Long-term survival influencing and risk factors in peritoneal dialysis patients: a single center study in Southwest China / 中华肾脏病杂志

Patients who initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2013 were enrolled in the single center and retrospective study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected to analyze the long-term survival rates, technique survival rates and associated influencing factors. Patients were followed up until December 31, 2021 or endpoints occurred (death or stopping PD treatment). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate survival rates and technique survival rates. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of death and technique failure in PD patients. A total of 373 patients were enrolled in the study, with age of (52.1±15.8) years old and 199 (53.4%) males. During the follow-up, 154 (41.3%) patients died, 72 (19.3%) patients transferred to hemodialysis, and 40 (10.7%) patients received kidney transplant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that overall survival rates of PD patients at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years were 92.2%, 76.6%, 66.0%, 52.4% and 38.6%, respectively. Technique survival rates were 93.5%, 84.8%, 74.2%, 62.8% and 44.5% at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression model results showed that age ( HR=1.055, 95% CI 1.039-1.073, P<0.001), transfer from hemodialysis ( HR=2.212, 95% CI 1.514-3.231, P<0.001), episodes of peritonitis ( HR=2.141, 95% CI 1.194-3.837, P=0.011), Charlson comorbidity index ( HR=1.525, 95% CI 1.305-1.783, P<0.001), and baseline albumin ( HR=0.951, 95% CI 0.925-0.978, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors of survival in PD patients. Episodes of peritonitis ( HR=2.327, 95% CI 1.274-4.250, P=0.006) and Charlson comorbidity index ( HR=1.244, 95% CI 1.035-1.496, P=0.020) were independent influencing factors of technique survival in PD patients. PD patients have good early survival rates and technical survival rates, but long-term outcomes need to be further improved. Peritonitis is a major risk factor for low long-term survival rates and technical survival rates in PD patients.

Experimental study on the regulation of subchondral bone plate osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand system by berberine to retard the development of osteoarthritis in rabbits / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of intra-articular berberine injection on the structural remodeling of subchondral bone plate and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand(OPG/RANKL) system expression in rabbits with osteoarthritis(OA).@*METHODS@#Forty 12-month-old male rabbits with an average of(2.73±0.18) kg of body weight, underwent left anterior cruciate ligament transection(ACLT), and were divided into berberine group and placebo groups after operation, 20 rabbits in each group. The berberine group received intra-articular injection of 100 μmol/L berberine 0.3 ml every week for 6 weeks. In placebo group, the same dose of 0.9% sodium chloride injection was injected into the left knee joint cavity every week for 6 weeks. Another 20 12-month-old male rabbits, weighing (2.68±0.18) kg, underwent sham operation on the left knee joint without intra-articular injection intervention (sham operation group). On the last day of the sixth week after operation, three groups of animals were sacrificed to obtain knee joint specimens. The femoral medial condyle samples were obtained for histological evaluation of cartilage and subchondral bone, Mankin scoring system was used to evaluate articular cartilage structure. Image-Pro Plus(IPP) software was used to evaluate subchondral bone plate bone volume(BV), bone volume/total volume(BV/TV), trabecular circumference(TC), mean trabecular thickness (Tb.Th). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerization Enzyme chain reaction(reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of OPG and RANKL in subchondral bone tissue at 6 weeks after operation.@*RESULTS@#The cartilage structure evaluation showed that the surface of cartilage tissue in the sham operation group was smooth and flat, and the safranin coloration was full in the full thickness of the cartilage;the cartilage tissue in the berberine group showed uneven surface layer, and the staining of safranin O was mildly decreased;the surface layer fibrosis was seen in placebo group, Safranin O faded significantly. The Mankin score in the berberine group was lower than that in placebo group(P<0.01), but higher than that in sham operation group(P<0.01). The structural evaluation of subchondral bone plate showed that the trabecular bone in sham-operated group was densely arranged;after berberine intervention, the trabeculae were closely arranged;the subchondral bone trabeculae in placebo group were relatively sparse, and the distance between trabeculae was wider. Subchondral bone plate IPP software evaluation showed that BV, BV/TV, TC, Tb.Th in berberine group were higher than those in placebo group(P<0.01), BV, BV/TV, TC, Tb.Th in berberine group were higher than those in placebo group(P<0.01), while lower than the sham operation group (P<0.01). PCR test results showed that the expression of OPG mRNA in the berberine group was significantly higher than that in placebo group(P<0.01), and OPG mRNA in the berberine group was lower than that in sham operation group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in mRNA expression of RANKL among three groups(P>0.05);the ratio of OPG/RANKL in berberine group was higher than that in placebo group(P<0.01), but lower than that in sham operation group(P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Intra-articular injection of berberine can effectively inhibit the resorption of subchondral bone in the early stage of OA and delay the development of the disease. The specific mechanism may be that berberine maintains the balance of OPG/RANKL system by up-regulating the expression of OPG gene in subchondral bone.

