Analysis of epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 clusters in Chenzhou， Hunan Province / 上海预防医学

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 8 clusters of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） in Chenzhou City， and provide scientific basis for epidemic prevention and control. Methods:Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted for 8 COVID-19 clusters， comparing and analyzing the differences of infection rates among close contacts within and outside the family， and emphatically describing two typical cases. Results:8 COVID-19 clusters were reported in Chenzhou with a total of 31 cases from January to February， 2020. The main source of infection of the family index cases was Hubei Province. Cough symptoms were observed in 67.74% of the cases， followed by fever （54.84%）. The infection rate of close contacts within the family （55.00%） was higher than that outside the family （2.56%）， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=28.177， P<0.001）. The infection rate of spouse of the family index cases was 85.71%， higher than that of parents （77.78%）， other family members （44.44%） and children （40.00%）， and the difference was not statistically significant （χ2=6.004， P=0.120）. Two typical cases suggested that both COVID-19 pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients have the potential to excrete the virus from the body and become sources of infection. Conclusion:Effective family prevention and control measures and early sampling and screening of people in key epidemic areas are conducive to early detection， early isolation and early treatment of infected people， so as to avoid the occurrence and spread of family clusters.

Cefoxitin plus levofloxacin for prevention of severe infection after transrectal prostate biopsy / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To evaluate the effect of cefoxitin prophylactic in reducing the incidence of severe infection after transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This retrospective study included 155 cases of TRPB with a 5-day administration of oral levofloxacin at 200 mg bid (the control group) and another 167 cases with a 3-day administration of oral levofloxacin at the same dose plus intravenous cefoxitin at 2.0 g 2 hours before TRPB (the experimental group) according to the distribution characteristics of drug-resistance bacteria in our department. The patients of the control and experimental groups were aged (68.68 ± 8.12) and (68.72 ± 7.51) years, with PSA levels of (19.78 ± 21.57) and (21.15 ± 42.63) μg/L, involving (11.68 ± 1.44) and (11.77±1.02) biopsy cores, respectively. Comparisons were made between the two groups of patients in the incidence rate of severe infection, which was defined as lower urinary track symptoms plus the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) within 7 days after TRPB.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of postoperative severe infection was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control (0.6% ［1/167］ vs 5.8% ［9/155］, P < 0.05). Blood cultures revealed positive E-coli strains in 6 cases in the control group, including 5 ESBL-positive and 4 quinolone-resistant and amikacin-sensitive cases, all sensitive to cefoxitin, cefoperazone/sulbactam and imipenem. The only one case of severe infection was shown to be negative in blood culture.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Preoperative intravenous administration of cefoxitin according to the specific distribution characteristics of drug-resistance bacteria can significantly reduce the incidence of severe infection after TRPB.</p>

GAAD: A Gene and Autoimmiune Disease Association Database / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) arise from an abnormal immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. More than a hundred of ADs have been described in the literature so far. Although their etiology remains largely unclear, various types of ADs tend to share more associated genes with other types of ADs than with non-AD types. Here we present GAAD, a gene and AD association database. In GAAD, we collected 44,762 associations between 49 ADs and 4249 genes from public databases and MEDLINE documents. We manually verified the associations to ensure the quality and credibility. We reconstructed and recapitulated the relationships among ADs using their shared genes, which further validated the quality of our data. We also provided a list of significantly co-occurring gene pairs among ADs; with embedded tools, users can query gene co-occurrences and construct customized co-occurrence network with genes of interest. To make GAAD more straightforward to experimental biologists and medical scientists, we extracted additional information describing the associations through text mining, including the putative diagnostic value of the associations, type and position of gene polymorphisms, expression changes of implicated genes, as well as the phenotypical consequences, and grouped the associations accordingly. GAAD is freely available at http://gaad.medgenius.info.

