Material basis and molecular mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood:based on computer-aided drug design / 中国中药杂志

Angelicae Sinensis Radix excels in activating blood, but the scientific mechanism has not been systematically analyzed, thus limiting the development of the medicinal. This study employed the computer-aided drug design methods, such as structural similarity-based target reverse prediction, complex network analysis, molecular docking, binding free energy calculation, cluster analysis, and ADMET(absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) calculation, and enzyme activity assay in vitro, to explore the components and mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood. Target reverse prediction and complex network analysis yielded 40 potential anticoagulant targets of the medicinal. Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the targets mainly acted on the complement and coagulation cascade signaling pathway to exert the anticoagulant function. Among them, the key enzymes thrombin(THR) and coagulation factor Xa(FXa) in coagulation cascade and thrombosis were the drug targets for thromboembolic diseases. At the same time, molecular docking and cluster analysis showed that the medicinal had high selectivity for FXa. According to binding free energy score, 8 potential active components were selected for enzyme activity assay in vitro. The results demonstrated that 8 components inhibited THR and FXa, and the inhibition was stronger on FXa than on THR. The pharmacophore model of 8 active compounds was constructed, which suggested that the components had the common pharmacophore AAHH. The ADMET calculation result indicated that they had good pharmacokinetic properties and were safe. Based on target reverse prediction, complex network analysis, molecular docking and binding free energy calculation, anticoagulant activity in vitro, spatial binding conformation of molecules and targets, pharmacophore model construction, and ADMET calculation, this study preliminarily clarified the material basis and molecular mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix in activating blood from the perspective of big data, and calculated the pharmacology and toxicology parameters of the active components. Our study, for the first time, revealed that the medicinal had obvious selectivity and pertinence for different coagulation proteins, reflecting the unique effect of different Chinese medicinals and the biological basis. Therefore, this study can provide clues for precision application of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and the development of the blood-activating components with modern technology.

Effect of Evodia on Lipid Metabolism in Hyperlipidemia Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To study the effect of evodia on lipid metabolism and low-density lipoprotein-receptor(LDL-R) mRNA expression in hyperlipidemia mice. Method::Kunming mice (n=80) were randomly divided into normal control group (n=20) and model group (n=60). Serum lipids of the model group were measured after 3 weeks.After successful modeling, the mice can be randomly divided into 5 groups (with 10 in each group): model group (equivalent normal saline), positive control group (simvastatin, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1), drug group (evodia of 5.25, 10.5, 21 mg·kg- 1·d- 1). The mice were given drugs for 3 weeks.Htoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the liver cell structure and the change of aortic arch atherosclerosis in the mice.The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to test the contents of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total serum adiponectin (ADPN) in serum of the mice.The expression of LDL-R mRNA in liver of each group was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Result::Liver HE staining showed hepatocyte swelling with steatosis in the model group, and alleviated liver steatosis in high-dose, medium-dose evodia and simvastatin groups.HE staining showed damages on the aortict arch wall in the model group, with obvious intima thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration.The intima was thickened obviously in the low-dose group, and the structure of aortic vessel wall was clear in the high-dose group.Compared with the normal group, TC, TG and HDL-C levels in serum of the model group were increased, while HDL-C level was decreased (P<0.01). Serum TC and TG levels of mice in the medium and high-dose groups decreased, whereas LDL-C and HDLl-C levels increased in low, medium and high-dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the adiponectin level in the model group was decreased, while the serum adiponectin levels in medium and high-dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.01). The LDL-R mRNA expression in the liver of mice in the model group was significantly reduced compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The LDL-R mRNA expression in medium and high-dose evodia groups was significantly increased compared with the model group (P<0.01). Conclusion::Evodia can improve the tendency of hepatic lesions and aortic atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemia mice, which may be related to the regulation of adiponectin level, the reduction of lipid content in mice and the up-regulation of LDL-R mRNA expression in mice liver.

Chinese medicine master -' creative viewpoint on acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoints of Zhejiang school / 中国针灸

The creative viewpoint of -, the master of Zhejiang school of Chinese medicine is introduced regarding the theories of acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoints. It is stated by master that the five-tissue needling methods are applicable not only for physical disorders, but also for disorders. Of these methods, the nearby bone needling method presents an instructive significance in treatment of pain disorder. The "reinforcing in the upper and reducing in the lower" needling method supplements the reinforcing and reducing theory of acupuncture. Master has put forward the theory of flexible selection of acupoint, the phenomenon of acupoint groups and the application of transverse acupoint composition, as well as the measures for intensifying needling induction, promoting regulation of acupuncture and improving clinical effect. Besides, the seven Chinese characters are used to summarize acupoint composition, meaning "main point, supplementary point, nearby point, corresponding point, back- point, front- point and extra point" separately. This creative viewpoint provides a clearer and more feasible mode in treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and is instructive proactively in clinical practice.