Effects of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on the immune inflammation and intestinal flora in asthmatic rats / 药学学报

The study aims to explore the intervention mechanism of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthma from the perspective of immune inflammation and intestinal flora, providing a theoretical basis for guiding clinical medication. The ovalbumin (OVA) asthmatic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of OVA sensitization solution and aerosol challenge, and divided into control (CON), model (M), dexamethasone group (DEX, 0.075 mg·kg-1) and Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (TLDZ, 3.5 g·kg-1). Firstly, the effects of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthma symptoms of rats, lung and trachea pathological changes of asthmatic rats were observed by inducing cough and asthma experiment, phenol red excretion, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Masson and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining; the levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-10 in rat serum and the levels of interferon γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-4, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA; the mRNA levels of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-33 in the lung were determined by qRT-PCR; the levels of macrophages and neutrophils in the spleen and the levels of natural killer cell (NK), helper T cell (Thc), dendritic cell (DC), regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper cell 17 (Th17) in the peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry combined with immunohistochemistry; the intestinal flora of asthmatic rats were analyzed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Pathology and inflammatory results showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could effectively alleviate the asthma symptoms in rats, improve the pathological changes of lung tissue, reduce the production of goblet cells and collagen fibers, and reduce the inflammatory response in asthmatic rats; the results of immune cells showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could effectively increase the levels of NK, Thc, DC and Treg cells and reduce the levels of macrophages, neutrophils and Th17 cells in asthmatic rats; the results of intestinal flora showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could increase the levels of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae, Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium]_xylanophilum-group, and decrease the levels of Firmicutes, Desulfovibrio, Mucispirillum and Romboutsia in asthmatic rats. Therefore, it is speculated that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction can improve the symptom of asthmatic rats by regulating the immune inflammation and intestinal flora in the asthmatic rats. All animal experiments in this article were approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine.

Comparison of the clinical effects between Dihuang Decoction and alendronate sodium in the treatment of primary osteoporosis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To study and compare the clinical effects of Rehmannia Decoction and alendronate sodium for the treatment of primary osteoporosis.@*METHODS@#From January 2016 to December 2017, 72 patients with primary osteoporosis who took Dihuang Decoction(DHD) orally and alendronate regularly for more than one year were randomly divided into 2 groups:experimental group and control group. The experimental group consisted of 14 males and 22 females, with an average age of(63.97±3.70) years old. The patients in the experimental group took Chinese medicine DHD, one dose each time, one time in the morning and one time in the evening, twice a week. The control group consisted of 16 males and 20 females with an average age of(63.36±3.07) years old. Patients in the control group were given alendronate 70 mg orally once a week. The basic treatment for osteoporosis remained unchanged in both groups(600 mg of calcium carbonate D3 and 0.5 μg of calcitriol capsules were taken daily). Bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry before and after treatment for one year. The levels of serum collagen type I C-terminal peptide (beta-CTX) and serum osteoclast (SOST) were measured before and after treatment for two groups.@*RESULTS@#The age, bone mineral density, SOST and beta-CTX baseline values between the two groups before and after anti-osteoporosis treatment were compared. The difference was not statistically significant(>0.05). Compared with the two groups, the BMD of femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae were increased after 1 year of anti-osteoporosis treatment. The differences were statistically significant (0.05). The serum beta-CTX values were compared between the two groups after treatment. The value was 0.908. The serum SOST values were compared between the two groups after treatment. The value was 0.888. The difference was not statistically significant (>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In this study, traditional Chinese medicine DHD is used to treat osteoporosis. It is found that DHD and alendronate have a good effect. The DHD can be used as a choice of Chinese medicine in the treatment of primary osteoporosis.

Hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability of rat glomerular endothelial cells involves HIF-2α mediated changes in the expression of occludin and ZO-1

This study aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) in the expression of tight junction proteins and permeability alterations in rat glomerular endothelial cells (rGENCs) under hypoxia conditions. The expression level of HIF-2α and tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) in rGENCs were examined following 5% oxygen density exposure at different treatment times. HIF-2α lentivirus transfection was used to knockdown HIF-2α expression. Cells were divided into four groups: 1) control group (rGENCs were cultured under normal oxygen conditions), 2) hypoxia group (rGENCs were cultured under hypoxic conditions), 3) negative control group (rGENCs were infected with HIF-2α lentivirus negative control vectors and cultured under hypoxic conditions), and 4) Len group (rGENCs were transfected with HIF-2α lentivirus and cultured under hypoxic conditions). The hypoxia, negative control, and Len groups were kept in a hypoxic chamber (5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2) for 24 h and the total content of occludin and ZO-1, and the permeability of rGENCs were assessed. With increasing hypoxia time, the expression of HIF-2α gradually increased, while the expression of occludin decreased, with a significant difference between groups. ZO-1 expression gradually decreased under hypoxia conditions, but the difference between the 24 and 48 h groups was not significant. The permeability of cells increased following 24-h exposure to hypoxia compared to the control group (P<0.01). The knockdown of HIF-2α expression significantly increased occludin and ZO-1 content compared with hypoxia and negative control groups (P<0.01), while permeability was reduced (P<0.01). Hypoxia increased HIF-2α content, inducing permeability of rGENCs through the reduced expression of occludin and ZO-1.

Regulatory Actions of Intestines-unblocking and Turbid-purging Recipe on Colonic 5-Hydroxytryptamine and Its Receptor in Rats with Constipation-dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the regulatory actions of Intestines-unblocking, Turbid-purging Recipe (ITR) on colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) in rats with constipation-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ITR in treating IBS-C. Methods Forty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely normal group, model group, western medicine group, high-, middle- and low-dose Chinese medicine groups, 7 rats in each group. IBS-C rat model was established by intragastric administration of ice water. After establishment of the model, western medicine group was given intragastric administration of Cisapride Tablets (at the dosage of 3.6 mg·kg-1·d-1), Chinese medicine groups were given intragastric administration of various dosages of ITR granules (18.5, 9.25, 4.625 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively) , and the model group was given intragastric administration of normal saline, the treatment lasting 14 d. The rats in various groups were given normal feeding and drinking. After treatment, HE staining method was used to observe pathological changes in the intestinal tissue, immunohistochemistry method was used to observe the expression levels of intestinal 5-HT and 5-HT3 receptor. Results Compared with the normal group, the expression level of rat intestinal 5-HT was increased (P < 0.05) and that of 5-HT3 receptor was decreased (P < 0.05) in the model group and the medication groups. Compared with the model group, 5-HT expression level was decreased significantly (P<0.05) and 5-HT3 receptor expression level was increased (P < 0.05) in the medication groups, and the improvement of the middle-dose Chinese medicine group was more obvious (P < 0.05). Conclusion ITR has therapeutic efficacy for IBS-C rats through lowering 5-HT expression and increasing 5-HT3 receptor expression, which results into the improvement of intestinal sensitivity and abnormal dynamic of the rats.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody induces myocardial fibrosis by activating cardiac fibroblasts / 生理学报

