Clinical features and prognosis of patients hospitalized with heart failure and low T3 syndrome / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To investigate the association between triiodothyronine (T3) and inflammatory factors, and its potential effect on long-term outcomes in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: A total of 2 475 patients with HF admitted in Heart Failure Care Unit were consecutively enrolled in this retrospective cohort study from December 2006 to June 2018. Patients were divided into low T3 syndrome group (n=610, 24.6%) and normal thyroid function group (n=1 865, 75.4%). The median follow-up time was 2.9 (1.0, 5.0) years. A total of 1 048 all-cause deaths were recorded at the final follow-up. The effects of free T3 (FT3) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) on the risk of all-cause death were evaluated by Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The age of the total population was 19-95 (57±16) years, 1 823 cases (73.7%) were male. Compared to those with normal thyroid function, albumin [(36.5±5.4) vs. (40.7±4.7) g/L], hemoglobin [(129.4±25.1) vs. (140.6±20.6) g/L], total cholesterol [3.6 (3.0, 4.4) vs. 4.2 (3.5, 4.9) mmol/L] (all P<0.001) were lower, Whereas age [(60.5±16.0) vs. (55.2±15.4) years], creatinine [105.0 (83.6, 137.0) vs. 87.8 (75.6, 106.3) mmol/L], log N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide [(8.2±1.3) vs. (7.2±1.4) ng/L] were higher in LT3S patients (all P<0.001). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with lower FT3 and higher hsCRP had significantly lower cumulative survival (P<0.001), lower FT3 combined with higher hsCRP subgroup had the highest risk of all-cause death (Ptrend<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, LT3S was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR=1.40, 95%CI 1.16-1.69, P<0.001). Conclusion: LT3S is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. FT3 combined with hsCRP improve the predictive value of all-cause death in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

The effect of pH transition points of ultra-pH sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes on tumor imaging efficiency / 药学学报

During fluorescence-guided cancer surgery, ultra-pH sensitive (UPS) fluorescent nanoprobes has multiple advantages such as real-time imaging procedures, ultra-high imaging sensitivity as well as broad tumor detection specificity. UPS nanoprobes stay at "OFF" state at higher pH and turn into "ON" state at lower pH with emission of strong fluorescence. Moreover, the transition pH points (transition pH point, pHt) can be precisely controlled by structural-based strategy. One of the previously-reported UPS nanoprobes showed good imaging effect. However, it is still not clear about the effect of pHt on cancer imaging efficiency of UPS nanoprobes and to further identify the optimal UPS. In this study, we synthesized a series of UPS nanoprobes with pHt at 4.5, 6.2, 6.6, 7.8 by adjusting the hydrophobic blocks of UPS polymers. Each nanoprobe showed excellent stability in "OFF" state by dynamic light scattering and uniform morphology observed by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro imaging characterized the ultra-pH sensitive fluorescence transition of each probe. In vivo imaging results identified two UPS nanoprobes (NP-6.2 and NP-6.6) with superior tumor imaging effect. All animal experiments in this study were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Peking University Health Science Center and were strictly followed by the welfare regulations of laboratory animals of Peking University Health Science Center. Therefore, this study has explored the effect of pHt on the cancer imaging efficiency of UPS nanoprobes and provides a new idea for design of the other cancer microenvironment-responsive polymers.

Selective Ferroptosis Inhibitor Liproxstatin-1 Attenuates Neurological Deficits and Neuroinflammation After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 神经科学通报·英文版

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death. Evidence of its existence and the effects of its inhibitors on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still lacking. In the present study, we found that liproxstatin-1 protected HT22 cells against hemin-induced injury by protecting mitochondrial functions and ameliorating lipid peroxidation. In in vivo experiments, we demonstrated the presence of characteristic shrunken mitochondria in ipsilateral cortical neurons after SAH. Moreover, liproxstatin-1 attenuated the neurological deficits and brain edema, reduced neuronal cell death, and restored the redox equilibrium after SAH. The inhibition of ferroptosis by liproxstatin-1 was associated with the preservation of glutathione peroxidase 4 and the downregulation of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 as well as cyclooxygenase 2. In addition, liproxstatin-1 decreased the activation of microglia and the release of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These data enhance our understanding of cell death after SAH and shed light on future preclinical studies.

