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Three new ursane-type triterpenoids, 3-oxours-12-en-20, 28-olide (1), 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-20, 28-olide (2) and 3β-hydroxyurs-11, 13(18)-dien-20, 28-olide (3), were isolated from a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial fraction of the ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, MS data and comparisons with literature reports. Compounds 1-3 exhibited significantly inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse RAW264.7 macrophages, but no antibacterial activity was found at a concentration of 128 μg·mL-1.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Molecular Structure , Rosmarinus , Triterpenes/chemistryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE Our previous studies demonstrated that various ingredients from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, as exemplified by cryptotanshinone and salvi?anolic acid B, exerted striking effects on modulating angiogenesis and vascular permeability, which suggests that they may be effective in treating vascular leak-driven diseases (e.g. tumor, cerebral cavernous malformation and diabetic reti?nopathy). However, the lack of reliable and advanced technologies and models sets up difficult hurdles for better under?standing the role of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. To this end, this study is to outline numerous cutting-edge platforms that can be utilized for exploring the function of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in vascular leak-driven diseases. METHODS Two-photon laser scanning fluorescence micros?copy was used to observe the interactions between neutrophils and blood vessels in a real-time manner. Dynamic flow system was employed to mimic the in vivo behaviors of neutrophils. RIP1-Tag5 spontaneous pancreatic cancer model was used to study the function of tumor blood vessels. CCM2ECKO (deletion of CCM2 in endothelial cells) mice were employed to establish the cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) animal model. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was utilized to assess the CCM lesion. Müller cell-knockout mouse model was used to study the progression of dia?betic retinopathy. Vascular permeability in this model was assessed by fluorescein angiography. RESULTS The interac?tions between neutrophils and endothelial cells involve a series of complicated processes, including rolling, adhesion, intraluminal crawling and transmigration, which were all monitored in vivo by two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy in a real-time manner. Dynamic flow system was capable of recapitulating the biological behaviors of neutro?phils in vitro. Tumor vascular function in particular vascular perfusion could be assessed in the RIP1-Tag5 spontaneous pancreatic cancer model. In terms of CCM studies, specific deletion of CCM2 in endothelial cells resulted in the initiation of CCM lesion. The size and number of CCM lesions could be visualized and quantified by micro-CT. Furthermore, the Müller cell-knockout mouse model was able to precisely reflect the clinical symptoms of diabetic retinopathy. Vascular leak could be monitored at different time points using fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSION An array of high technol?ogies and animal models can be used in investigating the occurrence and progression of multiple vascular leak-driven diseases. The pre-clinical and clinical studies of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis provide fundamental support for the application of the above-mentioned platforms, with the purpose of uncovering the scientific basis of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.
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The recurrence rate of primary hepatocellularcarcinoma is very high,and repetitive resection is still the besttreatment for operable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.Indocyanine green(ICG) has been widely used andpopularized in resection of hepatocellular carcinoma,providesmore possibilities and diversity for the surgical treatment ofrecurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined withpreoperative imaging,three-dimensional imaging technologyand intraoperative ultrasound,ICG can effectively improve theradical and accuracy of the operation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. ICG-guided hepatectomy isappropriate for the new concept and technical system of liversurgery advocated by modern medical model, and realizesfunctional and anatomical hepatectomy for recurrenthepatocellular carcinoma.