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an important pathological process of cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure; however its etiology has not been clear. It has been known that the angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) is present in patients with heart failure, but it is unclear whether this antibody directly causes MF. In this study, we investigated the role of AT1-AA in MF and its effects on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The AT1-AA positive rat model was established by active immunization method, and the measurement of indexes were made in the 8th week after active immunity. The results of heart echocardiography showed that the cardiac systolic and diastolic functions of AT1-AA positive rats were impaired with reduced left ventricular wall thickness and enlarged heart chambers. HE staining results showed that the myocardial fibers were disorganized and ruptured, and Masson staining revealed that the area of collagen fibers around the myocardium and coronary arteries was significantly increased in AT1-AA positive group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, primary CFs isolated from neonatal rats were cultured and treated with AT1-AA for 48 h. CCK-8 and immunofluorescence staining results showed that AT1-AA enhanced proliferation rate of CFs (P < 0.001), and Western blot results showed that AT1-AA significantly increased expressions of collagen I (Col I), Col III, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in CFs (all P < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that AT1-AA may induce MF and cardiac dysfunction via activating CFs.

Comparison of the efficacy of imatinib and dasatinib for treatment of newly diagnosed chronic my-elogenous leukemia chronic phase patients / 新乡医学院学报

Objective To explore the efficacy of imatinib and dasatinib for treatment of newly diagnosed chronic my-elogenous leukemia chronic phase(CML-CP)patients. Methods Forty patients with CML-CP were selected in the Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2010 to June 2016. The patients were divided into imatinib group(n = 22)and dasatinib group(n = 18)according to the treatment method. The patients in imatinib group received ima-tinib orally for 1 year;the patients in dasatinib group received dasatinib orally for 1 year. The treatment response and curative effect of patients in the two groups were evaluated at 3,6 months after treatment;the aderverse reactions of patients in the two groups were evaluated at 12 months after treatment. Results The rate of optimal cytogenetic response of patients in imatinib group and dasatinib group was 45. 5％(10 / 22),55. 6％(10 / 18)at 3 months after treatment and 36. 4％(8 / 22),38. 9％(7 /18)at 6 months after treatment;the rate of optimal molecular response of patients in imatinib group and dasatinib group was 50. 0％(11 / 22),55. 6％(10 / 18)at 3 months after treatment and 31. 8％(7 / 22),38. 9％(7 / 18)at 6 months after treatment;the rate of failture to achieve a complete cytogenetic responses(CCyR)of patients in imatinib group and dasatinib group was 18. 2％(4 / 22),5. 6％(1 / 18)at 12 months after treatment;the rate of failure to achieve BCR-ABLIS≤1％ of patients in ima-tinib group and dasatinib group was 18. 2％(4 / 22),5. 6％(1 / 18)at 12 months after treatment. The rate of optimal cytogenetic response and optimal molecular response of patients in dasatinib group at 3,6 months after treatment were significantly higher than those in the imatinib group(P < 0. 05);the rate of failure to achieve a CCyR and BCR-ABLIS≤1％ of patients in dasat-inib group at 12 months after treatment were significantly lower than those in the imatinib group(P < 0. 05). The mutation rate of BCR-ABL kinase domain of patients in imatinib group and dasatinib group was 13. 6％(3 / 22)and 5. 6％(1 / 18)respective-ly;the mutation rate of BCR-ABL kinase domain of patients in imatinib group was significantly higher than that in the dasatinib group(P < 0. 05). Conclusion Compared with imatinib,dasatinib has better efficacy in treatment of CML-CP patients,and with lower mutation rate of BCR-ABL kinase domain. So,dasatinib is suitable for clinical use.