The research progress of PROTACs for breast cancer treatment / 药学学报

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. In breast cancer tumor tissues, a variety of targets related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer have been observed, and many drugs have been used in clinical applications for these targets. However, most of these drugs are small molecule inhibitors. With the long-term use of these drugs, acquired drug resistance often occurs in breast cancer patients. To overcome the drug resistance, the development of more efficient drugs is highly desirable in the treatment of breast cancer. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a new kind of targeted protein degradation technology, which has shown broad prospect of applications in the field of drug development. The use of PROTAC technology to target the degradation of relevant targets in breast cancer has become a feasible strategy for breast cancer treatment.

Study of biological activity and targeted distribution of catesbeianalectin in mouse tissue

Lectin has attracted attention because of its ability to serve as a carrier for targeted drug delivery. Large lectins isolated from marine invertebrates and crustaceans have strong immunogenicity and adverse effects, which limit their usefulness. This study reports the identification of catesbeianalectin via screening a bullfrog skin cDNA library. The catesbeianalectin polypeptide has a molecular weight of 1.47 kD, making it the smallest known lectin in terms of molecular weight. Circular dichroism analysis showed a PPII helix secondary structure. Catesbeianalectin strongly induces agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes and a variety of pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus suis type 2, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and piglet paratyphoid Salmonella. The mean serum titer in catesbeianalectin-immunized Balb/c mice was 1:25, which was significantly lower than that of positive controls immunized with wheat germ agglutinin. Surface plasmon resonance indicated an S-type lectin. 125I-labeled catesbeianalectin did not pass the blood-brain barrier. This study provides a basis for further research on the potential of catesbeianalectin as a carrier in targeted drug delivery

Efficacy of Weitan Waifu patch on the postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome of gastrointestinal cancer: a multi-center trial / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective@#To investigate the safety and efficacy of the Weitan Waifu patch on the postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) of gastrointestinal cancer.@*Methods@#The multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with superiority design. Patients with PGS of gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed in 4 AAA hospitals and the abdominal symptom manifested as cold syndrome by Chinese local syndrome differentiation were recruited. These patients were randomly divided into two groups according to 1∶1 proportion. Placebo or Weitan Waifu patch was applied in control group or intervention group, respectively, based on the basic treatments, including nutrition support, gastrointestinal decompression, promoting gastric dynamics medicine.Two acupuncture points (Zhongwan and Shenque) were stuck with placebo in control group or patch in treatment group. The intervention course was 14 days or reached the effective standard.@*Results@#From July 15, 2013 to Jun 3, 2015, 128 participants were recruited and 120 eligible cases were included in the full analysis set (FAS), and 60 cases in each group. 88 cases were included in the per-protocol set (PPS), including 45 cases in the treatment group and 43 cases in the control group. In the FAS, the clinical effective rate in the treatment group was 68.3%, significantly superior than 41.7% of the control group (P=0.003). The medium time of effective therapy in the treatment group was 8 days, significantly shorter than 10 days in the control group (P=0.017). In the FAS, 3 adverse events occurred in the treatment group, including mild to moderate decrustation, pruritus and nausea. The incidence rate of adverse events was 5.0% (3/60) and these symptoms were spontaneously remitted after drug withdrawal. No severe adverse events were observed in the control group. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P=0.244).@*Conclusion@#Weitan Waifu patch is a safely and effectively therapeutic method for patients with PGS (cold syndrome) of gastroenterological cancer.@*Trial registration@#International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register, ISRCTN18291857

Campylobacter jejuni AhpC protein B cell antigen epitope prediction and antigenic analysis / 中国人兽共患病学报

To provide evidence for Campylobacter jejuni (C.jejuni) vaccine research,the B cell epitope of AhpC protein were predicted,and the antigenicity was analyzed.AhpC was found locating in outer membrane of C.jejuni without transmem brane structure and no signal peptide by bioinformatics software TMHMM Server V2.0,SignalP 4.1.There were seven B-cell linear epitopes in AhpC predicted by IEDB.Then,the AhpC protein and chemically synthesized antigenic epitopes of C.jejuni were used as antigens,and the AhpC antibody of C.jejuni was used as the primary antibody,the antigens of predominant linear B cell epitopes were detected by ELISA and dot blot.Results showed that one epitope of B cell epitopes (AhpC4-16) was able to recognize the antibodies of C.jejuni AhpC and had strong antigenicity,indicating that could be used in the follow-up vaccine research.

