[Protective effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice on alcoholic liver injury in rats].

Objective: To study the protective effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice on alcoholic liver injury in rats and explore the regulatory mechanism of toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in this process. Methods: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (C), model group (M), low-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (LLM), medium-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (MLM) and high-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (HLM), 12 rats in each group. The group M, LLM, MLM and HLM were treated with 20 ml/kg (8 g/(kg·d)) ethanol (400 g/L) intragastrically and the gavage was divided into two sessions, group C was treated with an equal volume of distilled water at the same time point. Four hours before the first alcohol gavage session, rats in each dose group of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice were administered with 2.4, 4.8, 9.6 ml/(kg·d) Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice respectively, and the other groups were given equal volume of distilled water at the corresponding time points. Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the end of the last experiment, blood and liver were collected. The liver index was calculated. The morphology of the liver was observed by HE staining. The expressions of hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected by colorimetry. The levels of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with group C, the alcoholic liver injury model was established successfully in Group M. Compared with group M, related indicators in each dose group of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice were improved, the improvement of hepatic morphology in group HLM was the most significant, the liver index, the levels of serum ALT, AST and hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK ratio, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-18 were decreased (P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01), while the level of hepatic IL-10 was increased (P＜0.01). Comparison among the dose groups of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice, the levels of liver index, serum AST and hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK ratio, TNF-α, IL-18 in HLM were lower than those in LLM (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the level of hepatic IL-10 in HLM was higher than that in LLM and MLM (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the other indicators in each dose group had no statistical difference (P＞0.05). Conclusion: Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice can improve the inflammatory stress by regulating TLR4/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, relieve alcoholic liver injury in rats, and the effect of high-dose group is better than the others.

[Regulatory effect of curcumin on splenic inflammation in overtraining rats and its mechanism].

Objective: To study the alleviating effects of curcumin on splenic inflammation in overtraining rats by regulating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Male Wistar rats of 7-week old were divided into control group (C group, 12), overtraining model group (OM group, 11), curcumin + overtraining model group (COM group, 14). C Group did not undergo any exercise intervention. OM and COM group underwent 8-week incremental load swimming training. During the training, rats in the COM group were treated with 200 mg/ (kg·d) curcumin in the volume as 5 ml/kg, and the other groups were treated with an equal volume of 0.5 % sodium carboxymethylcellulose. 24 hours after the last training, the spleen index was calculated by weighing, the pathological changes of the spleen were observed by light microscopy, and the biochemical indicators of blood and spleen were detected. Results: After 8-week incremental load swimming training, the splenic structure in C group was normal under light microscope; the spleen index of OM group was significantly lower than that of C group (P＜0.01) and pathological changes of inflammation were obvious; the spleen index of COM group was significantly higher than that of OM group (P＜0.05) and pathological changes of inflammation were alleviated. Compared with C group, in OM group, the serum levels of corticosterone (Cor), NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TLR4 expression rate on splenic monocytes surface, splenic TNF-α, IL-6 were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), the expressions of p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and NF-κB in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01); serum testosterone (T), serum and splenic interleukin-10 (IL-10) were decreased (P＜0.01). Compared with OM group, in COM group, serum levels of Cor, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and TLR4 expression rate on splenic monocytes surface, splenic TNF-α, IL-6 were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), the expressions of p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB in spleen were decreased (P＜ 0.05); serum T, serum and splenic IL-10 were increased (P＜0.05). The trend of T/Cor ratio between groups was consistent with testosterone change. Conclusion: The 8-week incremental load swimming training aggravated inflammation of spleen in rats, led to pathological inflammatory changes. Curcumin supplementation during training can down-regulate expressions of TLR4-p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins, thereby maintaining a dynamic equilibrium between pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, protecting the spleen.

[Effects of astaxanthin combined with aerobic exercise on renal aging of rat induced by D-galactose and its mechanism].

