A neglected normal anatomical structure in mammal: a study in bats and tree shrews / Una estructura anatómica normal desatendida en mamíferos: un estudio en murciélagos y musarañas arborícolas

SUMMARY: The myodural bridge is a dense connective tissue connecting muscles and ligaments to the spinal dura mater in the atlanto-occipital interspace. Some researchers believe that the myodural bridge may play a vital physiological role. It is possible, for instance, that the prevention of spinal dura mater infoldings might be involved in regulated cerebrospinal fluid circulation. For instance, it is possible to prevent spinal dura mater infoldings, regulating cerebrospinal circulation. Bats are nocturnal and the only mammals that can perform a genuine and sustained flight, whereas tree shrews are arboreal mammals that often climb to a high altitude of about 10,000 feet. Both animals have lifestyles that are different from other previously studied mammals. The study of these two animals will shed further light on the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. Gross anatomical dissection was used to observe the connections between the deep muscles of the neck and the dura mater at the level of the atlanto-occipital interspace. The existing structures were analyzed using conventional and special histological staining techniques. The suboccipital regions in bats and tree shrews contained the rectus capitis dorsal major (RCDma), rectus capitis dorsal minor (RCDmi), oblique capitis anterior (OCA), and oblique capitis posterior (OCP). Dense connective tissue connects the RCDmi to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) and the latter to the spinal dura mater. The myodural bridge in these mammals shares a similar structure to the myodural bridge in humans. Histological analyses confirmed that the connective fibers of the myodural bridge were primarily type I collagen fibers. In this study, it is supplemented by the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. This further demonstrates that myodural bridge widely exists in the normal anatomy of mammals. This provides morphological support for a comparative anatomical study of the physiological function of the myodural bridge.

El puente miodural es un tejido conjuntivo denso que conecta los músculos y los ligamentos a la duramadre espinal en el espacio atlanto-occipital. Algunos investigadores creen que el puente miodural puede desempeñar un papel fisiológico vital. Es posible, por ejemplo, que la prevención de los pliegues de la duramadre espinal pueda estar involucrada en la circulación regulada del líquido cefalorraquídeo. En esta instancia, es posible prevenir los pliegues de la duramadre espinal, regulando la circulación cerebro espinal. Los murciélagos son animales nocturnos y los únicos mamíferos que pueden realizar un vuelo real y sostenido, mientras que las musarañas arborícolas son mamíferos arbóreos que a menudo ascienden a una gran altura de unos 10 000 pies. Ambos animales tienen estilos de vida diferentes a los de otros mamíferos previamente estudiados. El estudio de estos dos animales ofrecerá más información sobre la existencia del puente miodural en los mamíferos. Se realizó una disección anatómica macroscópica para observar las conexiones entre los músculos profundos del cuello y la duramadre a nivel del espacio atlanto-occipital. Las estructuras existentes se analizaron mediante técnicas de tinción histológica convencionales y especiales. Las regiones suboccipitales en murciélagos y musarañas arbóreas presentaban el músculo recto dorsal mayor de la cabeza (RCDma), el recto dorsal menor de la cabeza (RCDmi), el oblicuo anterior de la cabeza (OCA) y el oblicuo posterior de la cabeza (OCP). El tejido conjuntivo denso conecta el RCDmi con la membrana atlanto- occipital posterior (PAOM) y esta última con la duramadre espinal. El puente miodural en estos mamíferos comparte una estructura similar al puente miodural en humanos. Los análisis histológicos confirmaron que las fibras conectivas del puente miodural son principalmente fibras de colágeno tipo I. Esto demuestra además que el puente miodural existe ampliamente en la anatomía normal de los mamíferos. Esta investigación proporciona apoyo morfológico para un estudio anatómico comparativo de la función fisiológica del puente miodural.

A comparative study of the morphology of suboccipital cavernous sinus using magnetic resonance imaging and cast specimens / Un estudio comparativo de la morfología del seno cavernoso suboccipital utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética y muestras de yeso

SUMMARY: A comparative study of the morphology of suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS) using MRI and cast specimens was performed. The present retrospective study analysed the craniocervical magnetic resonance venography (MRV) imaging data of 61 patients. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed using Mimics 19.0. The SCS left-right diameter(d1), distance from the midline (d2), supero-inferior diameter(d3), anteroposterior diameter (d4), distance from posterior diameter to skin (d5), and diameter of the SCS at different parts (d6-d8) were measured. Comparison between MRV images and cast specimens, the SCS, marginal sinus, anterior condylar vein, and vertebral artery venous plexus were symmetrical and could be bilaterally displayed, whereas the presence of extra condylar vein and posterior condylar vein exhibited different types. The adjacency between the SCS and its communicating vessels and changes in its communicating vessels corresponded well with the MRV images and cast specimens. Many types of the presence of left and right lateral condylar and posterior condylar veins were found in the cast specimens, which could be divided into the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins, unilateral presence of posterior condylar veins, and unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein. A total of 61 cases analysed using MRV images revealed the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins (77.1 %), the unilateral presence of posterior condylar vein (18.0 %), and the unilateral presence of lateral condylar vein (9.8 %), of which the bilateral presence of posterior condylar and lateral condylar veins accounted for the largest proportion. MRV images and cast specimens of the SCS showed its normal morphological structure and adjacency, thus providing accurate and complete Three-dimensional imaging anatomical data of the SCS and its communicating vascular structures. This study enriches the Chinese SCS imaging anatomy data and may be valuable in clinical practice.