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Aim To explore the effects of parthenolide (PTL) on apoptosis, invasion and migration of NSCLC cell line H1975 as well as the possible mechanism. Methods MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were employed to measure cell apoptosis. Transwell assay was applied to measure cell invasion and migration. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins, invasion and migration-associated proteins and PBK/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins were detected using Western blot. Results MTT assay and colony formation assay results showed that the proliferation of HI975 cells was significantly inhibited with the increase of PTL concentration, and compared with control group, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0. 05). Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining result indicated that PTL induced apoptosis in HI975 cells (P <0. 01). The results of transwell assay demonstrated that PTL significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HI975 cells (P <0. 01). Western blot analysis revealed that PTL increased the expression of Bax and reduced the expression of Bcl-2, HIF-1 a, MMP-9, Akt and p-Akt (Ser473) in HI975 cells ( P < 0. 05 ), meanwhile, the cleavage of caspase-3 was detected. Conclusions PTL can significantly induce apoptosis and inhibit the invasion and migration of HI975 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Guided by TNF-α secretion inhibitory activity assay, four taraxastane-type triterpenoids, including two new ones, 22-oxo-20-taraxasten-3β, 30-diol (1) and 22α-hydroxy-20-taraxasten-30β, 30-triol (2), have been obtained from an active fraction of the petroleum ether-soluble extract of the the medicinal and edible plant Cirsium setosum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data and CD data analysis. In the TNF-α secretion inhibitory activity assay, compounds 1 and 2 were active with the IC of 2.6 and 3.8 μmol·L, respectively. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 showed moderately selective cytotoxicity against the human ovarian cancer (A2780) and colon cancer (HCT-8) cell lines.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Mice , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival , Cirsium , Chemistry , Ether , Chemistry , Macrophages , Metabolism , Molecular Structure , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Plants, Edible , Chemistry , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Triterpenes , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>As a vascular risk factor, carotid atherosclerosis is crucial to cognitive impairment. While carotid intima-media thickness, carotid artery plaque, and carotid stenosis can reflect carotid atherosclerosis in different stages, this review aimed to explore researches on the role of carotid intima-media thickness, carotid artery plaque, and carotid stenosis in the progress of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients and tried to illustrate the possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>We searched the PubMed database for recently published research articles up to July 2017, with the key words of "carotid atherosclerosis," "carotid intima-media thickness," "carotid plaque," "carotid stenosis," "nonstroke," and "cognitive impairment."</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Articles were obtained and reviewed to analyze the role of carotid atherosclerosis such as carotid intima-thickness, carotid plaque, and carotid stenosis in the progress of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients and the possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In recent years, most studies proved that by evaluating carotid atherosclerosis with ultrasonography, carotid atherosclerosis accounts for the development of cognitive decline in nonstroke patients. Carotid atherosclerosis not only impairs the subtle general cognitive function but also decreases the specific domains of cognitive function, such as memory, motor function, visual perception, attention, and executive function. But, it is still controversial. The possible mechanisms of cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients with carotid atherosclerosis can be classified as systemic global cerebrovascular function, small-vessel diseases, and the mixed lesions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Carotid atherosclerosis can be used to predict the risk of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, diagnosing and treating carotid atherosclerosis at early stage might help clinicians prevent and treat vascular cognitive impairment in nonstroke patients.</p>
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Objective To study the effect of ulinastatin on no reflow or slow flow in the infarct related artery in patient with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary interventional therapy (PCI).Methods 180 STEMI patients were divided into the control group (n=100) and the ulinastatin treatment group (n=80).The control group received conventional PCI treatment and the treatment group received conventional PCI treatment plus ulinastatin. The level of serum inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-10,superoxide converting enzyme,the infarct related coronary artery reperfusion TIMI flow grade (TFG) and myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG),the results of postoperative cardiac ultrasound examination and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the level of IL-6 was decreased,while the levels of IL-10 and superoxide converting enzyme were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group(P<0.05).The TFG and TMPG of the infarct related vessels were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter[(54.6 ± 5.2 mm vs. (50.4±4.6) mm,P=0.046)]and left ventricular ejection fraction [(58.4±10.2) % vs. (62.2±9.8) % P=0.048] showed statistical difference between the two groups.Compared to the control,the major cardiovascular event rate of the treatment group during hospitalization (1% vs. 5%, P=0.038), after one month (1.2% vs. 3%,P=0.046) and 6 months (3% vs 12%,P=0.018) were all significantly lower .There was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups.Conclusion Ulinastatin may lower the incidence of no flow and slow flow after emergency PCI,improve heart function and the lower the rates of MACE.