Objective: To study the effects and mechanisms of astaxanthin combined with aerobic exercise on renal senescence of rat induced by D-galactose. Methods: Sixty 3-month-old SPF SD rats were divided into control group (C group), acute senescence group (S group), astaxanthin+acute senescence group (AS group), aerobic exercise+acute senescence group (ES group), astaxanthin+aerobic exercise+acute senescence group (AES group), by two-factor two-level 2×2 factorial design with 12 rats in each group. Acute senescence model of rat was establshed by intraperitoneal injection with 100 mg/(kg·d) D-galactose, and the intervention was conducted with 20 mg/(kg·d) astaxanthin and/or aerobic exercise with 60% VO2max for 6 weeks. The histopathological/ultrastructural changes of the kidney were observed by light microscope/electron microscope; the levels of SOD, γ-GCS and MDA were detected by ELISA, and LDF in kidney was determined by fluorescence colorimetry; the protein expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with AS and ES group, in AES group, the improvement of renal tissue morphology/ultrastructure was more significant; LDF was decreased significantly (P＜0.01); SOD activity was significantly increased (P＜0.01); γ-GCS was significantly higher than that of AS group, but not significantly different from that of ES group (P＞0.05); there was no significant difference in MDA between groups (P＞0.05); the levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were increased significantly (P＜0.05, P＜0.01); HO-1 was significantly higher than that of ES group(P＜0.05), but not significantly different compared with that of AS group(P＞0.05). Conclusion: Astaxanthin combined with aerobic exercise can delay aging process of kidney, its mechanism may be that the combination regulate the protein expression in Nrf2 signaling pathway, Ⅱ detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant enzyme activity, and improve oxidative stress in kidney of rat induced by D-galactose.

[Effects of aerobic exercise combined with Lycium ruthenicum on some indicators of myocardial lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with Lycium ruthenicumon on some indicators of myocardial lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet. METHODS: Fifty-five male Wistar rats were subjected to adaptive feeding for 4 days and weight-free swimming training for 3 days, 20 min/d. After eliminating 5 rats that were not suitable for swimming training, the others were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their weight: regular diet + quiet control group (RDC), high fat diet + quiet control group (HDC), high-fat diet + Lycium ruthenicum quiet control group (HDLC), high fat diet + aerobic exercise group (HDM), high fat diet + Lycium ruthenicum + aerobic exercise group (HDLM), 10 in each group. Group HDM and HDLM did 60 min/d swimming training for 6 weeks with no-bearing. Group C were fed regular diet; The other groups were fed with high-fat diet; Group HDLC and HDLM were intragastrically treated with Lycium ruthenicum at the dose of 4.48 g/(kg·d), and the volume was 5 mL/kg, and the other groups were given equivalent distilled water. The Lee's index, serum and myocardial biochemical indexes were measured after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with group RDC, Lee's index, serum free fatty acids (FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), myocardial FFA and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) increased significantly (P＜0.01), serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly (P＜0.01) in group HDC. Compared with group HDC, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-C, myocardial FFA and ICAM-1 decreased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), serum HDL-C levels increased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) in group HDLC, HDM and HDLM. Compared with group HDLC and HDM, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-C, myocardial FFA and ICAM-1 decreased significantly (P＜0.05), serum HDL-C level increased significantly (P＜0.05) in group HDLM. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise and/or Lycium ruthenicum can improve lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet, reduce lipotoxicity caused by obesity. Combined intervention is more effective.

Essential oil of Chrysanthemum indicum L.: potential biocontrol agent against plant pathogen Phytophthora nicotianae.

Phytophthora nicotianae is currently considered one of the most devastating oomycete plant pathogens, and its control frequently relies solely on the use of systemic fungicides. There is an urgent need to find environment-friendly control techniques. This study examined the chemical composition, inhibitory activity, and possible modes of action of the essential oil of Chrysanthemum indicum L. (EOC) flower heads against P. nicotianae. The EOC was obtained using hydrodistillation at a 0.15% yielded. It inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of P. nicotianae at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200 µL/L, and exhibited fumigation effects (92.68% inhibition at 157.48 µL/L). Marked deformation of P. nicotianae mycelia included deformed tip enlargement, shrinkage, and rupture. Further, 55 and 47 compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) GC-MS analyses, representing 88.2% and 98.91% of the total EOC, respectively. Monoterpenes (25.77%) and sesquiterpenes (54.14%) were the major components identified using GC-MS, whereas monoterpenes were the main constituents in the HS-SPME GC-MS analysis. The higher proportions of sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes could be responsible for the inhibitory activity of EOC, which increased mycelia membrane permeability and the content of mycelial malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose-dependent manner. Cell death also occurred. Thus, destruction of the cell wall and membrane might be two modes of action of EOC. Our results would be useful for the development of a new plant source of fungicide for P. nicotianae-induced disease.

