Chemical constituents from Callicarpa kwangtungensis and their hemostatic activities / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to identify the chemical constituents from Callicarpa kwangtungensis and determine their activities. MCI, ODS, and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC were employed to separate the chemical constituents. A total of 15 compounds were separated, and their structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the data in relevant literature. Specifically, the 15 compounds were 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-D-glucopyranoside(1), 3,6-O-α-L-dirhamnopyranosyl-4-O-E-caffeoyl-D-glucopyranoside(2), β-OH-forsythoside B(3), β-OH-poliumoside(4),(+)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),(+)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6),(-)-lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7), kelampayoside A(8), descaffeoylpoliumoside(9), acteoside(10), alyssonoside(11), poliumoside(12), isacteoside(13), acetyl forsythoside B(14), and forsythoside B(15). Compounds 1 and 2 were novel, and the NMR data of compounds 3 and 4 were reported here for the first time. Furthermore, the hemostatic activities of the extract and abundant ingredients(compounds 12 and 15) of C. kwangtungensis were determined with Yunnan Baiyao as the positive control and normal saline as the negative control. The extract and compounds 12 and 15 significantly shortened the tail tip bleeding time in mice.

Clinical features and prognosis analysis of 31 cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, treatment options and prognostic factors of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck.Methods:Clinical data of 31 cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck treated in Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University from January 2005 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the involvement sites, the lesions were divided into the Waldeyer's ring involvement and non-involvement groups. The differences between two groups were compared by one-way ANOVA. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. The OS rate and local recurrence free survival (LRFS) rate between two groups were compared by log-rank test.Results:All 31 patients received radiotherapy. The median follow-up time was 98 months (7-192 months). Among them, 16 patients received radiotherapy and surgery, 10 patients received radiochemotherapy, and 2 patients received surgery and radiochemotherapy. Waldeyer's ring involvement was found in 15 patients, and Waldeyer's ring was not involved in 16 patients. The 10-year OS rate was 84.8%. Two cases showed local recurrence and 2 cases progressed to multiple myeloma. The 10-year OS rate in patients ≤55 years old was 100% vs. 67% in those >55 years old ( P=0.039). The 10-year OS rates in patients with and without Waldeyer's ring involvement were 93.3% vs. 75.2% ( P=0.031). The 10-year LRFS rate in patients with Waldeyer's ring involvement was 100% vs. 66.7% in those without Waldeyer's ring involvement ( P=0.022). The 10-year OS rate was 95% and 35.7% for patients with longest diameter of tumor ≤5 cm and >5 cm before radiotherapy, respectively ( P=0.02). Conclusions:Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck patients with longest diameter of tumor ≤5 cm obtain higher 10-year OS rate. Those with Waldeyer's ring involvement have better 10-year OS and LRFS rates.

Pharmacokinetics of levornidazole disodium phosphate in monkey / 药学学报

This study was carried out to investigate the pharmacokinetics/bioequivalence of levornidazole disodium phosphate by using stable isotope labeled drug, evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile and confirmed the prodrug characteristics of levornidazole disodium phosphate in monkey. Levornidazole (Drug A) and stable isotope 15N labeled levornidazole disodium phosphate (Drug B) were mixed with equal mole amount (experiment I); stable isotope 15N labeled levornidazole disodium phosphate (Drug B) and levornidazole disodium phosphate (Drug C) were mixed with equal mole amount, respectively. After giving the mixed drugs to the monkey, the concentration of 15N-levornidazole disodium phosphate, levornidazole disodium phosphate, 15N-levornidazole and levornidazole in plasma samples of pre-dosing and 24 h after administration were analyzed by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed through non-compartmental analysis using WinNonlin software. Two-sided 90% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the bioequivalence of two drugs. The results showed that levornidazole disodium phosphate was metabolized to levornidazole rapidly after administration, the body exposure were increased with the dosage. The method of bioequivalence used in this study was different from the traditional two periods, crossover design. By using the method of this study, the effects of administration period, intra-individual variability, and sequence of administration on bioequivalence were avoided. The results of this study had successfully supported the pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study of this drug in human using the same approach.

