Overview of Experimental Methods for Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Drugs / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The antibiotics have obvious antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, but their toxic side effect, secondary infection and bacterial resistance have become a global problem. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has always been the treasure of traditional culture and national characteristics in China since ancient times. It also has remarkable effect on inhibiting the growth of bacteria and killing pathogenic bacteria. The research on bacteriostatic experiment of TCM has gradually become a hot topic. Sensitivity experiments for such natural medicines have gradually become a research hotspot, but the complexity and particularity of natural medicines will vary with different methods. Therefore, different methods of drug sensitivity experiments should be matched with different natural drugs. By collecting and sorting out the relevant literature at home and abroad, this paper systematically summarizes the commonly used in vitro, in vivo and their combination bacteriostasis experimental methods of natural medicine activity, analyses the advantages and disadvantages of each method in the process of application, finds that different kinds of natural drugs have different applicable methods, and puts forward suggestions for the operation of each experimental method, in order to provide ideas for the selection of antibacterial susceptibility research experiments of natural medicines. It also provides a reliable reference method for solving the problem of antibiotic abuse and the development and utilization of natural medicines.

Dexmedetomidine Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting P2X7R Expression and ERK Phosphorylation in Rats

α2-Adrenoceptor agonists attenuate hypersensitivity under neuropathic conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying this attenuation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we explored the potential roles of purinergic receptor 7 (P2X7R)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in the anti-nociceptive effect of dexmedetomidine in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. An animal model of CCI was adopted to mimic the clinical neuropathic pain state. Behavioral hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli was determined by von Frey filament and Hargreaves' tests, and the spinal P2X7R expression level and ERK phosphorylation were analyzed using western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. In parallel with the development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, a significant increase in P2X7R expression was noted in the ipsilateral spinal cord on day 7 after CCI. Intrathecal administration of dexmedetomidine (2.5 µg) for 3 days not only attenuated neuropathic pain but also inhibited the CCI-induced P2X7R upregulation and ERK phosphorylation. Intrathecal dexmedetomidine administration did not produce obvious effects on locomotor function. The present study demonstrated that dexmedetomidine attenuates the neuropathic pain induced by CCI of the sciatic nerve in rats by inhibiting spinal P2X7R expression and ERK phosphorylation, indicating the potential therapeutic implications of dexmedetomidine administration for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Risk factors of delayed colonoscopic post-polypectomy bleeding / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the risk factors of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding ( DPPB) of colonoscopy. Methods The data of 459 patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy between January 2014 and May 2017 were summarized, and the risk factors of DPPB were analyzed. Results Among the 459 patients, a total of 572 polyps were removed, and DPPB occurred in 27 patients with 42 polyps. Univariate analysis revealed that gender (male 85. 2%), number of polyps removed (≥3 polyps, 59. 3%), complicated with hyperlipidemia (29. 6%), polyps′diameter (≥10 mm, 66. 7%), morphology (pedunculated, 81. 0%), pathological type ( adenoma, 95. 2%), and excision method ( endoscopic mucosal resection, 90. 5%) were significantly correlated with DPPB ( all P＜0. 05). Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, with hyperlipidemia, number of polyps removed, polyps′ size, and morphology were independent risk factors of DPPB (P＜0. 05). Conclusion The risk factors of DPPB include male, complicated with hyperlipidemia, excision of more than 3 polyps, more than 10 mm in diameter, and pedunculated morphology.

Mutation analysis of keratin 9 gene in a family with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze potential mutation of keration 9 gene (KRT9) in a Chinese family affected with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) and to correlate genotype with the phenotype.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of 12 patients and 13 healthy individuals from the family and 100 unrelated individuals. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify exons 1 and 6 of KRT9 gene. PCR products were sequenced bidirectionally in order to identify potential mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous transversional mutation, 488G→A, was identified in exon 1 of KRT9 gene in all patients, which has resulted in substitution of a glutamine residue for arginine acid at position 163 (R163Q) of the KRT9 protein. The same mutation was not found in the 13 healthy members from the family and 100 unrelated individuals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 488G→A mutation of KRT9 gene is probably the cause of EPPK in this Chinese family.</p>

Genotype-phenotype analysis of a Chinese family with split hand/split foot and syndactyly / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the causative gene mutation in a Chinese family with split hand/split foot malformation (SHFM) and explore the genotype-phenotype relationship.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patients and their family members. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify all the exons of P63 gene and HOXD13 gene. Then the PCR products were sequenced bidirectionally to screen mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous 956G>A transversion in exon 7 of P63 gene was identified in all patients, which resulted in the substitution of histidine residue for arginine at position 280 of P63 protein (R280H). This mutation was not found in the unaffected family members.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Patients in this pedigree are characterized by symmetrical split hand and split foot with syndactyly. This condition is caused by the R280H mutation in P63 gene.</p>

FGFR2 gene mutation in a Chinese patient with Apert syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the disease-causing mutation in a Chinese patient with Apert syndrome (AS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the AS patient and his parents. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the exons 7 and 9 of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. Then PCR products were sequenced bi-directionally.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous 934C to G transversion in exon 7 of the FGFR2 gene was detected in the patient, which resulted in the substitution of tryptophan residue for serine at position 252 of FGFR2 protein (S252W). This mutation has been reported in AS patients previously.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This Chinese AS results from the 934 C to G mutation in exon 7 of FGFR2 gene.</p>