Contributions of medical practitioners of Xin'an area on acupuncture theory / 中国针灸

Contributions of Xin'an medical school and physicians to acupuncture theory were introduced in the article. Academic theories or characteristics of several physicians of Xin'an school such as YANG Xuan-cao, WU Kun, WANG Ji, WU Yi-ding, ZHENG Mei-jian and XU Chun-fu, et al were sorted out. Contributions of inheriting and illustrations on acupuncture theory were analyzed so as to expound its significance and value on modern acupucture clinic.

Analysis of the monitoring results of iodized salt consumed by residents in Chenzhou city of Hunan province from 2008 to 2011 / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To understand and master the situation of residents consumption of iodized salt in Chenzhou city of Hunan province,to identify problems and take appropriate interventions to ensure the residents consumption of qualified iodized salt,and to provide a scientific basis for elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).Methods According to the National Iodized Salt Monitoring Program (Amendment) and the Evaluation Scheme for Elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders at the County Level,the monitoring counties,towns and villages were selected in Chenzhou city from 2008 to 2011,the content of iodine in salt was detected using direct titration.The data was analyzed by SPSS 17.0 and Excel 2003.Results A total of 12700 salt samples were tested from 2008 to 2011.The iodized salt coverage rate,the qualified rate of iodized salt,the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt and the rate of non-iodized salt was 99.19％ (12597/12700),96.33％ (12135/12597),95.55％(12135/12700) and 0.81％ (103/12700),respectively.There were significant differences between each year from 2008 to 2011 (x2 =13.99、42.35、48.45、13.99,P all ＜ 0.01).The coefficient of variation was 21.19％.The median and average of iodine content in salt samples was 32.2 mg/kg and 31.9 mg/kg,respectively.Compared with the median and average of iodized salt content,there was no significant difference between each year from 2008 to 2011 (t =2.941,P ＞ 0.05),while there was significant difference among the 11 counties(t =2.983,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The goal of eliminating IDD has realized in the city of Chenzhou since 2010.To consolidate the IDD control results,surveillance should be strengthened in future.

Repair of circular scar in the forearm by expanded double-pedicle omega-shaped flap at the rear flank of bottom-waist / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the method for repairing the circular scar in the forearm.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Large expander (400-600 ml) were implanted subcutaneously at the rear flank of bottom-waist in the way of overlapping or continued expansion. After expansion was completed, the horizontal opened omega-shaped flap was formed by advancement of expanded skin with the two pedicles at the two sides. Then the forearm was tunneled under flap with the wound covered by flap. The pedicles were cut off at the third stage.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From April 1998 to June 2009, 8 cases were treated with no flap necrosis. The patients were followed up for 1 to 3 years with good flap color and thickness. Flap sensory was partially recovered. Linear atrophic scar was left in the donor sites.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is feasible to repair forearm circular scar by expanded double-pedicle omega-shaped flap at the rear flank of bottom-waist.</p>

Contrast study of full-endoscopic interlaminar approach for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the minimally invasive efficacy and surgical outcome of full-endoscopic discectomy via interlaminar approach for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From August 2008 to February 2009, 56 patients with lumbar disc herniation were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods. Full endoscopic discectomy (FED) group included 16 males and 12 females, the age was 20 - 51 years with a mean (36 ± 8) years, and the course of disease was 18 - 120 d with a mean (68 ± 26) days. There was L(5)-S(1) LDH in 22 and L(4-5) LDH in 6. Headlamp-assisted mini-open discectomy (HAMOD) group, there were 17 males and 11 females. The age was 17-53 years with an average age of (35 ± 9) years, the course of disease was 19 - 110 d with an average (66 ± 24) days, and the herniated disc located at L(5)-S(1) in 15 cases, and L(4-5) in 13 cases. Perioperative parameters (operation time, bleeding volume and length of hospital stay), complications and VAS of leg and back pain (preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up) were statistically analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up in both groups, and the average follow-up time of full endoscopic was 1.8 years, and headlamp assisted mini-open was 1.7 years. The average operation time in full endoscopic group was (71 ± 30) min and the headlamp group was (60 ± 12) min, which there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). There was no measurable bleeding in full endoscopic group, and the headlamp group was (59 ± 10) ml. The average hospital days in full endoscopic group was (5.7 ± 1.4) days, and the headlamp group was (12.3 ± 3.0) days, there was statistically significant difference in both groups (P < 0.01). The complication rate in full endoscopic group was 7.1%, and in headlamp group was 10.7%, without statistical difference (P > 0.05). There was no recurrent case in either group. With regard to VAS of back pain and leg pain, statistically significant difference was found in each group between preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, but not between 3 months postoperatively and at final follow-up. With regard to the final follow-up VAS, there was no statistical difference in leg pain between full endoscopic and headlamp group (P > 0.05). However, there was statistical significance in VAS back pain between the two groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared to the headlamp assisted mini-open technique, the full-endoscopic interlaminar approach for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation can achieve similar clinical outcomes with advantage of less iatrogenic trauma and sooner rehabilitation.</p>

Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive Chitosan-based hydrogel: application for prevention of capsular contracture / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Capsular contracture has become the most common complication associated with breast implant. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is well known for a prominent role in fibrotic diseases. Due to the critical role of TGF-β in pathogenesis of capsular formation, we utilized thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel to controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (SD208) and investigated their effects on capsular contracture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vitro degradation and drug release of C/GP hydrogel were performed. Twenty-four rabbits underwent subpanniculus implantation with 30 ml smooth silicone implants and were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 received saline solution; Group 2 received SD208; Group 3 received SD208-C/GP; Group 4 received C/GP. At 8 weeks, the samples of capsular tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistological staining. The mRNA expression of collagen III and TGF-β1 was detected by RT-PCR assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>C/GP hydrogel could be applied as an ideal drug delivery vehicle which supported the controlled release of SD208. SD208-C/GP treatment showed a significant reduction in capsule thickness with fewer vessels. The histological findings confirmed that the lower amounts of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts infiltrate in SD208-C/GP group. In contrast, typical capsules with more vessel predominance were developed in control group. We did not observe the same inhibitory effect of SD208 or C/GP treatment on capsular contracture. Moreover, SD208-C/GP therapy yielded an evident down-regulation of collagen III and TGF-β1 mRNA expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrated that controlled release of TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor from thermosensitive C/GP hydrogel could significantly prevent capsule formation after mammary implants.</p>

Impact of rhG-CSF on Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 expression in CD4+ T cells of donor peripheral blood / 中国实验血液学杂志

CD4+ T cells mainly interact with Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) to regulate immune function through Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1). This study was aimed to investigate the effects of recombinant human granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) mobilization on S1P1 expression in CD4+ T cells of donor's peripheral blood. The CD4+T cells of peripheral blood were isolated by magnetic beads from 17 allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) donors before and at fourth day of mobilization with rhG-CSF. The S1P1 expression was detected by real time quantitative PCR in the RNA extracted from CD4+ T cells collected before and after rhG-CSF mobilization. The results showed that the expression of S1P1 was found in CD4+ cells before and after rhG-CSF mobilization, but the expression level of SIP1 in CD4+ cells after rhG-CSF mobilization was significantly lower than that before rhG-CSF mobilization (p<0.01). It is concluded that the mobilization with rhG-CSF obviously down-regulates the expression of S1P1 in CD4+ T cells of donor's peripheral blood.

