Pathogenic characteristics of bloodstream infections in patients with hematological diseases and the impact of stem cell transplantation on them / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pathogens causing bloodstream infection in hematology patients during treatment and to compare the effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on them, so as to provide evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infection. Methods A total of 292 cases with bloodstream infection in hematology wards of the PLA General Hospital were collected from 2017 to 2021, which were divided into HSCT group and N-HSCT group according to whether performed HSCT or not. The epidemiological characteristics and influence of pathogenic bacteria in blood stream infection were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 362 strains of pathogenic bacteria were collected from 292 cases, including 106 strains in HSCT group (84 cases) and 256 strains in N-HSCT group (208 cases). Bloodstream infections were more common in acute myeloid leukemia (130/392, 44.52%), followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (74/292, 25.34%). The rate of once bloodstream infection in HSCT group was higher than that in N-HSCT Group, but the rate of twice bloodstream infections in N-HSCT group was higher. Gram-negative Bacilli were the most common pathogens (56.08%), with Escherichia coli being absolutely dominant (109/362, 30.11%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (39/362, 10.77%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (107/362, 29.56%) were the most common Gram-positive cocci. The detection rate of fungi in HSCT group (10/106, 9.43%) was significantly higher than that in N-HSCT Group (3.52%). The drug resistance rate of the common pathogenic bacteria was at a high level, and there was a certain proportion of multi-drug resistant strains (except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The resistance rates of CoNS to penicillin, gentamicin, moxifloxacin, clindamycin and rifampicin in HSCT group were higher than those in N-HSCT Group. The resistance rate of Escherichia coli to piperacillin/tazobactam, cephalosporins and etapenem in HSCT group was significantly higher than that in N-HSCT group. Conclusions The pathogens of blood stream infection in hematology patients are complicated and various. It is difficult for clinical diagnosis and treatment to detect multiple infections and multiple pathogens. HSCT patients have a higher risk of fungal bloodstream infection and more multi-drug resistant strains detected. Therefore, the identification of bloodstream infection and multi-drug resistant strains associated with HSCT patients should prompt surveillance.

Terpinen-4-ol inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes apoptosis of glioma U87 and U251 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of T40 on malignant biological behavior of glioma U87 and U251 cells and its mechanism. Methods U87 and U251 cells were treated with T40 at different concentrations (0,1,2 and 4 p,mol • L"1). Changes of cell proliferation, clonal formation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in each group were detected by CCK-8, cloning plate, flow cytometry, scratch and transwell experi-ments. Bioinformatics was used to explore T40 targets and analyze the relationship between targets and glioma progression. The protein expression levels of PTPN1, PTPN2, Bcl-2, Bax, pro-caspase-3 , cleaved caspase- 3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in each group were detected by Western blot. Results T40 significantly inhibited U87 and U251 proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis ( P < 0. 05 ) ; T40 had 37 targets, among which the expression levels of PTPN1 and PTPN2 were negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of glioma patients; T40 signifi cantly reduced the expression of PTPN1, PTPN2, Bcl- 2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in U87 and U251 cells, and increased the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0. 05). Conclusions T40 inhibits the proliferation , migration and invasion of glioma U87 and U251 cells and promotes their apoptosis, and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of PTPN1 and PTPN2 expression.

Cardioprotective effect of taurine and ß-alanine against cardiac disease in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion-induced rats

BACKGROUND: The present study analyzed the synergistic protective effect of ß-alanine and taurine against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, and levels of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and the mRNA and protein expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator 3 of transcription (STAT3) were determined. The molecular docking was carried out by using AutoDock 4.2.1. RESULTS: Combined treatment with ß-alanine and taurine reduced myocardial infarct size, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory marker, ROS levels, and apoptosis and increased Gpx, SOD activity, GSH, and catalase activity. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly reduced JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA and protein expression compared with the control. The small molecule was docked over the SH2 domain of a STAT3, and binding mode was determined to investigate the inhibitory potential of ß-alanine and taurine. ß-Alanine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.34 kcal/mol and KI of 1.91 µM. Taurine bound to SH2 domain with ΔG of -7.38 kcal/mol and KI of 1.95 µM. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that the combined supplementation of ß-alanine and taurine should be further investigated as an effective therapeutic approach in achieving cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.