Development of Non-Contact Monitoring Device for Breathing and Heartbeat / 中国医疗器械杂志

Physiological monitoring devices in modern clinical area are basically used electrodes or sensors directly touching the surface of human subject body, which will increase physiological and psychological load of the subjects. In order to realize non-contact monitoring of respiration and heartbeat, firstly, the micro bioradar was used to detect human body motion signal. Then, the respiration signal and heartbeat signal was extracted from the body-motion signal by using signal and conditioning circuits, digital filter and signal processing. Finally, the results of heart rate and breathing rate was wirelessly transmitted. The experimental results showed that the device for non-contact monitoring of respiration and heartbeat waveforms has advantages of small volume, low power consumption, which can realize the monitoring of physiological parameters in real time.

Analysis and identification of B cell epitopes of the OMP18 from Campy lobacter jejuni / 中国人兽共患病学报

In this study ,we aimed to understand the sequence characteristics ,transmembrane structures ,line B cell epitopes present in the OMP18 from Campylobacter jejuni ,and provide candidate antigens for the antibody detection and vac-cine development .NCBI/Blast ,TMHMM Server V2 and DNA Star softwares were used for the OMP18 sequence analysis . Based on the ELISA ,the whole bacterial antibody IgG of Campylobacter jejuni was used for the identification of the predicted line B cell epitopes .The OMP18 gene was found conserved in different Campylobacter jejuni strains .The OMP18 was predic-ted to be located on the outer surface of the bacteria .And three line B cell epitopes were determined to be present in the OMP18 protein .As a conclusion ,the OMP18 protein was confirmed to be an important outer membrane protein ;three line B cell epitopes were identified in the OMP18 ,which could be further used for Campylobacter jejuni antibody detection and vaccine development .

Clinical Observation of Acupuncture Based on Syndrome Differentiation in Improving the Quality of Life in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation for functional dyspepsia (FD), and to explore the plausible action mechanism.Method Seventy-two eligible FD patients were randomized into a treatment group (36 cases) and a control group (36 cases). In the treatment group, the FD patients were divided into four types, liver-qi stagnation, spleen-stomach qi-deficiency, liver-qi affecting stomach, damp-heat accumulated in stomach, to receive acupuncture at the corresponding points based on syndrome differentiation in addition to the basic points including Zhongwan (CV12), Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Neiguan (PC6); the control group was given Itopride hydrochloride tablets. Before and after intervention, the symptomatic efficacy index and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), as well as serum Gastrin (GAS) content were observed in the two groups.Result The total effective rate was 94.1% in the treatment group, significantly higher than 63.9% in the control group (P＜0.01); after intervention, the improvement of symptomatic efficacy index in the treatment group was markedly better than that in the control group (P＜0.01); the improvements of the SF-36 component scores in the treatment group were markedly higher than those in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation can obviously improve the symptoms of FD patients, gastrointestinal function, and the quality of life, which is possibly realized by regulating serum GAS, and thus this treatment protocol is proper to be the optimal protocol in clinic for FD.

Correlation between IVF outcomes and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in male reproductive tract / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) infection in the male reproductive tract on the outcomes of IVF and the clinical significance of preoperative Uu test by analyzing the correlation between the results of Uu culture before IVF-ET and the outcomes of IVF-ET.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Among 1,059 couples undergoing IVF-ET, we selected 973 after excluding genetic factors and divided them into a Uu negative and a Uu positive group according to the results of culture of Uu in the semen of the males. We compared the rates of IVF fertilization, oocyte cleavage, clinical pregnancy and abortion between the two groups, and analyzed the influence of Uu infection on IVF outcomes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 973 selected subjects, 836 were Uu negative (group A) and 137 Uu positive (group B), and of the latter, 130 were restored to Uu negative after treatment (group B1) and the other 7 remained unchanged (group B2). No significant differences were found between groups A and B in the rates of IVF fertilization (81.6% vs 79.8%, P = 0.13), abnormal fertilization (11.8% vs 12.4%, P = 0.58) and oocyte cleavage (92.0% vs 92.1%, P = 0.94), nor between groups A and B2 (81.6% vs 89.8%, P = 0.10; 11.8% vs 13.2%, P = 0.75; 92.0% vs 92.5%, P = 0.10). Totally, 747 of the patients underwent embryo transfer, including 643 in group A and 104 in group B. There were no significant differences between groups A and B in the rates of clinical pregnancy (38.6% vs 34.7%, P = 0.44) and abortion (16.5% vs 22.2%, P = 0.39), nor between groups A and B2 (38.6% vs 33.3%, P = 0.79; 16.5% vs 0, P = 0.53).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Uu infection in the male reproductive tract does not significantly affect the rates of IVF fertilization, oocyte cleavage, clinical pregnancy and abortion. However, more investigations with larger sample sizes of the cases restored from Uu positive to Uu negative are needed to lend further support to our findings.</p>