The application of external fixation for the treatment of supracondylar femoral fracture after total knee replacement / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the external fixation for treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures after total knee replacement.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2005 to July 2007, 7 cases of supracondylar femoral fracture after total knee replacement were treated with external fixation included 4 males and 3 females with an average age of 71 years ranging from 55 to 85 years. The fracture healing were observed and the knee function were evaluated by the HSS scoring.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed-up for 6 to 23 months with an average of 12.5 months. The fracture healing time was from 6 to 12 weeks after operation (averaged 8.5 weeks). During the followed-up period, there were no infection and loosening, only one case occurred nail crossing delayed healing of skin. The HSS knee score was (60.6 +/- 16.0) before treatment and (77.6 +/- 11.6) after treatment according to HSS knee score criteria, the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 4, and fair in 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Application of external fixation for treatment of supracondylar femoral fracture after total knee replacement, especially in poor physical condition, high age patients is a more appropriate treatment.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint application of Chinese medicine on bronchial asthma / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare therapeutic effects of acupoint application of Chinese medicine and routine acupuncture on bronchial asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with application of Chinese medicine at Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Gaohuang (BL 43), Danzhong (CV 17), Qihai (CV 6) in the dog days; and the control group was treated with acupuncture at Zhongfu (LU 1), Tiantu (CV 22), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Fenglong (ST 40). The long-term therapeutic effects were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 94.0% in the observation group and 76.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of acupoint application of Chinese medicine in the dog days on bronchial asthma is significantly superior to that of routine acupuncture.</p>

Construction of ICAM-1-GFP and its binding with Molt-4 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to clone human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene, to transfect the constructed eukaryotic expression vector ICAM-1-GFP into CHO cells, as well as to detect ICAM-1-GFP expression in CHO cells binding with Molt-4 cells. ICAM-1 cDNA gene was amplified by RT-PCR and inserted in PMD(18)-T vector. Then ICAM-1 cDNA from pMD18-ICAM-1 vector was subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1 to construct recombinant ICAM-1-pEGFP-C1 vector. Restriction analysis and DNA sequencing were used to confirm the recombinant vector. After stable transfection of CHO-K1 cells with the recombinant vector, the expression and subcellular localization of ICAM-1-GFP were detected by RT-PCR, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The function of ICAM-1-GFP fusion protein was assessed by the binding of ICAM-1-GFP/CHO cells to Molt-4 cells. The results showed that 1622 bp full-length ICAM-1 cDNA obtained and was successfully ligated with pMD(18)-T-vector, subcloned to construct recombinant ICAM-1-pEGFP-C1 vector. Restriction analysis and DNA sequencing indicated that recombinant ICAM-1-GFP was successfully constructed and ICAM-1-GFP was expressed stably in CHO cells. ICAM-1-GFP expression was only observed in the cytoplasm of ICAM-1-GFP/CHO cells by fluorescence microscopy. The ICAM-1-GFP/CHO cells were bound to PMA-treated Molt-4 cells. The expression of MEM-148 was very weak in PMA-treated Molt-4 cells. It is concluded that the ICAM-1-GFP eukaryotic expression vector has been constructed successfully and expresses stably in CHO cells. PMA can increase the binding of Molt-4 cells to ICAM-1-GFP/CHO cells by inducing specialized form of ICAM-1 clustering.

Effect of allyl glycoside extracted from Herba Rhodiolae on activity and proliferation of cultured Schwann cells under high glucose condition / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe changes in activity and proliferation of cultured Schwann cells under the high glucose condition and effect of allyl glycoside extracted from Herba Rhodiolae (AG) on these changes for exploring the possible mechanism of diabetic peripheral nerve injury and the pharmacologic action of AG on them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adopting refined Brokes method, Schwann cells were isolated from the sciatic nerve tissue of newborn Wistar rats and purified. Their activity and proliferative capability were determined using XTT method and 3H-TdR incorporative method respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High glucose showed marked inhibitory effect on both activity and proliferative capability of Schwann cells, and the inhibition could be markedly improved by AG.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Diabetic peripheral nerve injury is possibly related to inhibitory effect of high glucose on activity and proliferative capability of Schwann cells. Effect of AG in improving these inhibitory changes provides the experiment basis for clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine, Herba Rhodiolae.</p>

