjiang (87.8% and 73.2%, respectively), and genotype B was the next (12.2% and 26.1%, respectively) only 1 patient was infected by genotype D, and 1 patient was found to be co-infected by genotype B and C in Lianjiang.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the percentage of HBV serotypes and genotypes between Harbin and Lianjiang was significantly different (P less than 0.001), but the main HBV serotype and genotype of the two cities were similar.</p>