Advances in mechanisms of microglial function on demyelination and remyelination in EAE model / 中国免疫学杂志

Inflammatory cells infiltration and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS) are the main pathological characteristics of multiple sclerosis(MS),an autoimmune disease in the CNS.Most of the related pathological studies are carried out in the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).Microglia(MG) are the primary immune effector cells of the CNS and their activation can play complex roles in demyelination and remyelination during EAE.In detail,M1 phenotype is an important cause of demyelination and detrimental to remyelination while M2 phenotype can promote remyelination and inhibit demyelination.In this review,we not only focus on advances in the direct mechanisms of microglial function on demyelination and remyelination in EAE model,also the indirect mechanisms by astrocytes.

Experimental study on effects of astragalus polysaccharide on treating EAE in mice and regulating activation of BV-2 microglial cell line / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) and to explore the regulating effects on microglia activation that is associated with the pathogenesis of EAE and its possible mechanisms.Methods:Animal experiments:EAE model was induced by MOG35-55in C57BL/6 mice.APS was given by gavage.EAE was scored according to a 0-5 scale to observe the therapeutic effects of APS.Cell experiments:The effects of lipopolysac-charide (LPS) on cell viability of BV-2 microglial cell line were investigated by MTT assay and then the appropriate concentration of LPS to activate the BV-2 microglial cell line was selected.The microglia activation model was established.The changes in BV-2 microglial cell line morphology were observed with an inverted microscope.The cytokines of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the cell culture supernatant of BV-2 microglial cell line were detected by ELISA.The activated BV-2 microglial cells were treated with APS in different concentrations.The regulatory roles of the APS on the BV-2 microglial cell activation were observed.Western blot and Real-time PCR method were used to measure the protein and mRNA level of the PD-L1 on the cell surface of BV-2 microglial cells treated with APS.Results:APS could effectively ameliorate the symptoms in EAE mice and could suppress neuroinflammation of EAE significantly.The microglia activation model in vitro induced by LPS was successful.APS in certain concentration could inhibit the activation of microglia,increase the viabilily of the active microglia.Meanwhile,it could downregulated the level of the cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α and upregulated the expression of protein and mRNA of PD-L1 on activated microglia.Conclusion:APS can effectively inhibit the autoimmune reaction of EAE and effectively suppress the microglia activation induced by LPS,reduce the pro-duction of IFN-γ and TNF-α.APS plays a crucial role in reducing the inflammation induced by microglia activation.The potential mech-anisms might be related to the upregualtion of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Clinical value of hysteroscopy with narrow-band imaging in diagnosis of different endometrial lesions / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To study the clinical value of hysteroscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI) in diagnosis of different endometrial lesions. Methods 148 patients suffered from abnormal uterine bleeding with hysteroscopy examination and observed under hysteroscopy with ordinary white light and the NBI model respectively. Suspicious lesions targeted biopsy and gave pathological examination. With pathological diagnosis as a golden standard, it evaluated the value of hysteroscopy with NBI in different type of endometrial lesions. Results Low-risk type of endometrial lesions gave priority to type II microvascular and high-risk type of endometrial lesions gave priority to type III ~ IV microvascular. Sensitivity of low-risk endometrial lesions under white light and NBI modes was 65.52% and 86.21% respectively (χ2 = 6.78, P = 0.009), the difference was statistically significant in the two modes. The diagnosis of endometrial lesions low-risk type with NBI mode had medium consistency compared with the pathological diagnosis (Kappa value was 0.617). Under white light and the NBI modes, the accuracy rate of diagnosis in high-risk endometrial lesions was 81.08% and 89.86% respectively (χ2 = 4.60, P = 0.032), sensitivity was 57.14%and 92.86% respectively (χ2 = 14.29, P = 0.000), negative predictive value was 84.21% and 96.91% (χ2 = 9.43, P = 0.002), the difference was statistically significant in the two modes. The specificity was 90.57% and 88.68%respectively (χ2 = 0.20, P = 0.652), positive predictive value was 70.59% and 76.47% (χ2 = 0.37, P = 0.544). There was no significantly difference between the two modes. The diagnosis of endometrial lesions in high-risk pattern with NBI mode had good consistency with pathological diagnosis (Kappa value was 0.766). Conclusion NBI can observe mucosal surface and deep microvascular morphology clearly. It could reduce the missed diagnosis of low-risk type of endometrial lesions and improve the accuracy in diagnosis of high-risk type of endometrial lesions with NBI mode. NBI is a novel and valuable technique in the diagnosis of different endometrial lesions.