Reliability and validity of the Benefit Finding Scale for breast cancer patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To evaluate the Chinese version of Benefit Finding Scale (BFS) for breast cancer patients.Methods After consent of the author,according to the flow path of scales,we established the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of BUS,a convenience sample of 293 patients were recruited for evaluation.Results The Chinese version of BFS was comprised of 19 items,Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.911,test-retest reliability was 0.812,I-CVI was 0.833～1.000,S-CVI was 0.955.Meanwhile,exploratory analysis showed that the most interpretable solution consisted of 3 factors,the accumulative variance contribution which explained 55.101％ of variance of the total scale.The related validity showed that the correlative coefficient of Chinese version of BUS and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was 0.745.Conclusions It suggests that the 19-item Chinese version of the BFS has good reliability and validity,which could be used as a research tool for measuring breast cancer patients' benefit finding.

Association between serum homocysteine and in-hospital death in patients with acute pulmonary embolism / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association between serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and in-hospital death in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 186 acute pulmonary embolism patients [ (66.8 ± 12.7) years, 89 male] hospitalized in our department between June 2008 and June 2011 were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into high Hcy group (Hcy ≥ 15.2 µmol/L, n = 95) and low Hcy group (Hcy < 15.2 µmol/L, n = 91). Patients were followed-up for 1 year for the incidence rate of early death associated with acute pulmonary embolism. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between serum Hcy level and early death in acute pulmonary embolism patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients were hospitalized for 1-37 days [(10 ± 6) days]. In-hospital death rate was 14.5% (27/186) and was significantly higher in high Hcy group than in low Hcy group [25.3% (24/95) vs. 3.3% (3/91) , P = 0.001]. Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that admission heart rate, oxygen saturation, enlargement of right ventricle, Hcy ≥ 15.2 µmol/L, serum creatinine level, peak TnT level and deep venous thrombosis (P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for in-hospital death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Hcy ≥ 15.2 µmol/L (HR = 4.10, 95%CI:3.00-4.98, P = 0.017), admission heart rate (HR = 1.10, 95%CI:1.01-1.20, P = 0.031) , deep venous thrombosis (HR = 1.65, 95%CI:1.45-1.76, P = 0.034) and age (HR = 1.10, 95%CI:1.02-1.19, P = 0.010) were independent predictors of in-hospital death for acute pulmonary embolism patients. One-year follow up was finished in 142 patients (89.3%). There were 19 deaths ( 5 due to repeat pulmonary embolism, 4 due to decompensated respiratory and /or cardiac diseases, 6 due to malignant tumors, 2 due to fatal bleeding and 2 due to pneumonia) . Death rate was similar between the two groups during follow up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Higher serum homocysteine is an independent for in-hospital death for patients with acute pulmonary embolism.</p>