[Regulatory effects of curcumin on spleen apoptosis in overtraining rats and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanisms of curcumin alleviating oxidative stress and spleen apoptosis induced by overtraining in rats by regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway. METHODS: Male Wistar rats of 7 weeks old were divided into control group (C group, 12), overtraining group (OM group, 11), curcumin + overtraining group (COM group, 14). The C Group did not undergo any exercise intervention. The OM and COM group underwent 8-week incremental load swimming training. During the training, rats in the COM group were treated with curcumin at the dose of 200 mg/(kg·d) in the volume of 5 ml/kg by gavage, and rats in the other groups were given an equal volume of solvent, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Twenty-four hours after the last training, the spleen index was calculated by weighing, the pathological changes of the spleen were observed by light microscopy, and the biochemical indicators of blood and spleen were detected. RESULTS: The spleen structure of C group was normal under light microscope; the spleen index of OM group was significantly lower than that of C group (P＜0.01) and pathological changes were obvious; the spleen index of COM group was significantly higher than that of OM group (P＜0.05) and histomorphological changes were relieved. Compared with C group, in OM group, serum corticosterone (Cor) level, spleen apoptosis level, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the body weight, serum testosterone (T), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2) in spleen were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the expression of Nrf2 was not changed significantly (P＞ 0.05). Compared with OM group, in COM group, there were no significant changes in body weight (P＞0.05), serum T level, SOD activity, the expressions of Bcl-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in spleen were increased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); serum Cor level, spleen apoptosis level, MDA concentration and the expression of Bax were decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). The change trend of T/Cor ratio between groups was consistent with the change of testosterone, and the change trend of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was consistent with the change of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: The 8-week incremental load excessive swimming training aggravated spleen apoptosis, led to pathological changes and dysfunction of spleen. Curcumin can up-regulate expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, alleviate oxidative stress induced by overtraining, enhance Bcl-2 expression and attenuate Bax expression, thereby inhibiting excessive spleen apoptosis of rats, protecting the structure and function of spleen.

[Effects and mechanisms of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria. METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats, aged 6 weeks, were divided into two groups, including a control group(C,n=12)and an overtraining group(M,n=24). After the rats adapted to feeding for 4 d, group C did not carry out any exercise, and the M group did 6-week of increasing load swimming, 6 days a week, once a day. Started with the load of 1%weight at the beginning of the 4th week,and gradually increased (to 6% weight). Took a single urine from both groups 30 min after the end of the training. Blood was taken from the main ventral vein, and the bilateral kidneys were to be tested. The levels of tested urine protein, microalbumin and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin(NGAL) was determined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assaytest. The content of urine creatinine was tested with alkaline picric acid method,. The serum levels of colorimetric method to determine serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined by colorimetric method. The expression of Nephrin in renal tissue was detected by Western blot and the radioimmunoassay was used to test serum testosterone, corticosterone and renin-angiotensin system related index. RESULTS: Compared with group C, the serum testosterone/cortisone(T/C) of group M was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The urine total protein(TP), microalbumin (mAlb), microalbumin/creatinine (mAlb/CRE), NGAL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine(SCr) were increased significantly (P<0.01). The abnormality of glomerular structure was obvious, and the paller scores were higher. The protein expression of Nephrin was obviously down decreased (P<0.01). The renin activity (Ra) and angiotension Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) in renal and circulating blood were decreased significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria may be that overtraining can induce the continuous excitation of Reninrenin activity in renal and circulating blood, down-regulated the expression of Nephrin, lead to abnormality of renal structure and function, and proteinuria.

[Effects of aerobic exercise combined with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall on some indicators of lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of aerobic exercise combined with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall on the lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet. METHODS: Fifty-five male Wistar rats were subjected to adaptive feeding for 4 days and weight-free swimming training for 3 days, 20 min/d. After eliminating 5 rats that were not suitable for swimming training, the other rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their body weight:control group (C group), high fat diet group (H group), high-fat diet + chlorella group(HC group), high fat diet + aerobic exercise group (HM group), high fat diet + chlorella + aerobic exercise group (HMC group), 10 in each group. The HM and HMC group were subjected to 60 min/d swimming training for 6 weeks with non-weight-bearing. Group C were fed regular diet. The other groups were fed with high-fat diet, the rats in group HC and HMC were intragastrically treated with chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall at the dose of 3.9 g/(kg·d), the volume was 5 ml/kg, and the other groups are given equivalent saline. The Lee's index and biochemical indexes of blood and liver were measured after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with group C, Lee's index, serum levels of free fatty acids(FFA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), liver FFA and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased significantly (P<0.01), the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was decreased significantly (P<0.01) in group H. Compared with group H, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in group HC, HM and HMC. Compared with group HC and HM, Lee's index, serum FFA, IL-6, TNF-α, TC, TG, LDL-c, liver FFA and IL-10 were decreased significantly (P<0.05), serum level of HDL-c was increased significantly (P<0.05) in group HMC. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise and chlorella pyrenoidos of disintegrated cell wall can improve lipid metabolism in rats with high-fat diet and reduce the lipid toxicity caused by obesity. Joint intervention is more effective than single intervention.