RESUMEN: Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la morfología del seno cavernoso suboccipital (SCS) mediante resonancia magnética y muestras de yeso. El presente estudio retrospectivo analizó los datos de imágenes de venografía por resonancia magnética (RNM) craneocervical de 61 pacientes. La reconstrucción tridimensional se realizó con Mimics 19.0. Se midió: el diámetro izquierdo-derecho del SCS (d1), la distancia desde la línea mediana (d2), el diámetro superoinferior (d3), el diámetro anteroposterior (d4), la distancia desde el diámetro posterior hasta la piel (d5) y el diámetro del SCS en diferentes partes (d6-d8). En la comparación entre las imágenes RNM y las muestras de yeso, el SCS, el seno marginal, la vena condilar anterior y el plexo venoso de la arteria vertebral eran simétricos y se observaron bilateralmente, mientras que la presencia de la vena extracondilar y la vena condilar posterior presentaba tipos diferentes. La proximidad del SCS y sus vasos comunicantes y los cambios en sus vasos comunicantes se correspondieron bien con las imágenes de RNM y los especímenes moldeados. Se encontraron muchos tipos de venas condilares laterales y condilares posteriores izquierda y derecha en las muestras de yeso, que podrían dividirse en presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales, presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores y presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales. Un total de 61 casos analizados mediante imágenes MRV revelaron la presencia bilateral de venas condilares posteriores y condilares laterales (77,1 %), la presencia unilateral de venas condilares posteriores (18,0 %) y la presencia unilateral de venas condilares laterales (9,8 %) de los cuales la presencia bilateral de las venas condilar posterior y condilar lateral representó la mayor proporción. Las imágenes de RNM y las muestras de yeso del SCS mostraron su estructura morfológica y adyacencia normales, lo que proporcionó datos anatómicos de imágenes tridimensionales precisos y completos del SCS y sus estructuras vasculares comunicantes. Este estudio enriquece los datos de anatomía de imágenes de SCS chino y puede ser valioso en la práctica clínica.

Identification of hub genes and transcription factors involved in periodontitis on the basis of multiple microarray analysis / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during the pathogenesis of periodontitis by bioinformatics analysis.@*METHODS@#GEO2R was used to screen DEGs in GSE10334 and GSE16134. Then, the overlapped DEGs were used for further analysis. g:Profiler was used to perform Gene Ontology analysis and pathway analysis for upregulated and downregulated DEGs. The STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, which was further visua-lized and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Hub genes and key modules were identified by cytoHubba and MCODE plug-ins, respectively. Finally, transcription factors were predicted via iRegulon plug-in.@*RESULTS@#A total of 196 DEGs were identified, including 139 upregulated and 57 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways including immune system, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and chemokine receptors bind chemokines. On the contrary, the downregulated DEGs were mainly related to the formation of the cornified envelope and keratinization. The identified hub genes in the PPI network were CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCR4, SEL, CD19, and IKZF1. The top three modules were involved in chemokine response, B cell receptor signaling pathway, and interleukin response, respectively. iRegulon analysis revealed that IRF4 scored the highest.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The pathogenesis of periodontitis was closely associated with the expression levels of the identified hub genes including CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCR4, SELL, CD19, and IKZF1. IRF4, the predicted transcription factor, might serve as a dominant upstream regulator.

Inverted U-Shaped Associations between Glycemic Indices and Serum Uric Acid Levels in the General Chinese Population: Findings from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and glycemic indices, including plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload glucose (2h-PG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the associations between glycemic indices and SUA levels in the general Chinese population.@*Methods@#The current study was a cross-sectional analysis using the first follow-up survey data from The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study. A total of 105,922 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years underwent the oral glucose tolerance test and uric acid assessment. The nonlinear relationships between glycemic indices and SUA levels were explored using generalized additive models.@*Results@#A total of 30,941 men and 62,361 women were eligible for the current analysis. Generalized additive models verified the inverted U-shaped association between glycemic indices and SUA levels, but with different inflection points in men and women. The thresholds for FPG, 2h-PG, and HbA1c for men and women were 6.5/8.0 mmol/L, 11.0/14.0 mmol/L, and 6.1/6.5, respectively (SUA levels increased with increasing glycemic indices before the inflection points and then eventually decreased with further increases in the glycemic indices).@*Conclusion@#An inverted U-shaped association was observed between major glycemic indices and uric acid levels in both sexes, while the inflection points were reached earlier in men than in women.