Alleviation of aortic vascular dysfunction in STZ/HFD-induced type 2 diabetic rats by nFGF1 / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of non-mitogenic fibroblast growth factor 1 (nFGF1) on the aortic vascular function in streptozotocin (STZ)/high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetic rats and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS:Five-week-old male SD rats (n=30) were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 in each group),including normal control group,type 2 diabetic group and nFGF1 treatment group(type 2 diabetic rats were intra-peritoneally injected with 0.5 mg/kg nFGF1 every other day for 4 weeks). After the rats were sacrificed, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels,aorta diastolic function and superoxide dismutase(SOD) level in the aorta of each group were measured. Besides,the protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated ki-nase (p-ERK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the aorta were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:nFGF1 markedly lowered blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, enhanced aorta SOD activity and upregulated protein level of eNOS in the type 2 diabetic rats. Furthermore,the increased protein levels of COX-2 and p-ERK in the type 2 diabetic rats were largely abrogated by nFGF1. CONCLUSION:nFGF1 effectively attenuates aortic vascular dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic rats,which may be associated with decreasing blood glucose,cholesterol and triglyceride levels,re-ducing inflammation and oxidative stress response,and activating eNOS signaling pathway.

Effectiveness of Meibomian Gland Tube Massage in Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effectiveness of meibomian gland tube massage in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All patients were divided into medicine group (tropically administered with corticosteroid eye ointment and artificial tears)and massage group (meibomian gland tube massage in addition to these drugs) using random numbers. At different period(before treatment and after treatment 2,4 weeks), the slip-lamp microscopy and intraocular pressure measurement were performed. Ocular symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire of ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFS) was used for checking the epithelial integrity,tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear secretion (Schirmer I test,SIt).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before the treatment, the OSDI score,TBUT, CFS, and SIt showed no statistical significance between these two groups (all P>0.05). After the treatment, the symptoms, damage of corneal epithelium, quality of tear film,tear secretion were significantly improved in both groups(P<0.05), and were significantly superior in the massage group than in the medicine group (all P<0.01; but CFS t4w=6.60,P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The meibomian gland tube massage in combination with drug therapy can improve the treatment effectives for MGD.</p>

Effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine on serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-2, and NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid of CIA rats: an experimental research / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Tetramethyl pyrazine (TMP) on the cytokines and inflammatory mediators in the serum and the synovial fluid of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)rats, and further to investigate its possible mechanisms for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Type II CIA rat model was established. Rats in the TMP group were administered with TMP at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, once daily. Dexamethasone at 2.0 mg/kg was intramuscularly injected to those in the Dexamethasone treated group, once daily. Normal saline at 2 mL/kg was given to those in the normal control group and the model group, once daily. All medication was started from the 7th day, lasting to the 35th day. CIA rats' foot swelling degree was observed. Contents of serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-2, NO and PGE2in the synovial fluid were detected by radioimmunoassay and nitrate reduction method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, the foot swelling obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE2 in the synovial fluid were obviously elevated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the foot swelling could be obviously inhibited by 100 mg/kg TMP and Dexamethasone; serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 obviously decreased, serum IL-2 level obviously increased, contents of NO and PGE, decreased (P < 0.01). TMP 50 mg/kg could obviously inhibit the foot swelling of CIA rats (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in other indices (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TMP at 100 mg/kg showed obvious inhibition on CIA rats. Its inhibitory effect might be correlated to inhibiting activities of endogenous cytokines and the generation of inflammatory mediators in inflammation local regions, improving contents of anti-inflammation cytokines, and inducing the balance of the inflammatory cytokine network.</p>