Development of Bariatric and Metabolic Endoscopy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>With the evolution of society and changes in human lifestyle, obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, and obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary heart disease are more common. As a result, new devices and methods for bariatric and metabolic endoscopy are being developed for clinical use, offering new options for patients. This review discussed the progress in bariatric and metabolic endoscopy.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>This review was based on data in articles published in the PubMed database up to September 2017, with the following keywords: "obesity", "endoscopy", "weight loss", and "metabolism".</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Original articles about various endoscopic methods of weight loss and other reviews of bariatric and metabolic endoscopy were included and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The technology of bariatric and metabolic endoscopy has advanced rapidly in recent years. The intragastric balloon (IGB), with its comparatively long period of development, is the most mature and widely used instrument. Multiple new endoscopic devices have been created in recent years, with different targets to achieve weight loss. Despite the proliferation of new devices, the lack of clinical data results in a shortage of clinical experience and instruction in the use of this new equipment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Bariatric and metabolic endoscopy would help obese people lose weight or prepare for bariatric surgery and hopefully alleviate some of the complications of bariatric procedures. Adequate studies and data are still needed for the new endoscopic devices.</p>

Design of image diagnostic module for tent-form field medical system / 医疗卫生装备

Object To develop an easy-assembled and-disassembled image diagnostic module to solve the problems of the tent-form field medical system in size, weight, mobility, accessories, protection and etc, which is of high references for combination and integration scheme of large-scale digital imaging equipment by adopting box instrumentation.Methods The module had its design executed with system modeling, structure simulation and CAD after its service requirements were analyzed. The design fell into the ones for overall framework, combination mode, packaging and buffer vibration isolation, ergonomics, box instrumentation, radiography accessories for vertical and horizontal positions, protection device and etc.Results The module was gifted with radiodiagnosis-related performances such as digital radiography, digital diagnosis,diagnosis reporting, compatibility to vertical- and horizontal- position radiography, and radiation protection during war conditions.Conclusion The module developed gains advantages in power, continuous radiography, assembling and disassembling, accessories and protection, and thus meets the requirements of the tent-form field medical system in mass casualties imaging diagnosis.

Design of first aid module in tent-form field medical system / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To design a multi-function first-aid module integrating instruments with the box to solve the existing problems in integration, operation, deployment, withdrawal, environmental adaptability and etc, so as to realize integrated storage, transport and operation of the instruments. Methods The module had its structure, modes of deployment and withdrawal, instruments buffering and vibration isolation, ergonomics and etc designed with the technologies of integrating box and instruments, integration, buffering and vibration isolation, centralized oxygen and power supply as well as the methods of system modeling,structure simulation and CAD.Results The first-aid module was gifted with the functions of respiratory and circulatory rehabilitation,vital signs monitoring,emergency treatment of complex and multi injuries, which could be used as a 2 000 mm×800 mm×600 mm emergency treatment platform when deployed. There were 4 angles for adjusting the backboard to form anti-shock positions for the severe casualties.The module had the time for deployment and withdrawal not more than 5 min,and was easy to deploy,withdraw,transport and store.Conclusion The module behaves well in structure,function,layout,operation and military service when used for the treatment of the severe casualties in the tent-form field medical system,which contributes to enhancing the casualty treatment efficiency and prognosis.[Chinese Medi-cal Equipment Journal,2018,39(5):12-16]

Inhibitory Role of Pentraxin-3 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a member of the PTX superfamily. Here, we investigated the role of PTX3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effect of PTX3 on ESCC cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion was investigated using cell viability assays, colony formation assays, flow cytometry, and migration and invasion assays. The effect of PTX3 on the tumorigenicity of ESCC in vivo was investigated with xenograft studies in nude mice.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PTX3 overexpression in ESCC cells reduced cellular proliferation and colony formation (P < 0.05) and increased the rate of apoptosis (P < 0.05). PTX3 expression had no significant effect on the migratory or invasive potential of ESCC cells. In our mouse model of human ESCC, we achieved 100% successful tumor establishment. Compared with the control and empty vector-expressing groups, the PTX3-expressing group formed significantly smaller tumors (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study indicates that PTX3 might play an inhibitory role in ESCC.</p>