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Objective Large sample data of HPV genotyping on anus and anal canal condyloma acuminata (CA) tissue were rarely reported in China.This study is aimed to investigate the clinical value of the distribution of different kinds of genotype of human papillomavirus within regional (mainly in Jiangsu Province)patients of both male and female with anus and anal canal condyloma acuminata(CA).Methods We collected tissue specimens from 326 male and female patients with anus and anal canal condyloma acuminata(CA) from 4 hospitals in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces from August 1985 to July 2017.HPV DNA was extracted and through the combination of gene chip and polymerase chain reaction technology,23 genotypes of HPV were detected.Results Among 179 male cases,136 were found with HPV.The total HPV detection rate was 75.98％(136/179),and of which,single genotype detection rate was 55.31％ (99/179) while multiple genotypes detection rate was 20.67％ (37/179).Meanwhile,in the 147 female cases,108 cases with HPV represented the total HPV detection rate of 73.47％ (108/147),of which single genotype detection rate was 48.79％ (72/147) and multiple genotypes detection rate was 24.49％ (36/147).342 were detected for all the genotype frequency totally and the low-risk HPV genotype was appered for 267 times while 75 times for high-risk HPV in this term.Among all the genotypes,6,11,16,18 took the top 4 respectively.Conclusion Among the regional (mainly in Jiangsu Province) male and female cases with anus and anal canal (CA),HPV 6,11,16,18 were the most common types.HPV was mostly distributed in the population of male younger than 30 years old.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the region of Guangxi.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 15774 individuals from the Outpatient and inpatient Unit as well as Physical Examination Departments of the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between May 2010 and March 2017.Exfoliated c ellsor swab specimens were collected,and the genotypes of HPV were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and reverse blot assay.Results The prevalence of HPV infection was 38.54％ (6080/15774).The infection rate of single genotype and multiple genotypes were 25.60％ (4038/15774) and 12.95％ (2042/15774),respectively.In single infection patterns,the most common genotypes included HPV 6 (10.54％,1663/15774),52 (3.91％,616/ 15774),16 (2.16％,340/15774),11 (2.14％,338/15774),and 58 (2.00％,316/15774).While among the multiple infections patterns,HPV 52+53 (4.26％,87/2042) and 52+58 (3.23％,66/ 2042) were common,and followed by HPV 16+43 (2.40％,49/2042),16+52(2.30％,47/2042),6+42 (2.15％,44/2042) and 6+43 (2.15％,45/2042).HPV 52,16,58,51,53 and 18 were the top six high risk (HR) genotypes of HPV,accounting for 26.77％ (4222/15774,95％ CI =26.08-27.46);while HPV 6,11 and 43 were the leading low-risk (LR) genotypes of HPV,accounting for 27.77％ (4380/15774,95％CI =27.07-28.47).The overall ratio of single infection to multiple infections was 1.98 (4038 vs.2042).Conclusion HPV 6,52,16,11,58,18 were the main HPV infection genotypes,and 52+53 and 52+58 were common infection combinations in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region.The HPV multiple infections were increased.Apparently,more HPV low risk genotypes were seen in male patients that should be aware.
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Objective To study the effect of ulinastatin on no reflow or slow flow in the infarct related artery in patient with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary interventional therapy (PCI).Methods 180 STEMI patients were divided into the control group (n=100) and the ulinastatin treatment group (n=80).The control group received conventional PCI treatment and the treatment group received conventional PCI treatment plus ulinastatin. The level of serum inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-10,superoxide converting enzyme,the infarct related coronary artery reperfusion TIMI flow grade (TFG) and myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG),the results of postoperative cardiac ultrasound examination and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the level of IL-6 was decreased,while the levels of IL-10 and superoxide converting enzyme were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group(P<0.05).The TFG and TMPG of the infarct related vessels were increased significantly in the ulinastatin treatment group. The left ventricular end diastolic diameter[(54.6 ± 5.2 mm vs. (50.4±4.6) mm,P=0.046)]and left ventricular ejection fraction [(58.4±10.2) % vs. (62.2±9.8) % P=0.048] showed statistical difference between the two groups.Compared to the control,the major cardiovascular event rate of the treatment group during hospitalization (1% vs. 5%, P=0.038), after one month (1.2% vs. 3%,P=0.046) and 6 months (3% vs 12%,P=0.018) were all significantly lower .There was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups.Conclusion Ulinastatin may lower the incidence of no flow and slow flow after emergency PCI,improve heart function and the lower the rates of MACE.
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OBJECTIVE@#To To investigate the effect of acupuncture on the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) content and muscular tension of spasticity cerebral palsy rat model.@*METHODS@#The rats with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into the control group, model group and acupuncture group. After successful modeling, the muscular tension and the content of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, NOS were measured.@*RESULTS@#The serum TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, NOS content were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The low and high shear viscosity of whole blood of the acupuncture group were significantly lower than the control group and the model group (P<0.05). The erythrocyte electrophoresis indexes in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than that in the model group and the control group (P<0.05). Acupuncture significantly reduced the muscular tension of spastic cerebral palsy rat and increased the active extent in the paralytic extremity (P<0.05), but it could not be restored to normal level. Compared with the control group, the difference had significant (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture treatment can inhibit the release of inflammatory cells after brain injury, then reduce immune injury, relieve muscle spasms and reduce muscular tension.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Acupuncture Therapy , Cerebral Palsy , Blood , Therapeutics , Cytokines , Blood , Disease Models, Animal , Hemorheology , Physiology , Muscle Tonus , Physiology , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