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by co-culture method / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the potential differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)into epithelium-like cells by an in vitro co-culture method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The human conjunctival epithelium was obtained by digestion with dispase2, and the MSCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugalization. All cells were identified according to their morphologies and cell-surface antigen profiles by immunocytochemical analysis. The MSCs underwent co-culture with conjunctival epithelium in the manner without cell-to-cell contract. The morphological characterizes of cells were observed under contrast microscope, and the cytokeratin-4 expressions of the differentiated cells were identified by immunocytochemistry staining, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunocytochemistry showed that positive expression of CD29 and negative expression of CD34 in the in vitro cultured MSCs. Cytokeratins4(CK4)was positively expressed in the human conjunctival epithelium. After co-cultured with conjunctival epithelial for 10 days, CK4 was detected in differentiated cells by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MSCs can differentiate into epithe1ium-like cells after having been co-cultured with human conjunctival epithelium.</p>

Study on the relationship between Chinese medicine constitutive susceptibility and diversity of syndrome in diabetic nephropathy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between Chinese medicine (CM) constitutive susceptibility and syndrome diversity in diabetic nephropathy (DN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Epidemiologic investigation on constitution adopting the "Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire" (CCMQ), and survey on syndrome type by CM syndrome scale (preliminary) were carried out in 180 DN patients. Cluster analysis on symptom items was used to determine the syndrome type, and canonical correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between patients' constitution and syndrome.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Baseline levels in all enrolled patients were not different statistically. Cluster analysis showed 8 syndromes existed in DN patients, namely: I, qi-yin deficiency with qi-stagnancy type; II, yin-yang deficiency with heat-water-blood stasis type; III, qi-yin deficiency with dampness-heat type; IV, yin-yang deficiency with blood-stasis and heat type; V, qi-yin deficiency with stagnant heat type; VI, yin-yang deficiency with inner dampness-heat stagnancy type; VII, yin deficiency with heat stagnancy type; and VIII, Kidney (Shen)-Spleen (Pi) deficiency with stagnant heat type. Correlation analysis on the 8 syndromes and the 9 constitutions showed statistical significant correlations between syndrome III and dampness-heat constitution (P=0.0001); syndrome IV and blood-stasis constitution (P=0.0001); and syndrome VII and yin-deficiency constitution (P=0.0180).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Certain relationship revealed between CM constitutions and syndrome types; constitution decides the disease genesis, its syndrome type and prognosis, as well as the change of syndromes.</p>

Association of Chinese medicine constitution susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy and transforming growth factor-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association of Chinese medicine constitution susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy (DN) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TGF-β1 gene polymorphism detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was screened for 180 DN cases and 180 type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) cases without combined DN. Patients with DN were surveyed epidemiologically with constitution in the Chinese medicine questionnaire (CCMQ). Binary logistic regression analysis was utilized to study the correlation between nine types of Chinese medicine constitution and TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphisms.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The DN group has a higher frequency of TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism than the T2DM group, and CC/CT genotypes than the T2DM group [CC, CT, TT (DN group): 88, 87, 5 (cases) versus (T2DM group) 71, 73, 36 (cases), P<0.05]. The phlegm-dampness constitution, damp-heat constitution, and blood stasis constitution have correlations with TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Chinese medicine constitutions were associated with TGF-β1 (T869C) gene polymorphism, a potential predictor of susceptibility to DN in T2DM patients.</p>