Compatible principles of Xiebai decoction family based on complex network analysis / 中国中药杂志

In order to explore the compatible principles of Xiebai decoction family, formulae from ancient and modern Xiebai decoction family were collected and sorted in this study. The compatible characteristics, core herbs, as well as the relativity of herbs nature in Xiebai decoction family were analyzed based on scale free network and other data-mining methods such as association rules, clustering analysis and correspondence analysis. The scale free network results showed that in Xiebai decoction family, Mori Cortex-Lycii Cortex-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was used as the core compatible group and formed the complicated compatible network with other additional herbs; association rules results showed that the core herbs in such formulae included Mori Cortex, Lycii Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, scutellaria root, Platycodon root, Anemarrhena, and almond, which formed corresponding herbal pairs and compatibility; clustering analysis showed that Mori Cortex was the core herb in Xiebai decoction family, and Mori Cortex-Lycii Cortex-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was its main combination unit, which was always compatible with herbs of clearing heat, reducing phlegm, supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin to form the series prescriptions. The results indicated that the core compatibility features of Xiebai decoction family were clearing heat in lung and relieving cough and asthma, providing a basis for the clinical application of Xiebai decoction family.

Mutation analysis of seven patients with Waardenburg syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform genetic analysis for 7 patients with Waardenburg syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Potential mutation of MITF, PAX3, SOX10 and SNAI2 genes was screened by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Functions of non-synonymous polymorphisms were predicted with PolyPhen2 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven mutations, including c.649-651delAGA (p.R217del), c.72delG (p.G24fs), c.185T>C (p.M62T), c.118C>T (p.Q40X), c.422T>C (p.L141P), c.640C>T (p.R214X) and c.28G>T(p.G43V), were detected in the patients. Among these, four mutations of the PAX3 gene (c.72delG, c.185T>C, c.118C>T and c.128G>T) and one SOX10 gene mutation (c.422T>C) were not reported previously. Three non-synonymous SNPs (c.185T>C, c.128G>T and c.422T>C) were predicted as harmful.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Genetic mutations have been detected in all patients with Waardenburg syndrome.</p>

Identification of novel common mutations among patients with non-syndromic hearing loss with high-throughput gene capture technology / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify novel common mutations among patients with non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>High-throughput gene capture technology was used to analyze 18 patients with NSHL in whom common mutations of deafness genes including GJB2, SLC26A4, GJB3, and mtDNA were excluded. Suspected mutation was verified with Sanger sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Next generation sequencing has identified 62 mutations in 29 genes associated with hearing loss, which included 54 missense mutations, 4 splicing mutations, 3 deletional mutations, and 1 nonsense mutation. Mutations occurring more than twice in the 18 patients were verified by Sanger sequencing. This has confirmed 15 mutations in 8 genes, including 3 missense mutations (p.C2184G, p.L2825P, p.H1888Y) which have not been reported previously. Meanwhile, p.L445W, p.D866N, and IVS919-2A>G were common causative mutations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A number of common causative mutations, e.g., p.L445W, p.D866N, IVS919-2A>G, have been identified by high-throughput capture technology, which may facilitate the research and genetic diagnosis for hearing loss.</p>

Research on application status of Chinese herbal decoction pieces based on clinical survey / 中国中药杂志

Chinese herbal decoction pieces are the basic approaches for clinical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), reflecting the features and advantages of TCM. In order to investigate the clinical application status and features of Chinese herbal decoction pieces, the questionnaire on application of commonly used Chinese herbal decoction pieces was designed in this study for analysis of the application situations of Chinese herbal decoction pieces from 56 medical institutions in 10 provinces. The results showed 549 varieties of Chinese herbs and 801 varieties of decoction pieces were used on clinic. They can be classified into 19 categories according to their effects. The varieties of Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephale Rhizima), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinenses Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) were most common ones; the application of Chinese herbal decoction pieces from different medical institutions was differentiated from areas to areas. The survey results reflected the general situation about application of decoction pieces, providing the basic data for recording and completing Chinese herbal decoction pieces in essential drug system, with certain reference significance for the production of Chinese medicinal materials and the allocation of the varieties of Chinese herbal decoction pieces.