Randomized double-blind clinical trial of Moluodan () for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with dysplasia / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy and safety of Moluodan () in treating dysplasia in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a multi-centered, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The total of 196 subjects were assigned to receive either Moluodan or folic acid in a 2:1 ratio by blocked randomization. Mucosa marking targeting biopsy (MTB) was used to insure the accuracy and consistency between baseline and after 6-month treatment. Primary outcomes were histological score, response rate of pathological lesions and dysplasia disappearance rate. Secondary endpoints included gastroscopic findings, clinical symptom and patient reported outcome (PRO) instrument.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Dysplasia score decreased in Moluodan group (P =0.002), significance was found between groups (P =0.045). Dysplasia disappearance rates were 24.6% and 15.2% in Moluodan and folic acid groups respectively, no significant differences were found (P =0.127). The response rate of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were 34.6% and 23.0% in Moluodan group, 24.3% and 13.6% in folic acid group. Moluodan could improve erythema (P =0.044), and bile reflux (P =0.059), no significance between groups. Moluodan was better than folic acid in improving epigastric pain, epigastric suffocation, belching and decreased appetite (P <0.05), with symptom disappearance rates of 37% to 83%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Moluodan improved dysplasia score in histopathology, and erythema and bile reflux score in endoscopy, and superior to folic acid in improving epigastric pain, epigastric suffocation, belching and decreased appetite. [ChiCTR-TRC-00000169].</p>

Mortality trend and predictors of mortality in dysphagic stroke patients postpercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding is widely used in stroke patients suffering from persistent dysphagia; however, predicting the risks and benefits of PEG insertion in the individual patient is difficult. The aim of our study was to investigate if candidate risk factors could predict short-term mortality risk in poststroke patients who had PEG tube insertion for persistent dysphagia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a retrospective study of 3504 consecutive stroke patients admitted to two metropolitan hospitals during the period January 2005 to December 2013 and who also underwent PEG insertion for feeding due to persistent dysphagia.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 102 patients were included in the study. There were 22 deaths in 6 months after insertion of PEG tubes and 20 deaths of those occurred within 3 months post PEG. Those who survived beyond 6 months showed significantly lower mean age (75.9 ± 9.0 years vs. 83.0 ± 4.9 years, P < 0.001), a lower mean American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score (3.04 ± 0.63 vs. 3.64 ± 0.58, P < 0.001) compared to nonsurvivors. In multiple Logistic, age (P = 0.004, odds ratio [OR] = 1.144; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044-1.255); ASA (P = 0.002, OR = 5.065; 95% CI: 1.815-14.133) and albumin level pre-PEG insertion (P = 0.033, OR = 0.869; 95% CI: 0.764-0.988) were the independent determinants of mortality respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We propose that age, ASA score and albumin level pre-PEG insertion to be included as factors to assist in the selection of patients who are likely to survive more than 3 months post PEG insertion.</p>