[Regulatory effect of curcumin on renal apoptosis and its mechanism in overtraining rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects and mechanisms of curcumin alleviating oxidative stress induced by overtraining and inhibiting renal apoptosis in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats of 7 weeks old were divided into control group (C group, 12), overtraining group (OM group, 11), curcumin + overtraining group (COM group, 14). Group C did not undergo any exercise intervention. Rats in OM group and COM group underwent 8-week incremental load swimming training. During the training, the COM group was treated with curcumin at the dose of 200 mg/(kg·d) in the volume as 5 ml/kg by intragastric administration, and the other groups was treated with an equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose. Twenty-four hours after the last training, renal histopathological changes were observed by light microscopy, related biochemical indicators in blood and renal tissue were detected. RESULTS: The results showed that after 8 weeks of incremental load swimming training, the renal tissue structure of group C was normal under light microscope; histopathological changes were observed in OM group; COM group was significantly relieved compared with OM group. Compared with group C, serum levels of corticosterone (Cor), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in OM group were increased (P<0.01), serum level of testosterone (T) was lower (P<0.01); the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was not changed significantly (P>0.05), while the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was decreased (P<0.05), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were decreased (P<0.01), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was increased (P<0.01); the renal apoptosis was increased (P<0.01), the expression of anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 protein (Bcl-2) was decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the OM group, Cor level was decreased (P<0.01) in the COM group, T level was increased (P<0.01), Cr and BUN levels were lower (P<0.05); the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased (P<0.05), T-AOC and SOD activity were increased (P<0.01), MDA concentration was decreased (P<0.05); the renal apoptosis was decreased (P<0.05), the expression of Bcl-2 was increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Bax was decreased (P<0.01). The trend of testosterone/corticosterone ratio between groups was consistent with testosterone change, and the change trend of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was consistent with the change of Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: The 8-week incremental load swimming training triggered excessive training in rats, aggravated oxidative stress and accelerated renal apoptosis, leading to pathological changes and dysfunction of kidney. Curcumin can up-regulate expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, effectively alleviates oxidative stress induced by overtraining, thereby increasing Bcl-2 expression, decreasing Bax expression, inhibiting renal apoptosis and protecting renal tissue structure and function properly.

[Analyses of exercise-induced muscle damage-specific microRNA expression and molecular target of sarcolemmal damage in rats].

In the present study, we were to screen the specific microRNA (miRNA) of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and assess the EIMD-specific miRNAs-regulated target of sarcolemmal damage in rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, which included sedentary (C), 24 h post-exercise (E24) and 48 h post-exercise (E48) groups. Rat EIMD model was established by an acute eccentric exercise, i.e., a downhill running treatment at -16º gradient. EIMD characteristics were verified by Evans blue dye staining, differentially expressed miRNAs were detected by microarray assay, EIMD-specific miRNAs expressions were further validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), and targets of the miRNAs were predicted based on mRNA expressions of associated proteins and related pathway core molecules of sarcolemmal damage. Two EIMD-specific expressed miRNAs, including miR-206-3p and miR-139-3p, were found in the study. There was a significantly negative correlation (P < 0.05) between miR-206-3p expression and dystrophin (r = -0.68), utrophin (r = -0.64), JNK (r = -0.62) or ERK1 (r = -0.68) respectively, but no correlation was found between miR-139-3p and these biomolecules. The results suggest that: i) the expression profile of miRNAs in rat is significantly affected by EIMD, ii) miR-206-3p and miR-139-3p are the EIMD-specific miRNAs, and iii) miR-206-3p may control sarcolemmal damage by regulating dystrophin, utrophin, JNK and ERK1.