Existence of myodural bridge in the trachemys scripta elegans: indication of its important physiological function / Existencia del puente miodural en trachemys scripta elegans: indicación de su importante función fisiológica

The myodural bridge (MDB) is confirmed that connecting the most of suboccipital muscles to the cervical dura mater through the posterior intervertebral spaces and widely exists in mammals and birds. In order to reveal whether the MDB is universally existing in amniota of vertebrates, we explored the existence and the morphological features of the MDB in the Trachemys scripta elegans. Twenty fresh red-eared slider specimens were observed by the gross anatomy dissection and histological analysis. In the results, three kind of muscles in the postoccipital region of the red-eared slider were found. The rectus capitis dorsum minor muscle originated from the posterior margin of the occiput (C0) and terminated at the spinous process of the atlas (C1). The transversospinales muscle was attached to the vertebral arch and the postzygapophysis of the atlas and extended to the spinous process of the axis (C2). The C2-C3 intertransversales muscle were extended from the postzygapophysis of C2 and the one of C3. The three muscles covered the dorsal interspaces among C0-C3, and meantime they were closely connected with dense connective tissues, which filled in these interspaces. Each of these thick dense connective tissue membranes sent off several short and strong fibrous bundles ventrally to merge with the cervical spinal dura mater. Furthermore the connective tissues connecting these muscles with cervical spinal dura mater directly were revealed under the microscopy and they consisted of parallel and intensive collagen fibers with orientation from dorsal to ventral. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated the existence of the MDB in the testudines, in all of the dorsal atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial and C2-C3 intervertebral spaces. Based on our results and comparative anatomical evidences in recent year, it could be inferred that the MDB might be its highly conserved structure in the evolution of amniota.

Se confirma que el puente miodural (PMD) conecta la mayoría de los músculos suboccipitales con la duramadre cervical a través de los espacios intervertebrales posteriores y existe ampliamente en mamíferos y aves. Para revelar si el MDB existe universalmente en la amniota de vertebrados, exploramos la existencia y las características morfológicas del PMD en Trachemys scripta elegans. Veinte muestras se observaron mediante disección anatómica y análisis histológico. En los resultados, se encontraron tres tipos de músculos en la región occipital. El músculo recto capitis dorsum minor se originó en el margen posterior del occipital (C0) y terminó en el proceso espinoso del atlas (C1). El músculo transverso espinal se unió al arco vertebral y el proceso del atlas y se extendió al proceso espinoso del axis (C2). El músculo intertransversario C2-C3 se extendió entre los procesos transversos de C2 y el de C3. Los tres músculos cubrían los espacios intermedios dorsales entre C0-C3 y, mientras tanto, estaban estrechamente conectados con tejidos conectivos densos, que rellenaban estos espacios. Cada una de estas membranas densas de tejido conectivo envían varios haces fibrosos cortos y fuertes ventralmente para fusionarse con la duramadre espinal cervical. Además, los tejidos conectivos que conectan estos músculos con la duramadre cervical y espinal se revelaron directamente bajo microscopía y consistían en intensas fibras de colágeno, paralelas, con orientación desde dorsal a ventral. En conclusión, este estudio demostró por primera vez la existencia del PMD en los estudios de prueba, en todos los espacios dorsales atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial e intervertebral C2-C3. Sobre la base de nuestros resultados y las evidencias anatómicas comparativas de los últimos años, se podría inferir que el PMD podría ser una estructura altamente conservada en la evolución de la amniota.

Anatomical parameters of the rectus capitis posterior major and obliqus capitis inferior muscles based on an oblique sagittal magnetic resonance scan method / Parámetros anatómicos de los músculos recto posterior mayor de la cabeza y oblicuo mayor de la cabeza basados en un método oblicuo sagital de exploración por resonancia magnética