Expressions of Estrogen Receptor,Progestogen Receptor,Cerb-B2,and Ki67 Index in the Simple Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To approach the expressions of estrogen receptor (ER),progestogen receptor (PR),Cerb-B2,and Ki67 index in simple mucinous carcinoma of the breast and their clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinicopathological data of 72 patients with simple mucinous carcinoma of the breast who were treated in our hospital from 1997 to 2012 were retrospectively studied. Expressions of ER,PR,Cerb-B2,and Ki67 index and their relationship with clinical characteristics were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine patients had lymph node metastasis. Expressions of ER,PR,and Cerb-B2 were 77.8%,69.4%,and 3.1%,respectively. The expressions of ER,PR,and Cerb-B2 showed no correlation with age,menstrual status,and axillary lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). The expression of ER was correlated with tumor diameter (P=0.008) while the expression of PR and Cerb-B2 showed no such correlation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High ER or PR expression and low Cerb-B2 expression predict good prognosis in patients with simple mucinous carcinoma of the breast. Combined detection of ER,PR,Cerb-B2,and Ki67 index may help to improve the multidisciplinary management of simple mucinous carcinoma of the breast.</p>

Effect of hesperidin on TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway in HSC / 中国中药杂志

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process for chronic liver injury caused by multiple etiological factors and an inevitable phase leading to liver cirrhosis. According to the previous studies, hesperidin (HDN) shows a very good protective effect on CCl4-induced chemical hepatic fibrosis in rats. In this experiment, based on the findings of the previous studies, a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced HSC-T6 model was established to observe the inhibitory effect of HDN on HSC-T6 proliferation. The ELISA method was adopted to detect the content of collagen I in HSC-T6 supernatant. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA expressions were measured by RT-PCR; TGF-beta1 and CT-GF protein expressions in HSC-T6 were determined by Western blot, in order to study HDN's effect on TGF-beta1 signaling pathway in HSC and its potential action mechanism. The results demonstrated that HDN could notably improve HSC-T6 proliferation, Collagen I growth and TGF-beta1, Smad2, Smad3 and CTGF mRNA.expressions. After being intervened with HDN, it could notably inhibit HSC-T6 proliferation and Collagen I growth, reduce TGF-beta1, Smad2, Smad3 and CTGF mRNA and TGF-beta1, CTGF protein expressions and increase Smad7 mRNA expression. HDN's antihepatic fibrosis effect may be related to the inhibition of HSC proliferation and activation by modulating TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway.

Urinary excretion of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine and their antioxidant activities after single dose administration of L-carnitine in healthy subjects

The urine excretion of L-carnitine (LC), acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) and propionyl-Lcarnitine (PLC) and their relations with the antioxidant activities are presently unknown. Liquid L-carnitine (2.0 g) was administered orally as a single dose in 12 healthy subjects. Urine concentrations of LC, ALC and PLC were detected by HPLC. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrogen monoxidum (NO) activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The 0~2 h, 2~4 h, 4~8 h, 8~12 h, 12~24 h excretion of LC was 53.13±31.36 µmol, 166.93±76.87 µmol, 219.92±76.30 µmol, 100.48±23.89 µmol, 72.07±25.77 µmol, respectively. The excretion of ALC was 29.70±14.43 µmol, 80.59±32.70 µmol, 109.85±49.21 µmol, 58.65±18.55 µmol, and 80.43±35.44 µmol, respectively. The urine concentration of PLC was 6.63±4.50 µmol, 15.33±12.59 µmol, 15.46±6.26 µmol, 13.41±11.66 µmol and 9.67±7.92 µmol, respectively. The accumulated excretion rate of LC was 6.1% within 24h after its administration. There was also an increase in urine concentrations of SOD and T-AOC, and a decrease in NO and MDA. A positive correlation was found between urine concentrations of LC and SOD (r = 0.8277) or T-AOC (r = 0.9547), and a negative correlation was found between urine LC excretions and NO (r = -0.8575) or MDA (r = 0.7085). In conclusion, a single oral LC administration let to a gradual increase in urine L-carnitine excretion which was associated with an increase in urine antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacities. These data may be useful in designing therapeutic regimens of LC or its analogues in the future.