In this study,the common critical medical cases were organically combined with SimMan simulation system,which enabled students to deeply understand the diagnosis,treatment of disease and clinical operation as consulting real patients.Also,it could improve their clinical thinking ability,clinical skills and operational level.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of the expression of the PPAR-gamma gene on the proliferation and glycolysis metabolism of prostate cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using RNAi, we constructed lowly--expressed shRNA-PPARgamma adenoviruses and transfected them to PC3 prostate cancer cells, with blank vectors as controls. Then we detected the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells, glycolysis metabolism related genes and lactate accumulation by CCK-8 kit, and compared the results between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the PPAR-gamma gene expression was obviously inhibited by RNAi in the PC3 cells, and its protein expression was reduced to (26.00 +/- 4.06)%. The proliferation inhibition rate was (39.5 +/- 4.92)% on the 2nd day, and the apoptosis rate was as high as (21.03 +/- 3.08)%. The glycolysis metabolism related gene products (Myc and Glut-1) were significantly decreased, and the lactate concentration was reduced to 69.71% of that of the controls on the 4th day. There were statistically significant differences in the above findings as compared with the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPAR-gamma gene knockdown is expected to be a new way to treat prostate cancer.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Apoptosis , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation , Genetic Vectors , Glucose Transporter Type 1 , Metabolism , Glycolysis , PPAR gamma , Genetics , Metabolism , Prostatic Neoplasms , Metabolism , Pathology , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc , Metabolism , RNA Interference , RNA, Small Interfering , TransfectionABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To isolate and identify human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) by improved methods and assess the characteristics of PDLSC ex vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The periodontal ligament cells were obtained from the healthy impacted third molars and teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes and used to isolate PDLSC by limiting dilution assay. PDLSC were cultured and expanded in alpha-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS. Colony-forming assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, osteogenic and adipogenic induction were used to identify PDLSC.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The obtained cells had high colony-forming efficiency and were positive staining for vimentin and negative for pancytokeratin. Flow cytometry revealed that the isolated cells were positive for STRO-1 and CD146 antibodies and most were in the G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. Under specific conditions, they could differentiate to the osteoblast and adipocyte lineages in vitro.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Limiting dilution assay is an effective method to isolate PDLSC and the single-cell-derived colonies demonstrate the properties of stem cells in vitro.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Cell Differentiation , Cell Separation , In Vitro Techniques , Osteoblasts , Periodontal Ligament , Stem CellsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>T To explore the relationship between the expression of SOX4 gene and early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SOX4 expression was detected immunohistochemically in 60 HCC patients including 30 with and 30 without early recurrence after curative resection, with 30 normal liver specimens as the control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of SOX4 was significantly higher in HCC than in normal liver (41.7% vs 16.7%, P<0.05), and in HCC tissues, the expression was significantly higher in early recurrent HCC after curative resection than in HCC without early recurrence (56.7% vs 26.7%, P<0.05). SOX4 expression was inversely correlated to the patients' gender, age, tumor size, HBsAg, and Edmonson grade (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SOX4 is closely associated with early recurrence of HCC after curative resection, and its overexpression may contribute to early recurrence of HCC. SOX4 may serve as a new molecular indicator for evaluating the prognosis of HCC.</p>
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Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Biomarkers, Tumor , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Genetics , Metabolism , General Surgery , Liver Neoplasms , Genetics , Metabolism , General Surgery , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Genetics , Prognosis , SOXC Transcription Factors , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the reasons for bile duct injury (BDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and to determine the effect of multiple treatment after BDI.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective cohort study was performed. The medical records of 110 patients diagnosed with BDI after LC from October 1993 to November 2007, in ten large hospitals in Guangdong of China, were reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 110 patients with BDI, 58 cases (52.7%) were local patients, whereas 52 cases (47.3%) were transferred from outside hospitals. Reasons for BDI following LC were: (1) Lack of experience of the LC operator (48.2%); (2) LC performed during acute cholecystitis (20.0%); (3) The structure of Calot triangle was unclear (15.5%); (4) Variable anatomical position (11.8%); (5) Intra-operation bleeding (4.5%). The commonest sites of injury were the choledochus and common hepatic duct (76.4%). Following BDI, endoscopic stenting or operative repair was performed in 106 patients. The overall success rate was 95.3% (101/106), with a mortality rate was 0.9% (1/106). Cholangitis occurred in 3.8% (4/106) cases. Choledocho-enterostomy operation was performed in almost 60.0% (63/106) cases, and the success rate was 93.7% (59/63). Endoscopic stenting or operative repair was performed immediately following BDI in 23.6% (25/106) patients, the success rate was 100%; and within 30 days in 63.2% (67/106) patients. Eighty-eight out of 106 patients who underwent repair were successful following the first operative procedure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Factors such as an un-experienced operator and unclear anatomical position were causes of BDI following LC. Early operative repair should be regarded as the treatment of choice, in patients diagnosed with BDI. Early refer to an experienced hepatobiliary operator ensures a high success rate.</p>