Identification of Nedd4 as a novel regulator in Hedgehog signaling / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays an important role in both embryonic development and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Hh activation results in a large variety of cancers. This study was designed to discover novel modulators in Hh signaling pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed yeast-two-hybrid screening and immunoprecipitation to identify the interaction of Nedd4 and Smo. To verify whether Nedd4 is involved in the regulation of Hh signaling, we monitored the activation of Gli-luciferase reporter by overexpressing Nedd4 together with Gli-luciferase reporter. In order to examine the role of endogenous Nedd4 in regulating Hh signaling, we used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference strategy to silence the Nedd4 expression, and then perform dual-luciferase reporter assay. Statistical comparisons were performed by Student's t tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We showed that Nedd4 binds to Smo in the transfected HEK293 cells. Overexpression of Nedd4 alone did not significantly activate the Gli reporter compared to pcDNA3 control (Nedd4 group: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), relative luciferase unit (RLU) 1.87 ± 0.41). However, Smo agonist (SAG)-stimulated activation of Gli-luciferase reporter was markedly potentiated in Nedd4 transfected cells (Nedd4 group: SAG, RLU 13.49 ± 1.04, P < 0.05), indicating that overexpression of Nedd4 increases Gli luciferase reporter activity and Nedd4-induced activation of Hh signaling is activity dependent. In Nedd4 knockdown NIH 3T3 cells, the luciferase reporter activity was measured basally and after SAG treatment. In scrambled cells, compared to DMSO, SAG could activate reporter activity by (4.16 ± 0.84)-fold. In Nedd4 knockdown cells, the luciferase reporter activation by SAG was significantly inhibited (SAG, RLU 1.72 ± 0.24, P < 0.05); knockdown of Nedd4 did not change the basal activity of luciferase activity (DMSO, RLU 0.86 ± 0.11), suggesting that the loss of Nedd4 expression diminishes Gli-dependent activity in the Hh pathway and the regulation of Nedd4 in the Hh signaling pathway is activity-dependent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nedd4 positively regulates the Hh pathway and provides a potential target for inhibiting Hh signaling in cancer therapy.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on silent myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) on silent myocardial ischemia (SMI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with SMI were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a medicine group, 20 cases in each group. The Electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture and Neiguan (PC 6) was selected as the main acupoint, and the other acupoints were selected by syndrome differentiation. The medicine group was treated with oral administration of compound Danshen dripping pill. The total effective rate, heart rate, blood pressure and dynamic electrocardiogram in 24 h were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 95.0% (19/20) in the electroacupuncture group was better than that of 75.0% (15/20) in the medicine group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the two groups were decreased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and the electroacupuncture group was superior to the medicine group (all P < 0.05). The SMI duration and the number of ST segment depression were decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and the electroacupuncture group was superior to the medicine group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) has a good therapeutic effect on SMI. It can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure, reduce the afterload in left ventricular and is superior to that of compound Danshen dripping pill.</p>

Intima-media thickness and left ventricle remodeling in patients with prehypertension and impaired glucose tolerance / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the intima-media thickness and cardiac remodeling in patients with prehypertension and impaired glucose tolerance.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Three-hundred patients were divided into four groups: normal control (NC, n = 61), prehypertension (PH, n = 83), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, n = 91), prehypertension and impaired glucose tolerance (PH + IGT, n = 65). Intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured by doppler ultrasonography. Left ventricle mess (LVMI), midwall fractional shortening (mFS), peakE/peakA (E/A) were measured by echocardiography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) IMT was significantly increased in PH, IGT and PH + IGT groups than in NC group [(0.7 ± 0.1) mm, (0.7 ± 0.1) mm and (1.0 ± 0.1) mm vs.(0.6 ± 0.1) mm, all P < 0.01], which was significantly high in PH + IGT group than in PH or IGT group. Regression analysis demonstrated that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPBG), systolic pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were independent predictors to increased IMT. (2) LVMI was higher in PH and PH + IGT groups than in NC group [(97.0 ± 3.3) g/m(2), (97.1 ± 2.8) g/m(2) vs.(87.0 ± 2.0) g/m(2), (87.9 ± 1.5) g/m(2), all P < 0.01], and positively related with SBP, DBP. (3) mFS was lower in PH and PH + IGT groups [(14.0 ± 0.8)%, (14.0 ± 0.8)% vs. (18.3 ± 1.0)%, (18.2 ± 0.5)%, P < 0.01], negatively related with SBP and DBP. E/A was similar among groups and lower E/A was associated with higher SBP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Vascular and left ventricular structure remodeling and systolic dysfunction could be detected in prehypertension patients. Impaired glucose tolerance could enhance vascular remodeling in prehypertension patients.</p>