Changes in learning and memory functions in rats with status epilepticus and generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes in the learning and memory functions and the hippocampal expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) in rats with status epilepticus and generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Status epilepticus (SE) and generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus (GNCSE) was induced by pentylenetetrazol kindling in SD rats, and the learning and memory function changes of the kindled rats were assessed by means of Morris water-maze test and Y-maze test with alternative electric stimulation. Immunocytochemistry was used for analysis pCREB protein expression in the hippocampus of the rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In Morris water-maze test, the rats with SE showed prolonged mean escape latency (P<0.05), shortened swimming time in the platform quadrant (P<0.05), and reduced number of times of platform crossing (P<0.05) in the short term after kindling. But these changes were reversed and became normal a month after the kindling (P>0.05). In the Y-maze test with alternative electric stimulation, the total error (TE) of SE rats increased significantly in the short term after epilepsy (P<0.05), but recovered the normal level a month after kindling (P>0.05). The GNCSE rats showed prolonged mean escape latency at only certain time periods (P<0.05) in the short term, but with swimming time in the platform quadrant and number of platform crossings similar to the control group (P>0.05). The short-term TE of GNCSE rats increased significantly (P<0.05), but in the long term, TE was similar to that in the control group (P>0.05). The expression of pCREB decreased significantly in SE group in comparison with the control group in the short term.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Epileptic seizures can lead to learning and memory function impairment in rats, and SE seems to cause greater impact than GNCSE on the learning and memory functions. pCREB might be involved in the pathophysiology of learning and memory deficit in epileptic rats.</p>

A report on location of head acupoints by bone-length measurement in 100 persons / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the differences between bone-length measurements on human head and to probe proportion relation of the position of head points.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred healthy adult volunteers, aged between 18-25 years, 50 males and 50 females, were randomly selected, and their height, body weight, the distances from Shenting (GV 24) to Toulinqi (GB 15), from Shenting to Touwei (ST 8), between bilateral Touwei (ST 8), between the two Mastoid, from Yintang (EX-HN 3) to front hairline, front hairline to Naohu (GV 17), Naohu to Fengfu (GV 16), Fengfu to the middle of rear hairline were measured respectively with standard measure instruments, and the proportion relation between bone-length measurement location and the point position were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant difference between the distance of bilateral Touwei and the distance of the two Wangu (P<0.05). The proportion relation of Shenting-Toulinqi, Shenting-Touwei, bilateral Touwei distances basically conformed to the bone-length measurement location, while in the proportion relation of the distances of Yintang-front hairline, front hairline-Naohu, Naohu-Fengfu, Fengfu-the middle of rear hairline and the bone-length measurement location there were some differences.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Bilateral Touwei distance is not same as the bone-length measurements between two Mastoid, and Toulinqi can be located at the middle point of the connecting line of Shenting and Touwei. There is a certain deviation between marker location of Naohu, Fengfu and other points on body surface and the bone-length measurements.</p>

Study on changes of protein phosphorylation of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in lymphocytes of rats in progress of aging and interventional effect of Epimedium flavonoids / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the characteristics of protein phosphorylation of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in lymphocytes of rats in the progress of aging and the the interventional effect of Epimedium flavonoids (EF).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>We chose the lymphocytes derived from SD rat spleen. We divided the SD rats into five groups i. e. 4 months (4 m), 27 months (27 m), the 27 m EF treated group (27 m + EF), and we also observed the whole interventional effect of PDTC (a NF-kappaB inhibitor) on old rat groups (27 m PDTC, 27 m PDTC + EF ) when IkappaBepsilon, IkappaBalpha were detected. Through the western-blotting analyses, we studied the entire characteristics and distinctions of phosphorylation expression in molecules related to NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway p65, IkappaBepsilon and IkappaBalpha in lymphocytes across the age spectrum of rats in aging. We also observed the whole interventional effect of EF on lymphocytes of old rats.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>With the increasing of age, the mean level of phosphorylation expressions of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in rat spleen lymphocytes decreased obviously, When inhibited NF-kappaB by PDTC, there was decreased evidently, while PDTC + EF can active NF-kappaB family and the above molecules were increased to a certain extent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The phosphorylation expressions of p65, IkappaBalpha and IkappaBepsilon in rat spleen lymphocytes were not enouphe, EF have a strong effect to upregulated the expression of them during aging.</p>