Cartilage-perichondrium autografting for the repair articular cartilage defects of finger: a report of 11 cases / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effects of self-invented cartilage-perichondrium autografting for the repair of articular cartilage defects, so as to reconstruct the joint surface.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among total 11 patients with hand injuries from Oct. 2005 to Oct. 2009, 7 patients were male and 4 patients were female, ranging in age from 17 to 50 years, with an average of 29 years. All the patients had serious injuries of finger joint and were treated with cartilage-perichondrium autografting. After the operation, function exercises were performed, and composite scores of joints at hand were used to evaluate therapeutic effects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed-up from 1 to 4 years with an average of 24 months. The operation of all the patients were successful, and there were no infection. The mean score was (41.0 +/- 0.63) in 2 years after operation. Eight patients got an excellent result (> 38 scores), 2 good (from 35 to 38 scores) and 1 bad (< 30 scores).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The cartilage-perichondrium autografting method is effective to reconstruct the defects of articular cartilage, and decrease the disablement rate of hand injuries.</p>

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis of naringin and naringenin and its metabolites in rat urine and feces after intragastric administration of alcohol extract of Exocarpium Citri grandis / 药学学报

To analyze naringin, naringenin and its metabolites in rat urine and feces after intragastric administration of alcohol extract of Exocarpium Citri Grandis, healthy SD rats were fed with alcohol extract of Exocarpium Citri Grandis for 3 days. On the last day, 0-24 h feces and 0-4 h, 4-8 h, 8-24 h urine were collected and analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The post-acquisition data were processed using Metabolynx The result is that naringin and its 6 metabolites, naringenin and its 4 metabolites were detected in the urine of rat. Meanwhile, naringin and its 3 metabolites, naringenin and its 2 metabolites were detected in the feces of rat.

Protective effect of emodin against lipopolysaccharides-induced corneal injury in rats / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of emodin on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced corneal injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three parallel incisions on the central surface of corneal epithelium were made and LPS was applied on them to induce corneal injury in Wistar rats. All rats were randomly divided into emodin group (n=40) and keratitis group (n=40). Rats in the emodin group received subconjunctival injection of emodin and rats in the keratitis group received its vehicle 30 minutes before LPS exposure. At different time points--1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after LPS exposure, the symptoms of all rats were observed and the severity of their ocular inflammation was examined with a slit lamp microscope, then 8 rats in each group were killed through cervical dislocation and their eyes were enucleated and prepared to observe pathological changes of corneal tissue under a light microscope. The activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) under different conditions was determined by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry staining with an antibody against intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was performed to identify positive cells in corneal tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The model of acute keratitis was successfully established in Wistar rats. LPS could induce a typical corneal inflammatory response, such as hyperemia, corneal edema and opacity, which were observed in model rats. Compared with keratitis group, both ocular behaviors and damages of the corneal structure were improved in emodin group. Furthermore, the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of ICAM-1 induced by LPS were markedly inhibited in emodin group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Emodin can inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of ICAM-1 induced by LPS in corneas, protect against acute corneal injury, and improve symptoms in rats.</p>

Clinical effect and mechanismn of xuefu zhuyu capsule in treating unstable angina pectoris / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule (XFZYC) in treating unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and to investigate its mechanism of protection on vascular endothelia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty UAP patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the 30 in the treated group were treated by conventional therapy plus XFZYC, and the 30 in the control group treated by conventional therapy alone. The frequency and persistent time of angina pectois, dosage of nitroglycerin used, changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) were observed, and the plasma levels of endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO), von Willebrand factor (vWF), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were tested before and after the two-month therapeutic course.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The clinical symptoms as frequency and persistent time of angina pectoris in the treated group were bettered significantly after treatment and the dosage of nitroglycerin used decreased (all P < 0.01), showing significant difference when compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). (2) The effective rates on UAP symptoms and ECG in the treated group were 86.7% and 76.7% respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (70.0% and 63.3%, P < 0.05). (3) Laboratory examination showed in the control group, changes only displayed in the decrease of vWF and ET and increase of NO (all P < 0.05), while in the treated group, plasma levels of vWF, ET, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 after treatment significantly decreased and were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01), but NO elevated significantly and was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>XFZYC is an effective Chinese patent medicine for treatment of UAP. It displays its effect on protecting vascular endothelia and anti-angina pectoris partially by decreasing the plasma levels of ET, vWF, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and elevating the level of NO.</p>