Effects of immune modulation therapy on cardiac function in aged patients with chronic heart failure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of immune modulation therapy on cardiac function and lymphocyte subsets in aged patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CHF (NYHA classification: II-IV) patients older than 60 years were randomly divided into two groups: CHF intervention group received regular therapy and thymopetide (2 mg/day i.m. for 75 days, n = 48), CHF control group received regular therapy (n = 48), 45 healthy individuals older than 60 years served as normal control. Left ventricular ejection faction of (LVEF), inner diameter of left ventricular end-diastole (LVEDD), inner diameter of left ventricular end-systole (LVESD), lymphocyte subsets, plasma high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), plasma brain natrium peptide (BNP) and 6 minutes walking distance (6MWT) were measured at before therapy, after the first course (15 days) of treatment and after the third course of treatment (75 days).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Before therapy, the levels of BNP, hsCRP, CD8 T cells, LVEDD and LVESD were significantly higher and the levels of CD3, CD4, CD19 T cells, NK, CD4/CD8 ratio, LVEF and 6MWT were significantly lower in CHF patients compared to compared normal controls (all P < 0.05). These parameters were similar between CHF intervention group and CHF control group. (2) At 15 days, the levels of CD3, CD4, CD19 T cells and NK were significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) while the level of CD8, BNP and hsCRP were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in CHF intervention group compared with CHF control group. (3) At 75 days, the levels of CD3, CD4, CD19 T cells, NK, CD4/CD8, LVEF and 6MWT were significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) while the levels of CD8, BNP, hsCRP and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in CHF intervention group compared with CHF control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Thymopetide, an immune modulating agent, might regulate the quantity and proportion of lymphocyte subsets and improve cardiac function in aged patients with CHF, indicating that immune modulation therapy might be a new treatment strategy for aged CHF patients.</p>

Effects of psychological stress on performances in open-field test of rats and tyrosine's modulation / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the effects of different doses of tyrosine modulation on behavioral performances in open field test of psychological stress rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The animal model of psychological stress was developed by restraint stress for 21 days. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) as follows: control group (CT), stress control group (SCT), low, medium and high-doses of tyrosine modulation stress groups (SLT, SMT and SIT). The changes of behavioral performances were examined by open-field test. Serum levels of cortisol, norepinephrine and dopamine were also detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of serum cortisol were all increased obviously in the four stress groups, and their bodyweight gainings were diminished. The behavioral performances of SCT rats in open-field test were changed significantly in contrast to that of CT rats. However, The behavioral performances of SMT and SHT rats were not different from that of CT rats. In addition, the serum levels of norepinephrine and dopamine were downregulated obviously in SCT and SLT groups, and no differences were observed in other groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Psychological stress can impair body behavioral performances, and moderate tyrosine modulation may improve these abnormal changes. The related mechanisms may be involved with the changes of norepinephrine and dopamine.</p>

Interaction of signal transduction between angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes in rat senescent heart / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Angiotensin II (Ang II) acting at angiotensin AT(1) receptor (AT(1)R) has well documented effects on cardiovascular structure such as the promotion of cardiovascular hypertrophy and fibrosis, which are believed to be opposed by angiotensin AT(2) receptor (AT(2)R) stimulation. The expressions of AT(1)R and AT(2)R are up-regulated in senescent hearts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction of signal transduction between AT(1)R and AT(2)R, and to detect whether there is any difference in the interaction in rat hearts of different age.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In 3.5-, 12-, 18- and 24-month-old rats, the heart cell membrane activities of protein kinase C (PKC) and tyrosine kinase were measured when AT(1)R and AT(2)R were both activated by Ang II or just the AT(1)R was activated by Ang II and PD123319. The activities of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and the levels of cGMP were investigated when AT(1)R and AT(2)R were both activated by Ang II or just the AT(2)R was activated by Ang II and losartan.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When AT(1)R and AT(2)R were both activated compared to when the AT(1)R was activated, the activities of PKC were not different in hearts from 3.5- and 12-month-old rats, but decreased significantly in 18- and 24-month-old rats; the activities of tyrosine kinase were not different in 3.5-month-old rats but decreased significantly in 12-, 18- and 24-month-old rats. The activities of cPLA(2) were all decreased significantly in rats of different age when AT(1)R and AT(2)R were both activated compared to when the AT(2)R was activated. Treatment with Ang II alone compared to Ang II and losartan decreased the levels of cGMP (fmol/mg) in rats of different age (102.7 +/- 12.7 versus 86.0 +/- 8.0 in 3.5-month-old rats, P < 0.05; 81.0 +/- 9.4 versus 70.0 +/- 6.3 in 12-month-old rats, P < 0.05; 69.8 +/- 5.6 versus 54.2 +/- 5.3 in 18-month-old rats, P < 0.01; 57.7 +/- 8.0 versus 39.0 +/- 3.0 in 24-month-old rats, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The activation of AT(1)R inhibited the signal transduction of AT(2)R during the aging variation, and the activation of AT(2)R inhibited the signal transduction of AT(1)R in rat heart of different age.</p>