Interspecies Phylogenetic Analysis of / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#This study aims to investigate the infection of @*Method@#Infection of the definitive human host and intermediate fish host by @*Results@#In 2016-2020, the average population infection rate of Hunan was 1.38%, while in Tongdao County the rate was up to 26.90%, and the highest fish infection rate was detected in Qiyang County (99.44% in the dorsal fin of @*Conclusion@#The systematically study of

Chinese Medicine Treatment on Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / 中国结合医学杂志

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and also an important factor affecting the survival and quality of life in patients after transplantation. Currently, immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used for GVHD, but the curative effect is not ideal. How to effectively prevent and treat GVHD is one of the difficulties to be solved urgently in the field of transplantation. In this paper, we summarize the latest progress in pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of GVHD with Chinese medicine (CM). We hope it will provide ideas and methods for exploring the mechanism and establishing a new comprehensive therapy for GVHD with CM.

Involvement of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Resveratrol-Mediated Reversal of Drug Resistance in HL-60/ADR Cells.

Resistance to chemotherapy drugs, such as adriamycin (ADR), is a common problem in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We hypothesized that the natural compound resveratrol (Res) may reverse AML drug resistance through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway. We investigated the in vitro effect of Res using human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) and the ADR-resistant cell line (HL-60/ADR) and treated with either Res or ADR + Res. Cellular proliferation inhibition rate, auto-fluorescence intensity of ADR in HL-60/ADR cells and HL-60 cells, mRNA expression of Nrf2 and the drug-resistant gene MRP1, and protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Nrf2, and MRP1 were measured. Results showed ADR + Res had a more significant inhibitory effect than ADR alone on HL-60/ADR cells. Auto-fluorescence intensity of ADR in HL-60/ADR cells treated with ADR + Res significantly increased. No difference of the auto-fluorescence intensity of ADR was observed in HL-60 cells treated with ADR and ADR + Res. mRNA expression of Nrf2 and MRP1 significantly decreased in HL-60/ADR cells treated with both Res and ADR + Res; protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Nrf2, and MRP1 significantly decreased in HL-60/ADR cells treated with PI3K inhibitor, Res and ADR + Res. In conclusion, Res reverses the drug resistance of AML HL-60/ADR cells through regulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway and MRP1 expression.

Effect of Modfied Yinchen Wuling San in Treating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Moisture and Heat Implication and on Intestinal Microflora / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the effect of modified Yinchen Wuling San in treating liver function and blood lipid of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) with moisture and heat implication and the mechanism on intestinal microflora. Method: One hundred and thirteen patients were randomly divided into control group (57 cases) and observation group (56 cases) by random number table according to SAS. Both groups'patients got non drug intervention. Patients in control group got polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, 2 grains/time, 3 times/days, and live combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium Enteric-coated capsules, 2 grains/time, 3 times/days. In addition to therapy of control group, patients in observation was also given modified Yinchen Wuling San, 1 dose/day. The treatment in two groups continued for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and intestinal microflora were detected. And CT and B-mode ultrasonography of abdomen were detected. And traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes were scored. Result: After treatment, levels of ALT and AST in observation group were lower than those in control group (Z=2.002, PPZ=1.955, PZ=2.002, PZ=1.961, PPPConclusion: Modified Yinchen Wuling San can protect liver function of NAFLD, regulate lipid metabolism, ameliorate intestinal microflora, and recover the ecological equilibrium of intestine, with a good clinical effect.