Effects of emodin on expression of cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide in corneal fibroblasts / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of emodin on expression of cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cultured human corneal fibroblasts in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primary human corneal fibroblasts of passages 4 were used in this research. Cells were treated with 10 microg/L LPS for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours, which were pretreated with or without emodin for 30 minutes before LPS challenge. The degeneration of inhibitor of kappaB-alpha (I kappaB-alpha) and the effect of emodin on it were analyzed by Western blot analysis with a specific antibody. The cellular abundance of the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from corneal fibroblasts under different conditions was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with cells without LPS treatment, I kappaB-alpha level significantly decreased in every time point after LPS challenge (P < 0.01). Emodin inhibited the LPS-induced degeneration of I kappaB-alpha by corneal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Compared with cells without LPS treatment, the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA significantly increased in every time point after LPS challenge (P < 0.01). At the same time, the expressions of the mRNA of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS in corneal fibroblasts were also inhibited by emodin in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Emodin can inhibit the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA induced by LPS in corneal fibroblasts, which maybe via inhibiting the degeneration of I kappaB-alpha and suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB.</p>

Study on absorption kinetics of astragaloside IV in rats intestines / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanisms of intestine absorption of astragaloside IV in rat.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The K(a) and P(app) of astragaloside IV was investigated using single-pass intestinal perfusion technique in rats. HPLC was used to determine the concentration of astragaloside IV. The effect of absorption site, drug concentration and the inhibitors of P-glycoproteon on the absorption had been studied.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>By the testing of the statistics, the K(a) and the P(app) values of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colonic had significant differences (P < 0.05). The concentration from 20-80 mg x L(-1) had no distinctive effect on the K(a) and P(app) of small intestine. The inhibitors of P-glycoproteon had no distinctive effect on the absorption of small intestine.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Astragaloside IV is absorbed by typical passive diffusion mechanism.</p>

Observation on the receiving sensibilities of the points on the hand's six channels for vibromusic sound wave / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the receiving sensibility of the points on the hand's six channels for music sound wave in the healthy persons, so as to provide experimental basis for exploring the mechanism of music treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By the radiating and receiving sound wave system, the total receiving music sound (RMS) power of the music sound wave were measured at the points of the hand's six channels and non-acupuncture in 34 healthy undergraduates.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was the specific receiving sensibility at Taiyuan (LU 9). The total RMS power of the music sound wave at Daling (PC 7) and Shaohai (HT 3) in the female was stronger than that in the male.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is the difference in the receiving sensibility of the music sound wave at the different acupoints of different channels.</p>

Loss of heterozygosity of plasma circulating DNA from hepatocellular carcinoma patients and its clinical significance / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To detect the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of circulating DNA in the plasma of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to assess its potential as a clinical predictive marker.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three high-polymorphic microsatellite markers D8S277, D8S298 and D8S1771 located at chromosome 8p were selected to detect LOH in plasma DNA of 62 HCC patients. The associations between LOH and its clinicopathological features, including HBsAg, liver cirrhosis, serum AFP level, tumor size, tumor cell differentiation, and intrahepatic metastasis were also examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In plasma DNA of the 62 HCC patients, LOH was found at one or several loci in 36 (58.1%), and heterozygosity at D8S277, D8S298, and D8S1771 loci was 74.2% (46/62), 75.8% (47/62), and 69.4% (43/62), respectively. LOH frequency at D8S277, D8S298 and D8S1771 was 32.6% (15/46), 44.7% (21/47), and 46.5% (20/43), respectively. LOH in plasma DNA was more frequently detected in the patients with intrahepatic cancer metastasis than those without metastasis (62.5 percent vs. 26.1 percent, P < 0.05); however, no statistically significant correlations were observed between LOH at these loci and other clinicopathological features analyzed in this study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LOH at D8S298 in plasma DNA may be a potential predictive marker of intrahepatic metastatic recurrence after surgical resection of the HCC.</p>