Aspirin inhibits the proliferation of tobacco-related esophageal squamous carcinomas cell lines through cyclooxygenase 2 pathway / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cigarette smoking has been verified as the risk factor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Overexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is shown in ESCC. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking ethanol extract (EE) on the proliferation of the human ESCC cell lines, and to explore the correlation between the proliferation rate of human ESCC cell lines and the expression pattern of COX-2. Whether aspirin can inhibit the proliferation of the ESCC cell lines pretreated with EE, and regulate the mRNA expression levels of COX-2 are also examined.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two human ESCC cell lines were selected. EC109 was poorly differentiated and EC9706 was highly differentiated. EC109 and EC9706 were treated with EE and aspirin for different time course. The cell growth of ESCC was measured by MTT reduction assay and the expression of COX-2 was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>EE promoted the proliferation of EC109 and EC9706 in dose- and time-dependent manners. In the concentration range (10 - 100 microg/ml for EE) and in the time range (24 - 72 hours) after addition of EE, the cell proliferation was prominent in an up-scaled manner respectively. Aspirin could inhibit the proliferation of cell lines EC109 and EC9706, pretreated with EE for 5 hours, in a dose-dependent manner. In the concentration range (0.5 - 8.0 mmol/L for aspirin), the cell growth inhibition was prominent in an up-scaled manner accordingly (P < 0.05). The effect of EE on cell proliferation was correlated with the up-regulation of COX-2 gene. However, the cell growth inhibition of aspirin was correlated with the down-regulation of COX-2 gene.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EE can stimulate the proliferation of human ESCC cell lines EC109 and EC9706, most likely through up-regulating the expression of COX-2. Aspirin can inhibit the proliferation of ESCC cell lines induced by EE, which suggests it may be advantageous in the chemoprevention and therapy of human tobacco-related ESCC. And its effect is likely to be related with modulating COX-2 activity.</p>

The impairment of homocysteine on neurons and the related mechanisms / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the impairment of homocysteine (Hcy) on neurons in vitro and the related mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We examined the consequences of treatment of cultured rat cortical and hippocampal neurons with Hcy and detected the neurons' apoptosis, calcium influx, DNA damage and oxidative injury.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Primary cortical and hippocampal neurons were treated with Hcy (250 micromol/L) for 4 h resulted in apoptosis time-dependently. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) could significantly, but MK-801, an NMDA receptor inhibitor, couldn't repress the Hcy induced neuron apoptosis. Hcy could induce neuron calcium overload through activating the NMDA receptors. The DNA of neurons was damaged by Hcy because the methylation reactions were inhibited. Hcy treatment also induced MDA level significantly increased, but did not affect the neurons' T-AOC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings indicate that Hcy compromises neuronal homeostasis by multiple, divergent routes, including DNA damage, neuron exitotoxicity, and oxidative injury. Hcy mediated neuron apoptosis was mainly due to DNA damage.</p>