Panaxdiol Saponins Component Promotes Hematopoiesis and Modulates T Lymphocyte Dysregulation in Aplastic Anemia Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the potential efficacy of panaxadiol saponins component (PDS-C) in the treatment of aplastic anemia (AA) model mice.@*METHODS@#Totally 70 mice were divided into 7 groups as follows: normal, model, low-, medium-, high-dose PDS-C (20, 40, 80 mg/kg, namely L-, M-, H-PDS-C), cyclosporine (40 mg/kg), and andriol (25 mg/kg) groups, respectively. An immune-mediated AA mouse model was established in BALB/c mice by exposing to 5.0 Gy total body irradiation at 1.0 Gy/min, and injecting with lymphocytes from DBA mice. On day 4 after establishment of AA model, all drugs were intragastrically administered daily for 15 days, respectively, while the mice in the normal and model groups were administered with saline solution. After treatment, the peripheral blood counts, bone marrow pathological examination, colony forming assay of bone marrow culture, T lymphocyte subpopulation analysis, as well as T-bet, GATA-3 and FoxP3 proteins were detected by flow cytometry and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The peripheral blood of white blood cell (WBC), platelet, neutrophil counts and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal group (all P<0.01). In response to 3 dose PDS-C treatment, the WBC, platelet, neutrophil counts were significantly increased at a dose-dependent manner compared with the model group (all P<0.01). The myelosuppression status of AA was significantly reduced in M-, H-PDS-C groups, and hematopoietic cell quantity of bone marrow was more abundant than the model group. The colony numbers of myeloid, erythroid and megakaryocytic progenitor cells in the model group were less than those of the normal mice in bone marrow culture, while, PDS-C therapy enhanced proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells by significantly increasing colony numbers (all P<0.01). Furthermore, PDS-C therapy increased peripheral blood CD3 and CD3CD4 cells and reduced CD3CD8 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, PDS-C treatment at medium- and high doses groups also increased CD4CD25FoxP3 cells, downregulated T-bet protein expression, and upregulated GATA-3 and FoxP3 protein expressions in spleen cells (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#PDS-C possesses dual activities, promoting proliferation hematopoietic progenitor cells and modulating T lymphocyte immune functions in the treatment of AA model mice.

Levels of bisphenols in patients with chronic kidney disease and their correlation with renal function / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To observe the levels of four bisphenols (bisphenol A,B,S and F) and their correlation with renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.Methods Patients with CKD were identified according to Kidney Disease:Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria.Sixty-three CKD patients and eleven healthy controls were enrolled.CKD patients were further classified as mild renal injury group (CKD stage 1 and 2,n=30),moderate renal injury group (CKD stage 3,n=19) and severe renal injury group (CKD stage 4 and 5,n=14).The levels of four bisphenols in serum were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The correlation between concentrations of four bisphenols and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis.The associations of four bisphenols with coronary heart disease,diabetes and hypertension in CKD patients were estimated by binary multivariate logistic regression.Results (1) Four bisphenols were not detected in serum of healthy control.In the mild renal injury group the bisphenol A and bisphenol S were not detected,and patients had 5.24 (5.24,9.38) μg/L bisphenol B and 0.74 (0.74,0.74) μg/L bisphenol F.In the moderate renal injury group bisphenol S was not detected,and patients had 2.79 (1.01,4.53) μg/L bisphenol A,5.24 (5.24,5.24) μg/L bisphenol B and 0.74 (0.74,0.74) μg/L bisphenol F.In severe renal injury group patients had 14.30 (7.97,18.17) μg/L bisphenol A,0 μg/L bisphenol B,23.73 (23.73,136.59) μg/L bisphenol S and 0.74 (0.74,1.42) μg/L bisphenol F.The levels of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in severe renal injury group were higher than those in the healthy control group,mild renal injury group and moderate renal injury group (all P ＜ 0.05).Bisphenol B and bisphenol F were not statistically different among four groups.(2) Bisphenol A and bisphenol S were negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.779,P ＜ 0.001;r=-0.546,P ＜ 0.001).(3) Among CKD patients,bisphenol A was correlated with diabetes (OR=4.951,95％CI 1.603-15.294,P=0.005),and bisphenol S was correlated with hypertension (OR=4.466,95％ CI 1.575-12.666,P=0.005).Conclusions CKD patients have a variety of bisphenol compounds,especially bisphenol A and bisphenol S.Bisphenol A and bisphenol S have high levels,and their exposures are correlated with renal function.

Analysis of risk factors of vascular intimal hyperplasia in patients with end-stage renal disease before autogenous arteriovenous fistula construction / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective · To observe the vascular structure before autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) construction in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and analyze the risk factors of the pre-existing venous neointimal hyperplasia. Methods · The 8 vein samples were screened from 20 ESRD patients at their first time of the AVF construction (non-stenosis group), and the other 8 vein samples were screened from 15 ESRD patients at their at least second time of the AVF repair operation (stenosis group). Sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H-E) or Masson's trichrome for observation. The intimal thickness was measured by the cellSens software, and its correlation with patients' renal function, calcium-phosphorus metabolism, iron metabolism and inflammatory reaction in the non-stenosis group were analyzed. Results · In the non-stenosis group, there were varying degrees of intimal hyperplasia in 5 (62.5%) cases, loss of endothelial cell layer in 3 (37.5%) cases, and vascular wall replacement by collagenous with atrophy or loss of muscle layer in 5 (62.5%) cases. In the stenosis group, almost all vein samples showed general thickening of the wall and 2 (25.0%) totally lost the muscle layer. Avg It of those two groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). In the non-stenosis group, both of average I/M thickness and average I/M area were negatively related to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (P<0.05) and positively related to serum phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product (P<0.05). Conclusion · Some apparently normal vein of ESRD patients showed varying degrees of intimal hyperplasia before AVF construction. The intimal hyperplasia had a remarkable correlation with GFR or calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Early intervention of the intimal hyperplasia prior to AVF construction may be a new prevention and control means.