A excreção urinária de L-carnitina (LC), acetil-L-carnitina (ALC) e propionil-L-carnitine (PLC) e as suas relações com as atividades antioxidantes são presentemente desconhecidos. Líquido de L-carnitina (2,0 g) foi administrada por via oral como uma dose única em 12 indivíduos saudáveis. As concentrações urinárias de LC, PLC e ALC foram detectados por HPLC. Atividades superóxido dismutase (SOD), a capacidade antioxidante total (T-AOC), malondialdeído (MDA) e óxido nítrico (NO) foram medidas por métodos espectrofotométricos. O 0~2 h, 2~4 h, 4~8 h, 8~12 h, 12~24 h excreção de LC foi 53,13±31.36 µmol, 166,93±76.87 µmol, 219,92±76.30 µmol, 100,48±23.89 µmol, 72,07±25.77 µmol, respectivamente. A excreηão de ALC foi 29,70±14.43 µmol, 80,59±32.70 µmol, 109,85±49.21 µmol, 58,65±18.55 µmol, e 80,43±35.44 µmol, respectivamente. A concentraηão de urina de PLC foi 6,63±4.50 µmol, 15,33±12.59 µmol, 15,46±6.26 µmol, 13,41±11.66 µmol e 9,67±7.92 µmol, respectivamente. A taxa de excreηão acumulada de LC foi de 6,1% 24 horas após sua administração. Houve também um aumento nas concentrações de urina de SOD e T-COA e diminuição de NO e de MDA. Correlação positiva foi encontrada entre as concentrações de urina de LC e SOD (r = 0,8277) ou T-AOC (r = 0,9547) e correlação negativa entre a excreção de LC e NO (r = -0,8575) ou MDA (r = 0,7085). Em conclusão, a administração oral única de LC leva ao aumento gradual na excreção urinária de L-carnitina, que foi associada com o aumento das enzimas antioxidantes na urina e as capacidades antioxidantes totais. Estes dados podem ser úteis no futuro para o planejamento de esquemas terapêuticos de LC ou os seus análogos, no futuro.

Correlation between vaspin concentration and insulin sensitivity in the visceral adipose tissue of young obese rats / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) concentration and insulin sensitivity in the visceral adipose tissue of young obese Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four SD rats which had been weaned 3 weeks before were randomly divided into two groups (n=12 each) to receive a high-fat and normal diet. The weight and abdominal circumference (AC) of each rat were measured, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FINS) in blood from the angular vein were measured after 12 hours of fasting and blood glucose (BG) and insulin (INS) levels in blood from the angular vein were measured at 60 and 120 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of 50% glucose (2 g/kg). The rats were sacrificed, and their liver and visceral adipose tissue were weighed. The vaspin concentration of the visceral adipose tissue in each rat was measured using ELISA. Correlation analysis was performed on the vaspin concentration and other indices.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal diet group, the high-fat diet group showed significantly higher weight, AC, weight of visceral adipose tissue, FPG, FINS, 120 minute INS level, vaspin concentration, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β) (P<0.05) Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was significantly lower (P<0.01). Vaspin concentration was positively correlated with visceral adipose tissue and liver weight, AC, 120 minute INS level, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β (P<0.05), and negatively correlated with ISI (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High expression of vaspin is associated with insulin resistance in young obese SD rats. Vaspin is presumably an adipocytokine that can increase insulin sensitivity, promote insulin secretion by islet β-cells and improve glucose tolerance, and it may be involved in insulin resistance and the disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism.</p>

Screening for EXT1 and EXT2 gene mutations in a ethnic Han Chinese family from Shanxi with hereditary multiple exostoses / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen for potential mutations in an ethnic Han Chinese family from Shanxi with hereditary multiple exostoses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to screen potential mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 genes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For EXT1 gene, two synonymous mutations (P477P and E587E), three intronic mutations (c.1537 -48A>G, c.1721 +203A>G and c.1722 -103C>G) were detected. For EXT2 gene, five intronic mutations (c.-29 -148A>T, c.1080 -18T>A, c.1336 -93C>T, c.1526 -166C>T, and c.1526 -195C>T) were identified. Among these, EXT1 P477P, EXT1 E587E and EXT2 c.1080 -18T>A are polymorphisms listed by Multiple Osteochondroma Mutation Database, whilst the other 7 sites have not been reported.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>No mutations have been found among all exons of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes in this family. Linkage analysis is necessary for identifying the cause of this disease.</p>