The deep suboccipital muscles has been shown to connect the spinal dura mater via dense connective tissue termed the myodural bridge (MDB). The MDB has both physiological and clinical implications. Data on morphological and imaging anatomical parameters of the deep suboccipital muscles are scare. In this study, T2-weighted images of rectus capitis posterior major (RCPma) and obliqus capitis inferior (OCI) of 109 healthy adults were obtained by 0-degree sagittal and 30-degree oblique sagittal continuous MRI scanning of the head and neck of the subjects. Sectional area parameters of the RCPma and the OCI were measured. The 0-degree sagittal section was measured with 5 mm bias from the median sagittal plane, the sectional area of the RCPma was 186.34± 55.02 mm2 on the left, and 202.35± 59.76 mm2 on the right. The sectional area of OCI was 221.72± 68.99 mm2 on the left, and 224.92± 61.34 mm2 on the right; At the section with 30-degree bias from the oblique sagittal plane, the sectional area of RCPma was 183.30± 42.24 mm2 in males, and 133.05± 26.44 mm2 in females. The sectional area of OCI was 254.81± 46.20 mm2 in males, and 167.42± 27.85 mm2 in females. Significant sex difference exists in the sectional areas of the RCPma and OCI, the values of the male subjects were predominantly larger (P < 0.05), however there were no age- related significant difference. The sectional area of RCPma is bilateral asymmetric, the RCPma on the right side is larger than that of the left side (P < 0.05), but the OCI is bilaterally symmetric (P >0.05). The MRI image features, imaging anatomical data and sexual dimorphism of the RCPma and the OCI are presented in this study. This imaging anatomical data will be useful for functional and clinical studies on the RCPma, OCI, and the MDB.

Se ha demostrado que los músculos suboccipitales profundos conectan la duramadre espinal a través del tejido conectivo denso denominado puente miodural (PMD). El PMD tiene implicaciones tanto fisiológicas como clínicas. Los datos sobre los parámetros anatómicos y morfológicos y de imagen de los músculos suboccipitales profundos son alarmantes. En este estudio, se obtuvieron imágenes ponderadas en T2 del músculo recto posterior mayor (RCPma) y del músculo oblicuo mayor de la cabeza (OCI) de 109 adultos sanos, mediante una exploración de la cabeza y el cuello sagital de 0 grados y sagital oblicua de 30 grados. Se midieron los parámetros de área seccional del RCPma y el OCI. La sección sagital de 0 grados se midió con un sesgo de 5 mm desde el plano mediano, el área de la sección de la RCPma fue 186,34 ± 55,02 mm2 a la izquierda y 202,35 ± 59,76 mm2 a la derecha. El área seccional de OCI fue 221.72 ± 68.99 mm2 a la izquierda y 224.92 ± 61.34 mm2 a la derecha. En la sección de 30 grados desde el plano sagital oblicuo, el área de la sección de RCPma fue de 183.30 ± 42.24 mm2 en los hombres, y 133.05 ± 26.44 mm2 en las mujeres. El área seccional de OCI fue de 254.81 ± 46.20 mm2 en varones y 167.42 ± 27.85 mm2 en mujeres. Existe una diferencia significativa según el sexo en las áreas seccionales de la RCPma y la OCI, los valores de los sujetos masculinos fueron predominantemente mayores (P <0.05). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencia significativa relacionada con la edad. El área de la sección de RCPma es bilateral asimétrica, la RCPma en el lado derecho es más grande que la del lado izquierdo (P <0.05), pero el OCI es bilateralmente simétrico (P> 0.05). Las características de la imagen de resonancia magnética, los datos anatómicos de imágenes y el dimorfismo sexual de la RCPma y la OCI se presentan en este estudio. Estos datos anatómicos de imágenes serán útiles para estudios funcionales y clínicos en RCPma, OCI y PMD.

Change of Plasma Interleukin-17 Level in Patients with Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma and Its Clinical Significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical significance of interleukin-17 (IL-17) level in patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma(ENKTL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients with nasal ENKTL who received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy from January 2011 to January 2012 were enrolled in the study. Eighty healthy volunteers were selected as the controls (control group). About 5 ml of peripheral blood was collected from all patients and controls. IL-17 level was determined by ELISA. The age, sex, ECOG score, B symptoms, LDH level, lymph node involvment, Ann Arbor stage, IPI, KPI, peripheral blood lymphocyte and lymph node metastasis, number of lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood were recorded. All patients were followed up for 3 year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average IL-17 level in patients with ENKTL was 6.48 pg/ml and the average concentration of IL-17 in control group was 0.56 pg/ml (P<0.01). The level of IL-17 in patients with B-symptoms and lymph node involvement was significantly higher than that in the control group. The differences in IL-17 level were not statistically significant among patients with different age, sex, ECOG, LDH, Ann Arbor stage, IPI, KPI, lymphocyte count and monocyte cell count. The sensitivity and specificity of IL-17 were 74.5% and 73.7% respectively, and the optimal threshold was 3.49 pg/ml and AUC was 0.799 (95% CI: 0.688-0.909) (P<0.01). The PFS and OS were longer in the patients with IL-17≤3.49 pg/ml and longer in the patients without lymph node involvement and Ann Arbor I. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of PFS and OS in patients with ENKTL were plasma IL-17 levels and age (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ENKTL patients with different clinical characteristics have different levels of IL-17, the different level of IL-17 has different effects on prognosis of patients with ENKTL.</p>