[The protective effects of Haematococcus pluvialis on the exercise-induced myocardial injury in rat].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) on myocardial injury of rats induced by endurance and intensive exercise. METHODS: The model was based on intensive endurance training. Sixty-five male aged 42 days Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group (C group), general training group (M group), low dose H. pluvialis + training group (HM I group), middle dose H. Pluvialis + training group (HM Ⅱ group), high dose H. pluvialis + training group (HM Ⅲ group). Each group included 12 rats, and the rats were assigned to go on a 42-day swimming training regime. Professional gavage were taken daily. The rats in HM I, HM Ⅱ and HM Ⅲ group were treated with H. pluvialis at the doses of 0.067,0.133 and 0.4 g/kg by ig at 5 ml/kg and the normal saline were given to other groups. After a 42-day swimming training regime, myocardial injury markers such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), myocardial superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected, the biochemical indexes such as serum and myocardial endothelin (ET) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)were detected. RESULTS: Serum ALT, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), a-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase(a-HBDH), ET, myocardial MDA and ET in M group were significantly higher than those in C group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The myocardial SOD activity and the myocardial and serum CGRP in M group were significantly lower than those in C group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The contents of serum ALT, LDH and CK in HM groups were lower than those in the M group but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Compared with M group, H. pluvialis could decrease the levels of serum a-HBDH, ET and myocardial ET in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The above mentioned three parameters in HM Ⅲ group were lower than those in HM I group (P<0.05). H. pluvialis could decrease the levels of myocardial MDA and increase the levels of myocardial SOD activity and serum or myocardial CGRP in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The different doses of H.pluvialis can effectively reduce the free radicals caused by endurance and intensive training and enhance the immune function. Meanwhile H.pluvialis is able to guarantee the relative balance in ET an CGRP`s concentration. Therefore, the myocardial lipid peroxidation and myocardial injury are encumbered. Additionaly, high dose of H. pluvialis is proven to be the most effective.

A Modified Model for Assessment for Retreatment with Transarterial Chemoembolization in Chinese Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

PURPOSE: To develop a modified assessment for retreatment with transarterial chemoembolization (mART) score that may be more suitable for Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chinese patients with HCC who were treated with transarterial chemoembolization in four hospitals were included. A univariate analysis and a multivariate forward Cox regression analysis were used to identify significant prognostic factors of overall survival (OS). A point scoring model was subsequently developed from the training cohort, and the validation process was performed in the validation cohort. RESULTS: The study included 259 patients (124 patients in the training cohort and 135 patients in the validation cohort). Increase in Child-Pugh scores relative to the baseline (P < .001), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B before first transarterial chemoembolization (P = .001), and absence of radiologic tumor response (P < .001) were identified as negative prognostic factors for OS and were used to create the mART scores. BCLC staging was substituted for aspartate aminotransferase increase in the mART scores. The mART scores differentiated two groups with distinct prognosis by a cutoff score of 2.5 points (22.9 mo [95% confidence interval (CI), 17.4-28.4] vs 8.9 mo [95% CI, 7.5-10.3] in median survival; P < .001). In the validation cohort, the C index in assessment for retreatment with transarterial chemoembolization (ART) criteria was 0.64, whereas it was 0.82 in mART criteria. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese patients with HCC, mART score of > 2.5 before second transarterial chemoembolization was associated with poor prognosis. The mART score was probably better validated compared with the ART score.

The effect of loaded deep inhale training on mild and moderate COPD smokers.

OBJECTIVE: To research the therapeutic effect of loaded deep inhale training on mild and moderate COPD smokers. DESIGN: 30 mild and moderate COPD smokers were divided into the observation group and the control group at random. The observation group underwent loaded deep inhale training in the morning and in the evening twice for 30 minutes each time for 3 months. The control group did regular aerobics like jogging twice a day for 30 minutes as well for 3 months. The power of respiratory muscles and pulmonary function parameters of each group were measured and compared before and three months after the training. RESULTS: After 3 months of hard training, pulmonary function parameters of the observation group was impressively improved compared with the control group and before training. CONCLUSIONS: Loaded deep inhale exercise has a remarkable effect on improving pulmonary function of mild and moderate COPD.