The analysis of influencing factors in chronic atrophic gastritis diagnosed by endoscopists / 中华消化杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the related factors which influencing endoscopists in the accuracy of diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods With retrospective analysis method,from January to December in 2009,10 765 chronic gastritis cases underwent endoscopy examination in Renji Hospital,school of medicine,Shanghai Jiaotong University were collected.The influence of congestion and exudation,gastric ulcer,bile reflux,gastric polyps and H.pylori infection under endoscopy on CAG endoscopic and pathological diagnosis was analyzed.ResultsThe percentage of histopathological diagnosed CAG was 69.41％,endoscopic diagnosed CAG was 54.27％. The coincidence rate was 62.30％.2575 cases were H.pylori positive (23.92％),the coincidence rate between endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis in H.pylori positivc cascs was 90％.of that of H.pylori negative cases (β=-0.1067,P＜0.05).The coincidence was positively related to age.For each 1 year increase in age,the coincidence rate increased by 0.01 time [OR=exp(0.00855)=1.01]; For each 10-year increase in age,the coincidence rate increased by 0.09 time [OR=exp(0.0855) =1.09].The coincidence rate was negatively related to congestion and exudation.The coincidence rate of CAG between endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis in cases with congestion and exudation was 40％ of that without congestion and exudation (β=-0.1067,P＜0.01).ConclusionCAG diagnosed under endoscopy was somewhat subjective and should be combined with histopathological analysis.The patients' age,H.pylori infection,congestion and exudation may have influence on the coincidence rate between endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of CAG.

Expressions of OCT4 and CD133 and their correlation in colonic cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expressions of Oct4 and CD133 and their correlation in colonic cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of Oct4 and CD133 were detected by immunohistochemistry in 30 colon cancer specimens and the paired adjacent tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positivity rates of Oct4 and CD133 expression were 83.3% (25/30) and 73.3% (22/30) in colonic cancer tissue, respectively, and their expressions were positively correlated (r=0.586, P<0.05). The matched adjacent tissues showed significantly lower levels of Oct4 and CD133 expressions (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expressions of Oct4 and CD133 are upregulated in colonic cancer compared with those in the adjacent tissues and show a positive correlation. Oct4 and CD133 may play an important role in the development of colon cancer.</p>

Study and practice on nursing skills training methods under 24 hours shift system / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To explore a new training method of nursing skills under 24 hours shift system in the practical training base in the college. Methods The practical training base in the college was rebuilt into a simulated hospital. 120 three-year-course nursing students in grade 2007 were divided into the control class and the experimental class with 60 students in each class. The control class adopted routine teaching method, including teacher demonstration, single project training, concentrated training before clinical practice. The experimental class participated in the tutoring mode of nursing skills under 24 hours shift system in simulated hospital. The cases were pre-designed and students acted as patients by tums. One teacher led 4 students into nursing skill training by day shift, evening shift and mid-night shift. The teaching effect was compared between two classes. Results There was significant difference between the two groups in comprehensive technique test and graduation theoretical test score. Clinical nursing teachers thought the skill training in simulated hospital under 24 hours shift system can help students prepare for the nursing work in hospital ahead of time and improve their comprehensive capability. Conclusions Training mode of nursing skills in simulated hospital under 24 hours shift system is feasible for enhancing nursing skills.

Searching for vasculogenic mimicry-associated differentially expressed genes in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line MHCC97 using functional grouping cDNA microarray / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To observe vasculogenic mimicry formation difference in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines MHCC97-H/L with different metastatic potentials under three-dimensional culture condition,and to study extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules-related mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry.Methods Three-dimensional cell culture system of MHCC97-H/L was established to observe tubelike structures by inverted microscope.Human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC),human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep3B with non-metastatic potentials and normal human hepatic cell line HL-7702 were taken as control.Gene expression profiles of MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L were detected by Oligo extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules microarray analysis.Two differentially expressed genes were verified with semi-quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blot.All data were analyzed using two sample t test.Results After a 24-hour three-dimensional culture,the length of tubelike structures was(474 ± 16)mm/cm2 in MHCC97-H,which were significantly longer than(320 ±41)mm/cm2 in MHCC97-L(t =6.119,P ＜0.05).Hep3B and HL-7702 could not form tubelike structures.Compared with MHCC97-L,the expression of 7 genes were up-regulated and the expression of 3 genes were down-regulated among a total of 113 angiogenesis genes in MHCC97-H.Two of the genes with differential expressions including tenascin C and extracellular matrix protein 1 were further validated by RT-PCR and Western blot.Conclusion MHCC97-H has stronger ability to form vasculogenic mimicry than MHCC97-L,and this perhaps correlates with the differential expression of certain extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules-related genes in MHCC97-H.