Effects of panaxadiol saponins component as a new Chinese patent medicine on proliferation, differentiation and corresponding gene expression profile of megakaryocytes / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of panaxadiol saponins component (PDS-C) isolated from total saponins of panax ginseng on proliferation, differentiation and corresponding gene expression profile of megakaryocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow culture of colony forming assay of megakaryocytic progenitor cells (CFU-MK) was observed for the promoting proliferation mediated by PDS-C, and differentiation of megakaryocytic blasts caused by PDS-C was analyzed with flow cytometry in CHRF-288 and Meg-01 cells, as well as proliferation, differentiation-related genes expression profile and protein expression levels were detected by human gene expression microarray and western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In response to PDS-C 10, 20 and 50 mg/L, CFU-MK from 10 human bone marrow samples was increased by 28.9%±2.7%, 41.0%±3.2% and 40.5%±2.6% over untreated control, respectively (P <0.01, each). Flow cytometry analysis showed that PDS-C treated CHRF-288 cells and Meg-01 cells significantly increased in CD42b, CD41, TSP and CD36 positive ratio, respectively. PDS-C induced 29 genes up-regulated more than two-fold commonly in both cells detected by human expression microarray representing 4000 known genes. The protein expression levels of ZNF91, c-Fos, BTF3a, GATA-1, RGS2, NDRG2 and RUNX1 were increased with western blot in correspond to microarray results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PDS-C as an effective component for hematopoiesis, play the role to enhance proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes, also up-regulated expression of proliferation, differentiation-related genes and proteins in vitro.</p>

Surgical options for delayed osteoporotic vertebral collapse / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the surgical options and clinical effects of delayed osteoporotic vertebral collapse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From May 2010 to October 2014, 19 patients (20 vertebrae) with delayed osteoporotic vertebral collapse(Kümmell's disease) were enrolled in this study. There were 7 males and 12 females, aged from 65 to 87 years old with a mean of (73.5±5.62) years. According to Li staging system of Kümmell's disease, 3 cases were stage II, 13 cases (14 vertebrae) were stage III without spinal cord injury, 3 cases were stage III with spinal cord injury. Patients were respectively treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) on the basis of the degree of postural reduction during operation. Injected cement volume, cement leakage, vertebral height restoration and local kyphotic reduction were observed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) were respectively used to assess the pain and function before and after operation. Frankel grade were used to evaluate neurological status.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven vertebrae with satisfactory postural reduction were treated with PVP, 13 vertebrae with unsatisfactory postural reduction were treated with PKP, 3 patients with spinal cord injury were treated with decompression and posterior short segment fixation at the same time. All patients were followed up from 10 to 48 months with an average of 21.2 months. Cement leakage occurred in 4 cases with no symptom, 1 cases in PVP group and 3 cases in PKP group, there was no significant difference between two groups(=0.561). The priming volume of cement was (6.40±0.94) ml in PVP group and (5.46±1.09) ml in PKP group (>0.05). Three days after operation vs preoperation, the vertebral height restoration and kyphotic improvement was(31.71±11.35)%, (9.79±4.64)° in PVP group and (24.77±8.51)%, (8.15±2.97)° in PKP. There was no significant difference between two groups(>0.05). Three days after operation, VAS of low back pain and ODI in all patients were improved than preoperative data(<0.05), but there was no significant difference between two groups or between postoperative at 3 d and final follow up(>0.05). Nerve function of 3 patients underwent decompression and fixation from Frankel D to E.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>According to Li staging system and the degree of introperative postural reduction, individualized surgical treatment for Kümmell's disease can obtain good clinical results. Bad postural reduction during operation maybe a risk factor of cement leakage.</p>