Inhibitory Effects of Propofol on PC12 Cells Injury Induced by Glutamic Acid via MAPK/ERK Signal Pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study inhibitory effects of propofol on PC12 cells injury induced by glutamic acid via mitogen-acti-vated protein kinase/extra-cellular regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signal pathway. METHODS:PC12 cells were randomized into normal control group,model group(10 mmol/L glutamic acid),propofol low-concentrations,medium-concentrations and high-con-centrations groups(12.5,25,50 μmol/L+10 mmol/L glutamic acid). The optical density of cells,cell apoptosis,the phosphoryla-tion of ERK1/2 and the expression of c-fos,Bax,Bcl-2 were detected after treated with relevant medicine for 48 h. RESULTS:Compared with normal control group,optical density of cells,the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Bcl-2 decreased in model group (P<0.01);apoptotic rate,the expression of c-fos and Bax increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group,optical density of cells,the expression of Bcl-2 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 increased in propofol group (P<0.01);apoptosis rate,the ex-pression of c-fos and Bax decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were statistical significant between the different concentrations (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Propofol can inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by glutamic acid,which is associated with the up-regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Observation on effect of 3D-CRT combined with DC-CIK cell in treatment of recurrent smell cell carcinoma in high altitude regions / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the effect of 3‐dimensonal conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT ) combined with dendritic cell‐cytokine induced kill (DC‐CIK) cell in the treatment of recurrent small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in high altitude regions ,and its influence on VEGF and NSE .Methods Eighty‐five patients with recurrent SCLC in the tumor radiotherapy department of the Qinghai Provincial Fifth People′s Hospital from May 2012 to April 2014 were selected and divided into the control group(41 cases) and observation group(44 cases) according to the random number table .The two groups were respectively treated by 3D‐CRT treat‐ment and 3D‐CRT combined with DC‐CIK treatment cell .The curative effect ,incidence rate of adverse reactions ,levels of VEGF and NSE ,changes of liver and renal function indexes in the two groups were compared before and after treatment .Results The ef‐fective rate and sickness control rate of the observation group were 65 .9% and 79 .5% respectively ,which were higher than those in the control group ,and the differences were statistically significant (P0 .05) .The levels of liver and renal function indexes had no statistically significant differences between before and after treatment(P>0 .05) .Conclusion 3D‐CRT combined with DC‐CIK cell in the treatment of recurrent SCLC in high altitude regions has more obvious curative effect ,moreover has no obvious influence on radiotherapeutic adverse reactions ,and liver and renal functions .

Regulations of berberine on gene expression of BMP4 transcriptional pathways to improve visceral white adipose tissues insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic hamsters / 中国中药杂志

To study the effects of berberine on the gene mRNA expressions of BMP4 transcriptional pathways and brown/white adipose tissue conversion transcriptional pathways in visceral white adipose tissues(VWAT) in type 2 diabetic hamsters and explore the relevant mechanisms. The obese insulin-resistant hamster model were induced by using high-fat diet, and then the type 2 diabetic hamster model was created through injection with low-dose streptozotocin in the obese insulin-resistant hamster model. After the modeling, the hamsters were randomly divided into normal control, obese insulin-resistant, type 2 diabetic and berberine-treated diabetic groups. After the nine-week treatment, real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the changes in gene mRNA expressions of VWAT BMP4 transcriptional pathways, brown/white adipose tissue conversion transcriptional pathways and their target genes in different groups. The results showed that the gene mRNA expressions of BMP4, BMPRⅡ, BMPRlA, Smad1, Smad5, Smad8, p38/MAPK, ATF2, PRDM16, C/EBPβ, PGC1α, PPARγ and brown adipose tissue-specific genes was decreased and that of Smad6, Smurf1 and white adipose tissue-specific genes was increased in VWAT of model hamsters. Treatment with berberine regulated BMP4 transcriptional pathways and brown adipose tissue transcriptional pathways and induced the gene mRNA expression of brown adipose tissue-specific genes in VWAT to develop browning gene phenotype of white adipose tissues, and then improved fat-induced insulin resistance. These findings indicated that BMP4 transcriptional pathways involved in the formation of fat-induced visceral white adipose tissues insulin resistance (FIVWATIR) and the browning molecular mechanism of white adipose tissues induced by berberine.

Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor-Β1 Combined with Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Repair of Degenerated Intervertebral Discs in Rat Models / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of the combination of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-Β1 (TGF-Β1), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and temperature-responsive chitosan hydrogel (TCH) gel on the repair of degenerative intervertebral disc in rat models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat models of intervertebral disc degeneration were established by acupuncture. The degenerative effects were observed under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The BMSCs was cultured in vitro and then transfected by adenovirus with enhanced green fluorescent protein to make it carry the gene of enhanced green fluorescent protein,which functioned as fluorescence labeling. The SD rat models of intervertebral disc degeneration were divided into four groups: group A, treated with the combination of bFGF, TGF-Β1,BMSCs,and TCH gel; group B, treated with the combination of BMSCs and TCH gel;group C, treated with the combination of bFGF,TGF-Β1, and TCH gel;and group D, treated with PBS buffer solution. After the corresponding reagents were injected into the degenerative intervertebral discs of each group, the rats were cultivated for another four weeks and then the repair effects of the intervertebral discs were observed under MRI. Furthermore,the intervertebral discs of each group were taken out and observed by HE and Masson staining. The nucleus pulposus was aspirated and the expressions of aggrecan,collagen 2,Sox-9,and collagen I of nucleus pulposus of each group were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The transplanted BMSCs survived in the intervertebral disc and differentiated into nucleus pulposus-like cells. MRI showed that:the signal intensity of the nucleus pulposus of group A was much higher than that of the rest groups, the signal intensity of group B was higher than that of group C, and the signal intensity of group D was the lowest,in which the dura mater spinalis was in compression and the spinal cord changed in beaded shape. The differences of the Pfirrmann grading among the four groups had statistical significance (P<0.05). The results of the HE and Masson stains showed:the intervertebral disc of group A was well-structured,the quantity of nucleus pulposus cells was larger than that of the other three groups,and the boundary between the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus was clearly defined;the quantity of the nucleus pulposus cells of group B was larger than that of group C, and the broken annulus fibrosus was not observed in group B, while the broken annulus fibrosus could be observed in group C; and, the nucleus pulposus cells of group D were replaced by fibrous tissue. The results of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot tests showed that,in terms of the expressions of aggrecan,collagen 2 and Sox-9,group A was the highest, followed by group B,group C,and group D (P<0.05); in terms of the expression of collagen 1,there was no obvious difference among these four groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The transplanted BMSCs can survive in the degenerative intervertebral disc and differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells. The combination of bFGF, TGF-Β1, BMSCs,and TCH gel has obvious repair effect on the degenerative intervertebral discs. The effect of the combination of BMSCs and TCH gel on transplantation therapy of the degenerative intervertebral discs is better than that of the combination of bFGF, TGF-Β1 and TCH gel but worse than that of the combination of bFGF, TGF-Β1, BMSCs, and TCH gel.</p>

Influence of celecoxib combined with IFN-alpha on proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and CD117 expression of K562 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Celecoxib on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and CD117 expression of K562 cells, and to explore its synergistic effect with IFN-alpha. K562 cells were treated with IFN-alpha, Celecoxib and combination of Celecoxib with IFN-alpha at different concentrations. The inhibitory effect of Celecoxib and IFN-alpha on cell proliferation was detected with MTT assay, the cell apoptosis, cell cycle and CD117 expression were determined by morphology observation and flow cytometry. The results showed that the Celecoxib inhibited proliferation of K562 cells in concentration-dependent manner (r=-0.91). After culture of K562 cells for 72 hours, the rates of K562 cell proliferation in control group, IFN-alpha group, Celecoxib group and IFN-alpha-combined Celecoxib group were (96.1+/-0.5)%, (90.2+/-0.4)%, (57.2+/-0.9)% and (21.9+/-0.3)% respectively. The cell apoptosis rates in 4 groups were (5.5+/-0.8)%, (6.3+/-0.6)%, (26.4+/-3.9)% and (57.3+/-4.5)% respectively. The CD117 expression rates in 4 groups were 54.7%, 10.5%, 36.3% and 7.3% respectively. Combination of Celecoxib with IFN-alpha might block K562 cells in G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, Celecoxib and IFN-alpha both may inhibit K562 cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, reduce CD117 expression and produce G0/G1 phase block to various degree and the two drugs have a synergistic effect.

Thyroid nodular diseases in the population indergoing medical examination and the analysis of its relative factors in Dalian City,Liaoning Province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To investigate the characteristics about the prevalence of thyroid nodules detected on color Doppler uhrasonography(US) in people residing in Dalian City who undergo regular physical examinations, as well as its relative factors. Methods All thyroid sonographic and questionair procedures were performed in the 6020 people above 18-year-old living in the four districts of Dalian City for at least 5 years, who were examined at the department of health medical center of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from May 2006 to March 2007. Urinary iodine concentration was measured in 2039 healthy adults selected by age layers in our study population. Moreover, urinary iodine concentrations were determined in 220 children aged 8-10 years old who were randomly chosen from four communities (55 children per elementary school from each community). The analysis of logistic regression was conducted for the risk factors linked to thyroid nodules. Results The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the 6020 adults was 38.5%(2319/6020), in which nodules sized between 0.3 and up to 0.5 cm were found in 17.1% (1030/6020), and those above 0.5 cm in 21.4% (1289/6020). Ultrsonography revealed solitary nodules in 17.2% (1036/6020), multinodular goiter in 21.3% (1283/6020). Fifty-four point nine percent (1272/2319) thyroid nodules showed solid internal echographic structures, 30.2%(701/2319) mixed and 14.9%(346/2319). The thyroid nodule detected rate in female individuals was 46.1% (1102/2393), among whom multinodular goiter [59.1% (651/1102)] was more than solitary nodules[40.9(451/1102)] in female; while only 33.6%(1217/3627) of male were detected to have thyroid nodule, there was a difference between the genders (χ2=95,079,P<0.01). The mediam urinary iodine concentration(MUI) was 184.32 μg/L in children and 216.75 μg/L in the health adults, moreover, it was 216.55 μg/L and 217.00 μg/L in the people with thyroid nodules and those without nodules without a significant difference (P>0.05). The rate of thyroid nodules gradually increased with age(χ2=344.998, P<0.01). The occurance of thyroid nodules was significant associated with gender and age(P<0.01). Conclusions The nutritional iodine intake in the four communities of Dalian City are adequate. The prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas is relatively high in this group of people receiving medical examination.