Effects of ginkgo biloba extraction on contraction capacity of diaphragm from type 2 diabetic rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the activities of energy metabolism enzymes and contraction capacity of diaphragm from type 2 diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and model group (n=30). Type 2 diabetes models were induced by feeding with high-sucrose-high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injecting 25 mg/kg streptozotocin. 20 successful models were rearranged to two groups: diabetic group and GbE treatment group, 10 rats in each. Then the saline and 8 mg/(kg x d) of GbE were respectively intraperitoneal injected, once a day continuously for 8 weeks. Then diaphragm contractility was assessed using Peak twitch tension (Pt), Maximum tetanic tension (P0) and fatigue index (FI) in vitro diaphragm strip preparations. Cytochrome oxidase (CCO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in diaphragm were detected and the varieties of diaphragm ultrastructure were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, Pt, P0 and FI in diabetic group decreased significantly (P < 0.01); the activity of CCO, LDH and SDH in the tissues was more obviously reduced than those in control group (P < 0.01). The ultrastructure in diabetic group under electron microscope indicated that diaphragm mitochondrions swelled and degenerated. The above changes were inhibited by GbE.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GbE can enhance contraction capacity of diaphragm from type 2 diabetic rats by increasing the aerobic oxidation capacity, glycolytic capacity and the function of respiratory chain.</p>

Efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with chemotherapy in treatment of skeletal metastases of non-small cell lung cancer and the bone metabolic markers / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with chemotherapy in the management of skeletal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and investigate the value in urine amino-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTX) and serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (sBALP) in monitoring skeletal metastasis of NSCLC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February, 2007 to January, 2009, 32 NSCLC patients with bone metastases received treatment with zoledronic acid at the dose of 4 mg given every 3 weeks and platinum-based chemotherapy (each cycle lasting for 3 weeks). Before and during the treatments, uNTX and sBALP were measured in these patients using ELISA and precipitation with wheat germ lectin, respectively. The patients were followed up for skeletal-related events (SREs) and status of survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A significant decrease occurred in the pain scores and analgesic use in the patients after the therapy. SREs were not observed during the treatment. Serum creatinine and calcium levels underwent no significant variation during the treatment. Eleven patients reported 14 possible zoledronic acid-related adverse events. The concentration of uNTX and sBALP in patients with bone metastases was above the upper limit of the normal range. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of the markers and the extent of bone metastases. At the third month, uNTX and sBALP were significantly lowered, but radionuclide whole-body bone imaging showed no obvious changes. Of the 32 patients, 24 had elevated uNTX values, which became normal after the treatment in 15 patients and remained elevated in the other 9 patients. SREs occurred in these two subgroups at the rates of 53% and 89% (P=0.039), respectively. Twenty-six patients had elevated sBALP level, and 16 of them exhibited normal sBALP level after the treatment. The incidences of SREs in the patients with elevated and normal sBALP level were 50% and 90% (P=0.038), respectively. The levels of uNTX/Cr and sBALP were not correlated to the survival of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Zoledronic acid combined with chemotherapy is an effective treatment for NSCLC with bone metastases. Zoledronic acid is safe and well tolerated. Urinary NTX and serum BALP have a high value in the diagnosis, therapeutic effect monitoring and SRE prediction of NSCLC with bone metastases.</p>

Continuous fall in hemoglobin level is a poor prognostic factor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy / 癌症

<p><b>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</b>Anemia can not only reduce the quality of life of patients with cancer, but also affect their survival. This study was to investigate the prognostic value of hemoglobin (Hb) level in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 520 NPC patients received definitive radiotherapy between 2000 and 2002 at Sun Yat sen University Cancer Center were analyzed. Patients were stratified into normal Hb level and anemia groups according to their Hb levels before, during, and after radiation. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria as Hb level < 130 g/L in men and < 120 g/L in women. Hb continuous decrease group and non decrease group were defined according to Hb changes in the patients during radiotherapy. Loco regional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model to analyze the prognostic factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 60.9% in anemia group and 63.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.337); the 5 year OS rates were 65.2% and 71.0%, respectively (P = 0.299). During radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 56.7% in anemia group and 67.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.013); the 5 year OS rates were 61.0% and 75.9%, respectively (P = 0.001). After radiation, the 5 year LRFS rates were 59.6% in anemia group and 64.9% in normal Hb level group (P = 0.169); the 5 year OS rates were 65.0% and 71.9%, respectively (P = 0.090). The 5 year LRFS and OS rates were significantly lower in Hb continuous decrease group than in Hb non decrease group (59.1% vs. 69.3%, P = 0.032; 66.2% vs. 76.4%, P=0.011). Multivariate analysis showed that the continuous decrease of Hb was an independent prognostic factor for OS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The change in Hb level during radiotherapy is an important prognostic factor affecting the OS of NPC patients.</p>