Reconstruction of skin defect at frontal hair line with mastoid fasciocutaneous island flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the reconstruction of skin defect at frontal and temporal hair line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>5 cases with skin defect at frontal and temporal hair line were treated with mastoid fasciocutaneous island flap pedicled with parietal branch of superficial temporal artery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the flaps survived completely. Hair grew up 5 - 7 days after operation, showing good reconstructed hair line.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mastoid fasciocutaneous island flap is a reliable method for reconstruction of skin defect at frontal and temporal hair line.</p>

Effects of pioglitazone on the morphology and the expression of connective tissue growth factor of transforming growth factor beta-induced rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To observe the effects of pioglitazone on morphological changes and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF b)-induced rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro, and to investigate the anti-fibrotic mechanism of pioglitazone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured rat HSCs were divided into a no-treatment control group, a TGF b-treated group, and a TGFb plus different dosage pioglitazone-treated group. The morphological changes of the cultured HSCs were observed. The expression of CTGF was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The level of collagen type III in the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TGFb induced morphological changes, and increased the expressions of CTGF and collagen type III of the HSCs (P less than 0.05). Pioglitazone prevented the TGFb induced morphological changes of the HSCs. The expression of CTGF and the levels of collagen type III in the pioglitazone group were lower than the TGF b-treated group (P less than 0.05). This prevention effect was dose-dependent (P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pioglitazone blocks the excretion of CTGF and collagen type III of cultured HSCs, preventing the development of liver fibrosis.</p>

Effect of deguelin on proliferation and apoptosis of lymphoma Daudi cells and its mechanism / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anticancer effects and molecular mechanism of deguelin on human Burkitt's lymphoma Daudi cells in vitro and compare the cytotoxicity of deguelin on Daudi cells and human peripheral blood monocular cells (HPBMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of deguelin on the growth of Daudi cells were studied by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5 diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was assessed through Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V/PI double-labeled cytometry. The effect of deguelin on the cell cycle of Daudi cells was studied by propidium iodide method. The expressions of cyclin D1 and pRb were checked by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proliferation of Daudi cells was decreased in deguelin-treated group with a 24 h IC50 value of 51. 55 nmol/L. Deguelin induced Daudi cells apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Daudi cells treated with deguelin showed an increase of G0/G1 phase and decrease of S phase. The Daudi cells treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 nmol/L deguelin for 24 h, showed an increased Go/G, phase from 37.34% to 56.56% , whereas decreased S phase from 37.72% to 21.36%, respectively. PBMC was less sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of deguelin than Daudi cells. The expression of cyclin D1 and pRb protein were decreased in Daudi cells treated with deguelin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Deguelin can inhibit the proliferation of Daudi cells by regulating the cell cycle that arrest cells at G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis. Moreover, deguelin demonstrats low toxicity in PBMC but selectively induces apoptosis of Daudi cells. The antitumor effects of deguelin may be related to down-regulation of the expression of cyclin D1 and pRb protein.</p>

Effect of deguelin on expression of nup98 in K562 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

The study was purposed to investigate the effect of deguelin on expression of nucleoporin 98 (nup98) in leukemia K562 cells. MTT assay was used to assess the effects of deguelin on cell proliferation. FCM and RT-PCR were used to analyze the changes of nup98 mRNA and protein in K562 cells after treating with deguelin. The results showed that deguelin inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner; mean fluorescence intensity of nup98 in blank group (34.22 +/- 1.63) was significantly higher than that in control group (2.83 +/- 0.02, P < 0.01), 10 nmol/L deguelin could significantly inhibit the expression of nup98 protein; 10 nmol/L could not inhibit the expression of nup98 mRNA, 20, 40, 80, 160 nmol/L deguelin could significantly inhibit the expression of nup98 mRNA in a dose-dependant manner. It is concluded that deguelin inhibits the proliferation of K562 cell through inhibiting the expression of nup98, and may be considered as a new target for therapy of acute leukemia.