Diagnosis value of biological markers CTX-II in osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

It is very difficult to diagnosis osteoarthritis in the early stage, due to the slow development of the disease, no symptoms occures, and no X-ray findings in the early stage, it is difficult to early diagnosis with the traditional diagnostic methods, resulting in the poor treatment outcome, and even some patients develop joint deformity, activity limitation, and must take an operation, it brought great pain and heavy financial burden to patients. How to early diagnosis of articular cartilage injury become difficult now. Some scholars suggest that to those suspected patients, the arthroscopic diagnosis must be taken. Although the small trauma and quick recover, the method of operation has trauma, not only increase the suffering of the patients, but the treatment is very expensive, make the patients finch. A large number of domestic and foreign scholars to study patients with OA to find the ideal fluid biological markers (BM) to reflect articular cartilage metabolism, and revealed disease activity or prognosis. The CTX-II can reflect degradation of the articular cartilage.

Jiedu tongluo baoshen gelation capsule for protecting the kidney of rats with diabetes mellitus and its effect on the expression of connective tissue growth mRNA / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has very strong regulative effect on the differentiation and proliferation of renal cells as well as the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix. Its abnormal expression plays a key role in the process of fibrous degeneration of various renal diseases including diabetic nephropathy.OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effect ofjiedu tongluo baoshen gelatin capsule on renal disease in rats with diabetes mellitus and its effect on the expression of renal CTGF mRNA.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experiment taking animals as subjects.SETTING: Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Department of Pathology, Institute of Regenerated Medical Sciences, Jilin University MATERIALS: Totally 46 Wistar rats, of clean degree, male and female in half, weighing 150 to 200 g, were used in the experiment. Jiedu tongluo baoshen gelatin capsule was provided by Preparation Room, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jilin Province (Batch No. 2002101, composed of Renshen, Huangqi, Shengdi, Gouqizi, Zhimuv Digupiv Huanglian,Zhenhua, Jinyinhua, Dahuang, Danshen, Yimucao and so on, 0.25 g/pill)and benazepril (Provided by Beijing Nuohua Pharmaceutical Company,Batch No. 01046) were used in the experiment.METHODS: This experiment was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Institute of Regenerated Medical Sciences, Jilin University from May 2002 to January 2003. ① Totally 46 Wistar rats used in the experiment were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (n=10), model group (n=12), benazepril-treated group (n=12) and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group (n=12).Rats of normal control group were intraperitoneally injected of natrium citricum buffer solution of same volume; Rats of other groups were intraperitoneally injected of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin which was dissolved by 0.1 mol/L citric acid buffer solution before use(pH 4.2). Seventy-two hours after modeling, venous blood was collected from the tails to measure the levels of fasting blood glucose and urine glucose.Blood glucose ≥ 16.7 mmol/L and urine glucose over 卅 suggested diabetic models were successful. Rats of benazepril-treated group were performed intragastric administration of benazepril suspension of 15 mg/(kg·d);Rats of traditional Chinese medicine-treated grou p were performed intragastric administration ofjiedu tongluo baoshen gelatin capsule suspension of 5 g/(kg ·d); Rats of normal control group and model group were performed intragastric administration of the same volume of running water on each morning, once a day, 12 weeks in total. ② Levels of blood glucose,urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urinary albumin excretion rate were measured 12 weeks after administration; Level of angiotensin Ⅱ of renal tissue was measured with radioimmunoassay; Levels of renal fibronectin and type Ⅳ collagen protein expression were measured with immunohistochemical method; Connective tissue growth factor gene expression of renal cortex was measured with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and renal histological observation was also performed. ③ Analysis of variance was used in the intergroup comparison.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biochemical index of blood and urine,level of angiotensin Ⅱ of renal tissue, pathological morphology, expression of fibronectin and type Ⅳ rabbit anti-rat collagen protein and expression of connective tissue growth factor mRNARESULTS: Five, four and three rats died in the process of experiment respectively in model group, benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group, finally, 10,7,8 and 9 rats entered the stage of result analysis respectively in normal control group, model group, benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group. ① The ratio between body mass and renal mass was significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.05),but was significantly lower in the benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group than in the model group (P ＜ 0.01). ② Fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.01),but was significantly lower in the traditional Chinese medicine-treated group than in the model group and benazepril-treated group (P ＜ 0.01). ③ Levels of urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinary albumin excretion rate and angiotensin Ⅱ of renal tissue were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.01), but significantly lower in the benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group than in the model group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01 ). ④Pathomorphological change of renal tissue was very severe in the model group,but very mild in the benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group. ⑤Fibronectin and type Ⅳ rabbit anti-rat collagen protein expression were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P ＜ 0.01), those were significantly lower in the benazepril-treated group and traditional Chinese medicine-treated group than in the model group, but higher than normal control group (P ＜ 0.01). ⑥Expression of CTGF mRNA of renal cortex of model group was 2.65 times that of normal control group. Expression of CTGF mRNA of benazepriltreated group and traditional Chinese ine-treated group was decreased by 23.68% and 26.32%, respectively (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).CONCLUSION: Jiedu tongluo baoshen gelatin capsule has protective effect on diabetic nephropathy, which might be implemented by reducing the level of angiotensin Ⅱ of renal tissue and down-regulating the expression of CTGF mRNA of renal cortex of rats with diabetes mellitus, so as to reduce the deposition of extracellular matrix.