Effects of zinc on the expression of metallothionein isoforms in stressed hippocampal neurons in vitro / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To evaluate the effects of different doses of zinc on the expression of metallothionein isoforms in stressed hippocampal neurons in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cell stress model was developed by corticosterone. The cultured hippocampal neurons were assigned to seven groups as follows: control group, zinc deficiency group, and their corresponding stressed groups, as well as three different levels of zinc complementarity groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In zinc deficiency group, the expressions of metallothionein and MT-1 mRNA, MT-3 mRNA were downregulated. On the other hand, inductions of metallothionein and it's mRNAs in stressed zinc complementarity group were increased. In addition, the levels of supernatant IL-6 and NO were increased clearly in zinc deficiency group and corticosterone stressed groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results suggest that zinc deficiency may decrease while zinc complementarity increase the expressions of metallothioneins and MT-1 mRNA, MT-3 mRNA in stressed hippocampal neurons in vitro.</p>

Effects of zinc deficiency on bone mineralization and its mechanism in rats / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of zinc deficiency on bone mineralization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups with ten in each group, i.e., zinc-deficient group (ZD), control group, and pair-fed group. Histomorphological changes of bone mineralization, bone mineral content and bone density, bone contents of zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper and hydroxyproline, and serum levels of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and osteocalcin in the rats were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed that the mineral deposit rate and bone contents of zinc, phosphorus and hydroxyproline, and serum levels of calcitonin and osteocalcin lowered significantly in ZD group, as compared with those in the control and pair-fed groups, with (3.26 +/- 0.34) micro m/d, (64.54 +/- 2.34) g/kg, (54.4 +/- 9.5) mg/kg, (9.28 +/- 1.62) g/kg, (41.2 +/- 13.5) micro g/L, (82 +/- 30) micro g/L in ZD group; (5.37 +/- 0.53) micro m/d, (69.01 +/- 4.05) g/kg, (117.4 +/- 8.0) mg/kg, (11.31 +/- 1.30) g/kg, (68.3 +/- 14.4) micro g/L, (131 +/- 46) micro g/L in the control group; and (5.45 +/- 0.30) micro m/d, (67.81 +/- 3.56) g/kg, (106.7 +/- 8.4) mg/kg, (10.88 +/- 1.47) g/kg, (63.7 +/- 12.0) micro g/L, (120 +/- 52) micro g/L in the pair-fed group, respectively. While the time for mineralization lag and osteoid maturation obviously prolonged, (1.08 +/- 0.19) d and (7.12 +/- 2.30) d in ZD group, (0.39 +/- 0.06) d and (2.21 +/- 1.12) d in the control group, and (0.40 +/- 0.06) d and (2.12 +/- 0.58) d in the pair-fed group, respectively. In addition, bone mineral content and bone density and serum parathyroid hormone in ZD group decreased significantly and were lower than those in the control group, but not significantly different from those in the pair-fed group. There were no significant difference in femoral contents of calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper between the ZD group and the control and pair-fed groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Zinc deficiency could lower the contents of parathyroid hormone and calcitonin in blood circulation affecting bone mineral deposit and causing defect in bone mineralization.</p>

Effects of stress on hippocampal Glu-NMDAR pathway in rats and mechanism of zinc protection / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the effects of stress on Glu uptake and NMDAR of hippocampus synaptosome in rats with different zinc status.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Stress model was established by photoelectric stimulus. The behaviors of rats were tested in open-field case. 3H-L-Glu was taken as radioligand to detect the NMDAR binding. Glu uptake was determined with radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with CT rats, ZD rats performed less movement in open-field test, both Bmax of NMDAR and 3H-L-Glu uptake of hippocampus in these rats were significantly decreased. Compared with corresponding non-stressed groups, the stressed groups appeared longer latency and less movement in open-field test. Increased Bmax of NMDAR and decreased 3H-L-Glu uptake were observed in all stressed rats, but only in SZD rats these indices showed statistical difference.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abnormal behaviors of rats induced by photoelectric stress were observed in open-field test, which was more serious in zinc deficiency rats. It is supposed that the Glu-NMDAR pathway is involved in the process of stress reaction. As it shows in our experiment, the changes of Bmax of NMDAR and 3H-L-Glu uptake of hippocampus synaptosome seems to be a part of the mechanisms of stress action.</p>