Novel CT-guided coil localization of peripheral pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Small peripheral lung nodules detected on computed tomography (CT) scans are often difficult to find during thoracoscopic resection, and the present localizing techniques are inefficient or impractical. PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel marking procedure for small peripheral pulmonary nodules using an embolization coil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with small peripheral pulmonary nodules underwent preoperative CT-guided nodule localization using an embolization coil and then resection by fluoroscopically-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS; group A, n = 22), or, underwent conventional VATS without prior location procedures (group B, n = 16). Comparisons were made between group A and group B concerning operative time, hospitalization, postoperative drainage, and complications. Histopathological diagnoses were made immediately after resection of pulmonary nodules. RESULTS: All CT-guided embolization coil fixations were successful. No patient in group A and eight (50%) in group B required conversion to open thoracotomy (P < 0.0001). No severe complications occurred in either group. Compared with group B, group A had a significantly shorter mean operative time and hospitalization, and less postoperative drainage. CONCLUSION: Preoperative localization of small peripheral pulmonary nodules using CT-guided embolization coil insertion and subsequent fluoroscopically-guided VATS resection is safer and more effective than conventional VATS.

Protective effect of epimedium combined with oligomeric proanthocyanidins on exercise-induced renal ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats.

OBJECTIVE: This paper studied the protective effect and mechanism of epimedium combined with oligomeric proanthocyanidins on exercise-induced renal ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats. METHODS: In the experiment, the rats were given exhaustive swimming training and then their blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and other biochemical indexes were measured after they were given gastric perfusion with 6.01 g/kg doze of epimedium and 50 mg/kg doze of oligomeric proanthocyanidins for 56 days. RESULTS: The result indicated that 8 weeks of over training led to ischemia-reperfusion injury of rats. Moreover, their kidney tissues were significantly changed pathologically and renal functions drastically damaged. BUN and serum creatinine increased and EOM group (P < 0.05), OPCOM group (P < 0.05) and EOPCOM group (P < 0.01) were lower than OM group. EOPCOM group was lower than OPCOM group. SOD activity decreased, EOM group (P < 0.05), OPCOM group (P < 0.05), EOPCOM group (P < 0.01) higher than OM group, and EOPCOM group (P < 0.05) higher than OPCOM group. The content of MDA increased, EOM group (P < 0.05), OPCOM group (P < 0.05), EOPCOM group (P < 0.01) lower than OM group, and EOPCOM group (P < 0.05) lower than OPCOM group. CONCLUSION: Both epimedium and oligomeric proanthocyanidins can boost SOD activity, clean oxygen radicals, clean and alleviate peroxidation of lipids, which exert protection on exercise-induced renal ischemia-reperfusion. The two combined yield a much better result.

[Hepatic venousaplasty and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with occlusion of the hepatic veins].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of hepatic venousaplasty and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of the Budd-Chiari syndrome with occlusion of the hepatic veins. METHODS: Fifty patients of the Budd-Chiari syndrome with occlusion of the hepatic veins (23 males and 27 females, with a mean age of (39 ± 11) years) were elected for venousaplasty or TIPS. The average of Child-Pugh scores was 9.6 ± 2.6. Three patients had a acute course of the disease, while 47 patients had a subacute or a chronic course of the disease. The clinical presentation was ascites in all 50 cases, with concomitant upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 10 patients, hepatorenal syndrome in 4 patients and impaired liver function in all patients. Hepatic venousplasty was performed for 12 patients with occlusion of hepatic venous. Hepatic and inferior caval venousplasty were performed for 6 patients with occlusion of hepatic and inferior caval vein. TIPS was performed for 13 patients with occlusion of small hepatic vein. Modified TIPS was performed for 19 patients with extensive occlusion of hepatic vein. RESULTS: The procedure of treatment was successfully performed in all patients. The shunt reduced the portosystemic pressure gradient from (41 ± 10) to (27 ± 6) cmH2O (1 cmH2O = 0.098 kPa, t = 20.20, P = 0.001) and improved the portal flow velocity from (14 ± 10) to (52 ± 14) cm/s (t = 15.02, P = 0.001) after TIPS or modified TIPS. Clinical symptoms and the biochemical test results improved significantly during 3 weeks after hepatic venousplasty and shunt treatment. During the hospitalization, the death occurred in 1 case due to hepatic failure and the acute occlusion of shunt was treated with secondary intervention in another case. The mean follow-up was (82 ± 46) months. The revisions of shunt with TIPS were needed in 2 patients and the inflation of stenosised hepatic vein in another 2 patients during the follow-up. All patients were still observed. CONCLUSION: Hepatic venousaplasty and TIPS provide an excellent outcome in patients of Budd-Chiari syndrome with occlusion of the hepatic veins.