Discussion on correlation between intrahepatic inflammatory pathogenesis and the TCM theory of liver collateral injury by toxins in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance / 中国中西医结合杂志

Correlation between the intrahepatic inflammatory pathogenesis and the TCM theory of liver collateral injury by toxins in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with insulin resistance (IR) was investigated, to elucidate that removing toxins, dredging collateral and modulating Gan could be one of the effective approaches for inhibiting intrahepatic inflammation mechanism of T2DM with IR.

Treating diabetes withdrawal of insulin with TCM by Professor NAN Zheng / 中华中医药杂志

Diabetes,characterized by chronic increase of blood glucose,is a group of metabolic diseases.It is usually treated by oral administration with antidiabetic drug and insulin with western medicine.Diabetes is called consumptive thirst in TCM.Professor NAN Zheng thought the pathogenesis of consumptive was yin defi ciency and dryness-heat at the early stage,and at the protracted stage it was usually characterized by qi defi ciency,blood stasis,pathogen intruding into collateral and poison damaging zang and fu.He established a series of treatment plan,involving diet,movement,and the Chinese materia medica.Professor NAN opposed to abusing insulin and the insulin multi-purpose theory,and proposed the treatment should start from change of bad life style and combine with application of Chinese medicine to regulate yin-yang and qi-blood of fi ve viscera,treat triple diabetes at the same time.So long as syndrome differentiation was accurate,the Chinese materia medica may replace the insulin and prolong the life.In conclusion,this article enumerates 3 typical cases diabetes withdrawal of insulin with TCM by Professor NAN Zheng.

Theoretical explanation on TCM pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy / 中华中医药杂志

To explain the relation between diabetic vasculopathy and'Blood blocking collaterals and phlegm turbidness not being removed'proposed by Mr.ZHU Kan-yu.It is believed that the turbidness is the basic pathological product during the development of diabetes.Blood glucose remains high,which reflects the disorders of transportation and distribution of turbid yin and qi in the body.That is to say that the thick coreal nutrients in the vessels are unable to be distributed and absorbed but stay in the vessels as turbid pathologic factors.Blood stasis and phlegm is the further result of turbid pathologic factors.The TCM explanation of diabetic vasculopathy is that phlegm,turbidness,blood stasis block the meridians and collaterals.Those visible pathological factors deposit in vessels and cause narrow vessels and thick walls.Meanwhile the deposit stimulates,spreads,erodes and burns the walls and finally ruins the walls.

Effect of combined therapy of xiaoke shen'an capsule and western medicine in diabetic nephropathy / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of xiaoke shen' an capsule on diabetic nephropathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients with diabetic nephropathy were randomly divided into two groups, the patients in the control group (CG) were treated with conventional western medicine, and those in the treated group (TG) were treated with combined therapy of xiaoke shen'an capsule and conventional western medicine. The treatment course of both groups was 8 weeks, and the therapeutic effect related indexes were measured before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The curative rate was 85.0% and 73.3% in CG and TG respectively, it was better in TG than that in CG (P < 0.05). Indexes such as fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, quantity of 24h urinary protein, urinary albumin excretion rate, renal function, blood lipids and hemoreheologic parameters were significantly different before and after treatment in TG (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). As compared with CG, some of these indexes after treatment were superior to those in CG (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined therapy of xiaoke shen'an capsule and conventional western medicine has definite therapeutic effect on diabetic nephropathy.</p>