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Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bile Ducts , Wounds and Injuries , General Surgery , Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic , Iatrogenic Disease , Intraoperative Complications , Diagnosis , General Surgery , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between cTnI phosphorylation/degradation and cardiomyopathies in extransplanted myocardium.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>cTnI phosphorylation and degradation as well as PKC (beta1, beta2) expressions were determined in extransplanted hearts from patients with cardiomyopathies (n = 8) and from traffic accidents (n = 6) by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cTnI bands were observed in LV myocardium of cardiomyopathy patients and normal myocardium while and cTnI degradation bands were only detected in LV myocardium from patients with cardiomyopathies. The phosphorylated cTnI bands were significantly upregulated in LV myocardium of cardiomyopathy patients compared to normal myocardium (P < 0.05). There was no myocardial PKCbeta1, PKCbeta2 expression in all examined hearts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The cTnI degradation products and increased phosphorylated cTnI expression are likely involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiomyopathy.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cardiomyopathies , Metabolism , Pathology , Myocardium , Metabolism , Pathology , Phosphorylation , Protein Kinase C , Metabolism , Protein Kinase C beta , Signal Transduction , Troponin I , MetabolismABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of cardiac troponin I R145W mutation, detected in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, on Ca(2+) current modulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>R146W mutation (resemble R145W in human) was introduced into rat cardiac troponin I cDNA by site-directed mutagenesis. With EGFP as a reporter gene, replication-defective adenovirus containing the wild or mutant cTnI gene was constructed. Adult rat cardiomyocytes, were isolated by Langendorff perfusion and cultured with serum-free medium and transduced with the recombinant adenoviruses. Western blot was used to determine the recombinant proteins. Whole cell patch clamp was employed to record L-type Ca(2+) currents on cultured myocytes. Intracellular free Ca(2+) and caffeine-induced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release were determined after the cells incubated with Fura-2/AM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DNA sequencing confirmed that R146W mutation was generated in rat cTnI cDNA. Bright green fluorescence was observed in the cultured cardiomyocytes at 48 h after transduction. The recombinant proteins could be identified with cTnI or GFP monoclonal antibody. The peak current of L-type Ca(2+) channel in cells transduced with cTnI R146W was significantly decreased compared to control cells and cells transfected with wild cTnI. Intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations and caffeine-induced SR Ca(2+) release determined by Fura-2/AM were similar among various cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Reduced peak current of L-type Ca(2+) channel in cells transduced with cTnI R146W might contribute to the disease-causing mechanism of this mutation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.</p>
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Animals , Female , Rats , Calcium , Metabolism , Calcium Channels, L-Type , Metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic , Genetics , Metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Mutagenesis, Site-Directed , Mutation , Myocytes, Cardiac , Metabolism , Patch-Clamp Techniques , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Transfection , Troponin I , GeneticsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture (EA) at Qiuxu (GB 40) and Tianshu (ST 25), and to probe the factors of influencing the therapeutic effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and seventy-five cases were randomly divided into the test group of 138 cases treated with EA at Qiuxu (GB 40) and the control group of 137 cases treated with EA at Tianshu (ST 25). Their therapeutic effects were observed and the factors influencing the therapeutic effect were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The transient effective rate was 70.3% in the test group and 58.4% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), and there were very significant differences between the two groups in the therapeutic effects at treatment of 4 weeks, and following-up 3 and 6 months later (P<0.001), the transient analgesic effect of EA at Qiuxu (GB 40) being better. EA had better transient effect on migraine for the mental workers, or the patient with high pain score at treatment, or more frequent attack. The long-term analgesic effect of EA at Qiuxu (GB 40) was better than Tianshu (ST 25).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The analgesic effect of EA at Qiuxu (GB 40) is better than Tianshu (ST 25) and the profession and conditions of the patient are the factors influencing the therapeutic effect.</p>
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Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Acupuncture Points , Electroacupuncture , Migraine Disorders , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To assess the parameters of cardiac structure and function of male Balb/c mice by the echocardiography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 27 male Balb/c mice (from five to seven week old) were examined with a 13-MHz transthoracic linear-array transducer, hearts were removed from mice anesthetized with Nembutal, and the left ventricular (LV) mass were weighed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Complete 2-dimensional echocardiography for cardiac structure and function were obtained. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded. A correlation existed between LV weight (x) and echocardiographic LV mass (y) with the 2D) guided M-mode method: y = 1.15x + 3.26, (r = 0.80).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Echocardiography appears to be a promising approach for noninvasively assessing LV mass and function in mice.</p>