Experiment research of cisplatin implants inhibiting transplantation tumor growth and regulating the expression of KLK7 and E-cad of tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE@#To study the influence of cisplatin implants on transplantation tumor growth and the expression of tissue kallikrein-7 (KLK7) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer.@*METHODS@#BALB/c nude mice were collected as experimental animal and were randomly divided into model control group (Group A), tail intravenous injection of cisplatin group (Group B), intratumor injection of cisplatin group (Group C) and cisplatin implants treatment group (Group D). After the drugs intervening, the weight and volume of transplantation tumors were measured on Day 20, Day 30 and Day 40 and serum and KLK7 and E-cad contents in transplanted tumor tissue were examined.@*RESULTS@#On Day 20, Day 30 and Day 40 after treatment, the weight and volume of transplantation tumors of tumor-bearing mice in four groups were different (Group A > Group B > Group C > Group D). The contents of KLK-7 and E-cad in tumor tissue and serum of tumor-bearing mice in four groups were different (Group A > Group B > Group C > Group D in KLK-7) and (Group A < Group B < Group C < Group D in E-cad). The weight and volume, and KLK7 and E-cad contents of transplantation tumors in four groups were significant difference (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Cisplatin implants can inhibit the growth of transplanted tumor tissue and down-regulated KLK7 expression and up-regulated E-cad expression of tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer.

Experiment research of cisplatin implants inhibiting transplantation tumor growth and regulating the expression of KLK7 and E-cad of tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer

Objective To study the influence of cisplatin implants on transplantation tumor growth and the expression of tissue kallikrein-7 (KLK7) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer. Methods BALB/c nude mice were collected as experimental animal and were randomly divided into model control group (Group A), tail intravenous injection of cisplatin group (Group B), intratumor injection of cisplatin group (Group C) and cisplatin implants treatment group (Group D). After the drugs intervening, the weight and volume of transplantation tumors were measured on Day 20, Day 30 and Day 40 and serum and KLK7 and E-cad contents in transplanted tumor tissue were examined. Results On Day 20, Day 30 and Day 40 after treatment, the weight and volume of transplantation tumors of tumor-bearing mice in four groups were different (Group A > Group B > Group C > Group D). The contents of KLK-7 and E-cad in tumor tissue and serum of tumor-bearing mice in four groups were different (Group A > Group B > Group C > Group D in KLK-7) and (Group A < Group B < Group C < Group D in E-cad). The weight and volume, and KLK7 and E-cad contents of transplantation tumors in four groups were significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion Cisplatin implants can inhibit the growth of transplanted tumor tissue and down-regulated KLK7 expression and up-regulated E-cad expression of tumor-bearing mice with gastric cancer.

The st udy on the influence of implementation of the Regulations on Hygienic Manaegment in Public Places on hygienic inspection management in public places in Hongkou District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the influences and effects on hygienic inspection management in public places after the implementation of the Regulations on Hygienic Management in Public Pl aces ( hereinafter referred to as Regulations ) . Methods Data of hygienic management and administrative penalty in public places of Hongkou District from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed and investigated.Further-more, questionnaires and individual interviews were surveyed among 10%of proprietors and 250 employees in public places of Hongkou District. Results After the implementation of Regulatinos, administrative punishments for violators were more strictly .Meanwhile proprietors in public places fulfilled the added specific hygienic management requirements of the Rgeulations conscientiously.Moreover, the legal aware-ness was enhanced gradually. Conclus ion The proprietors and employee in public places lack a basic knowledge of the Regulations.Therefore, it is recommended that more intensive efforts should be made to study, publicize and implement the Regulations through various channels.Legal awareness and supervise consciousness of the proprietors and employee should be intensified, respectively.Meanwhile, their own management should be normalized.Furthermore, the professional quality, the abilities of administration by law and the level of supervision and law enforcement of health supervisors should be improved , respectively.Thus the enduring hygienic management system of the public places will be established.