Preliminary analysis of aberrant expression of plasma miR-223 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a direct RT-PCR assay / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the expression of plasma miR-223 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in different treatment time point. A total of 64 pediatric ALL samples were selected from patients treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from May 2005 to January 2012, including 30 samples at new diagnosis (ND), 30 samples at complete remission (CR) and 4 samples at relapse. Without RNA extraction, the miR-223 levels in plasma were directly detected by a reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR assay. The results indicated that the expression of plasma miR-223 in pediatric ALL was lower at ND but elevated after CR. The miR-223 expression in plasma of relapse patients didn't show significant difference probably due to a few cases of relapse. The miR-223 levels in plasma had not displayed significant difference between TEL-AML1 positive patients and no fusion gene B lineage ALL patients either at ND or at CR. It is concluded that the plasma miR-223 decreases at ND and increases in CR of children with ALL. miR-223 may act as an anti-oncogene and may be taken as a potential predictive biomarker for evaluating the therapeutic effect of leukemia.

Cardiovascular disease risk and vascular damage status in pre- and hypertension population in coastal areas of Fujian province / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the cardiovascular risk factors and vascular damage status of pre- and hypertensive population in the coastal areas of Fujian province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This cross-sectional study surved 3344 Fujian coastal people aged older than 30 years. Glycolipids, uric acid, urine, microalbumin, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV) and central retinal arteriolar equivalent(CRAE) measurements were performed. Variance analysis and binary logistic regression were applied to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and vascular damage of prehypertensive as well as hypertensive population.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The morbidity of prehypertension as well as hypertension was 30.0% in coastal population of Fujian Province, there were more than 3 cardiovascular risk factors in 65.5% (909/1388) of the hypertensive population and 37.5% of the prehypertensive population.(2) The abnormal rates of creatinine ratio(UACR), baPWV, and CRAE in hypertensive [25.7% (357/1388) , 84.2% (1169/1388) , 29.5% (409/1388) ] and prehypertensive population [20.0% (176/880) , 29.1% (256/880) , 25.6% (225/880)] were significantly higher than those of normotensive individuals [8.5% (91/1076), 8.9% (96/1076), 18.8% (202/1076), all P < 0.05].(3) Prehypertension and hypertension served as independent risk factors of UACR, baPWV and CRAE according to logistic regression analysis. The odds ratios (OR) value and 95% confidence intervals were 1.496 (1.095-2.044) , 2.477 (1.815-3.381) , 0.700 (0.549-0.891) in prehypertensive population, and 1.976 (1.454-2.686) , 7.707 (12.938-24.235) , 0.591 (0.474-0.736) in hypertensive population.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple cardiovascular risk factors coexist in prehypertensive and hypertensive population in the coastal area of coastal areas of Fujian province and there is more morbidity of vascular damage in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals compared to normotensive subjects in these areas.</p>

Effect of telmisartan and pyridoxamine on oxidative stress in brain tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of telmisartan and pyridoxamine on oxidative stress in brain tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): hypertensive control group (HC group), telmisartan group (T group ), pyridoxamine group (P group ), telmisartan and pyridoxamine group (TP group). Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of the same age were served as a normal control group (NC group). Drug treatment lasted for 16 weeks the level of hyde (MDA) in rat brain tissue, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADHP) oxidase p47phox mRNA expression were observed in this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MDA level in brain in HC group were higher than that in NC group and the SOD activity were lower (P < 0.05). T group, P group and TP group had lower MDA level and higher SOD activity than HC group (P < 0.05). The NADPH mRNA in brain in HC group were significantly higher than that in NC group (P < 0.01). T group and TP group had decreased levels of NADPH mRNA (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference between HC group and P group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The brain tissue of spontaneous hypertensive rats had been under the status of oxidative stress. Single application of either telmisartan or pyridoxamine could inhibit oxidative stress of brain tissue. However, compare with single treatment of telmisartan, no beneficial effects were observed in combined use of telmisartan and pyridoxamine.</p>