[The retrospective study of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with covered or uncovered stents in patients with portal hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the clinical outcome in patients with portal hypertension treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using Fluency stent-graft (PTFE-covered stents) or bare stents. METHODS: Approval of study and treatment protocol and waiver of informed consent for the retrospective study were obtained from institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before procedure. Sixty consecutive patients with portal hypertension treated with TIPS from April 2007 to April 2009 were included. TIPS creation was performed with Fluency stent-graft in 30 patients (group A) and with bare stents in 30 patients (group B). Liver function, TIPS patency and clinical outcome were evaluated every 3 months. RESULTS: During hospitalization, there was no hepatic encephalopathy and recurrency of variceal bleeding.Acute shunt occlusion was observed in one patient with group A and another patient with group B.Follow-up was performed with average time of (6.2 +/- 3.9) months in group A and (8.3 +/- 4.4) months in group B. The rates of recurrent bleeding, acute shunt occlusion, hepatic encephalopathy and death were 3.3% and 20.0%, 0 and 30.0%, 16.7% and 20.0%, 0 and 13.3% in group A and B. The rates of recurrent bleeding, acute shunt occlusion and death in group A was lower than those in group B. There was no difference of hepatic encephalopathy between group A and B. The decrease of portal pressure and portosystemic pressure gradient, and the increase of portal flow and shunt flow in group A were higher than those in group B. There were no difference of liver function, ammonia and MELD between group A and B. CONCLUSIONS: Fluency stent-graft is safe and effective in TIPS creation, with high patency rate. Covered-stent can improve the clinical outcome of portal hypertension.

[Effect of treadmill exercise and nutrition supplement on activity and gene expression of rate-limiting enzyme of heme metabolism and globin].

AIM: To investigate the possible role of rate-limiting enzyme of heme metabolism and globin in the development of the low hemoglobin (Hb), red blood (cell) count (RBC) and hematocrit (Hct) after long-term exercise, and effect of nutrition supplement on sports anemia. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10): control (C), exercise (P) and exercise + nutrition (G). Animals in the P and G groups started treadmill running at 30 m/min, 0% grade, 1 min/time. Running time was gradually increased with 2 min/time during initial 5 weeks and final 4 weeks. In addition, running frequency was 2 times/day except initial 2 weeks. At the end of eleventh week, gene expression of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), ferrochelatase, alpha-globin and beta-globin in bone marrow were measured with RT-PCR. Mean-while heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) activity in liver was measured with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Eleven weeks of exercise induced a significant increase in HO-1 and a significant increase in gene expression of beta-globin (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Treatment with anti-sports anemia compound dosage led to no significant differences in rate-limiting enzyme of heme metabolism and globin in the exercised rats. The G group had a significantly higher HO-1 level in liver than the C group (P < 0.01). These finds showed that exercise was associated with no significant difference in heme synthetase and alpha-globin gene expression, and significant difference in heme catabolic enzyme and beta-globin gene expression. CONCLUSION: The increase of HO-1 activity in liver might be one of the causes of the lower Hb, RBC and Hct status in exercised rats.

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcome of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of 11 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins. METHODS: Eleven patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins were elected for TIPS. Three patients had a acute; eight, a subacute or a chronic course of the disease. All patients were associated with variceal bleeding and massive ascites. The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome was established by duplex-sonography, CT, MRI, upper digestive barium meal, angiography of hepatic veins and IVC, and liver biopsy. The shunt with diameter of 10 cm was established between the inferior caval vein and the intrahepatic portal vein with self-expandable stents in all patients. The mean follow-up was 63 +/- 43 months. RESULTS: The shunt reduced the portasystemic pressure gradient from 41.2 +/- 10.5 to 12.4 +/- 4.7 cm H2O and improved the portal flow velocity from 11.2 +/- 2.8 to 52.2 +/- 13.7 cm/s. Clinical symptoms and the biochemical test results improved significantly during 3 weeks after shunt treatment. Ten patients are alive without clinical symptoms except one death due to hepatic failure. Revision in 2 patients was needed during the follow-up. The inflation of stenosing shunt was performed in 1 patient, and the reimplantation of stent in another patient. Eight patients had no revisions. CONCLUSIONS: TIPS provided an excellent outcome in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome with extensive occlusion of the hepatic veins. It might be regarded as a treatment for the acute and long-term management of these patients.