Expression of serum Dickkopf-1 in gastric cancer patients

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the expression and clinical significance of DKK-1 protein in patients with gastric cancers.@*METHODS@#Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay was used to detect expressions of serum DKK-1 protein in 90 cases of gastric cancers, 50 cases of gastric benign disease and 40 healthy cases. The dynamic change in serum DKK-1 protein of gastric cancer patients who accepted radical operation for a month was also observed.@*RESULTS@#The expression of serum DKK-1 protein in gastric cancer groups was significantly higher than that in gastric benign group's (P < 0.01) and in health control (P < 0.01). Serum DKK-1 level was increased gradually along with the progress of the disease. Serum DKK-1 levels were significantly higher in patients at TNM staging III and IV than patients at TNM staging I and II. Level of serum DKK-1 was related to microvascular invasion, differentiation degree and infiltration depth. Level of serum DKK-1 was significantly reduced in patients after radical surgery (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The expression of serum DKK-1 protein in gastric cancer patients is increased. Level of serum DKK-1 is related to TNM staging, microvascular invasion, differentiation degree and infiltration depth. DKK-1 detection can be used as a reference index in monitoring gastric cancer progress and biological behavior.

Suppressive effect of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on inflammation by regulation of NF- κ B pathway and interleukin-17 in mice with dextran sulphatesodium-induced ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on an experimental murine colitis model.@*METHODS@#Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and mice were divided into 4 groups: control, DSS alone, DSS plus SASP, DSS plus pectic polysaccharides. The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α and interleukin (IL)-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. I κ B and NF- κ B p65 expression were assessed by western blot analysis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was determined by using MPO assay kit.@*RESULTS@#Administration of pectic polysaccharides significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis as assessed by DAI and histological score, and resulted in down regulation of MPO activity and NF- κ B p65 expression and subsequent degradation of I κ B protein, strikingly reduced the production of TNF- a and IL-17.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauvolfia verticillata (Lour.)Baill.var. hainanensis Tsiang exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may therefore provide a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC.

Expression of serum Dickkopf-1 in gastric cancer patients

Objective: To explore the expression and clinical significance of DKK-1 protein in patients with gastric cancers. Methods: Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay was used to detect expressions of serum DKK-1 protein in 90 cases of gastric cancers, 50 cases of gastric benign disease and 40 healthy cases. The dynamic change in serum DKK-1 protein of gastric cancer patients who accepted radical operation for a month was also observed. Results: The expression of serum DKK-1 protein in gastric cancer groups was significantly higher than that in gastric benign group's (P < 0.01) and in health control (P < 0.01). Serum DKK-1 level was increased gradually along with the progress of the disease. Serum DKK-1 levels were significantly higher in patients at TNM staging III and IV than patients at TNM staging I and II. Level of serum DKK-1 was related to microvascular invasion, differentiation degree and infiltration depth. Level of serum DKK-1 was significantly reduced in patients after radical surgery (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The expression of serum DKK-1 protein in gastric cancer patients is increased. Level of serum DKK-1 is related to TNM staging, microvascular invasion, differentiation degree and infiltration depth. DKK-1 detection can be used as a reference index in monitoring gastric cancer progress and biological behavior.

Suppressive effect of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on inflammation by regulation of NF- κ B pathway and interleukin-17 in mice with dextran sulphatesodium-induced ulcerative colitis

Objective: To investigate the effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on an experimental murine colitis model. Methods: Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and mice were divided into 4 groups: control, DSS alone, DSS plus SASP, DSS plus pectic polysaccharides. The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α and interleukin (IL)-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. I κ B and NF- κ B p65 expression were assessed by western blot analysis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was determined by using MPO assay kit. Results: Administration of pectic polysaccharides significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis as assessed by DAI and histological score, and resulted in down regulation of MPO activity and NF- κ B p65 expression and subsequent degradation of I κ B protein, strikingly reduced the production of TNF- a and IL-17. Conclusions: Pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauvolfia verticillata (Lour.)Baill.var. hainanensis Tsiang exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may therefore provide a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: report of a case presenting with lung and central nervous system involvement and review of the literature.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematopoietic malignancy with almost invariably cutaneous involvement and poor prognosis. We report a case of BPDCN in a 58-year-old man who presented with skin, lymph node, bone marrow, peripheral blood, lung, and central nervous system involvement. To the best of our knowledge, central nervous system (CNS) involvement as initial presentation has not been reported since the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues in 2008. Review of the literature was performed on BPDCN cases published in 2008-2013 in PubMed. The major clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic aspects of the disease were discussed. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be aware of this rare disease for which nearly half of the patients present with only cutaneous lesions at diagnosis, as it may allow for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.