Ginsenoside Re enhances the survival of H9c2 cardiac muscle cells through regulation of autophagy.

We examined the effect of ginsenoside Re (G-Re) on autophagy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes cultured in glucose deprivation (GD). Levels of the membrane-bound autophagy-related microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) B-2 were measured via immunoblotting and immunofluorescence was conducted to assess autophagosome formation. GD H9c2 cells were treated with 100 µmol/l G-Re. Cell viability was determined in culture medium. Phosphorylated 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels were measured to explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of G-Re on autophagy in GD cells. G-Re treatment inhibited autophagosome formation and may be beneficial to GD cardiomyocytes.

Status of Helicobacter pylori infection among migrant workers in Shijiazhuang, China.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection leads to many upper gastrointestinal diseases. Migrant workers are the main part of floating population in China. However, up to now, their health status has not been a focus of attention. METHODS: In order to assess the status of H. pylori infection among migrant workers in Shijiazhuang, over five years we interviewed 324 individuals between 2007 and 2011. Each underwent a rapid urease test to identify H. pylori infection and socio-demographic indicators were collected using a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Our results showed that family income (P = 0.003), dietetic hygiene (P = 0.005), education (P = 0.004) and marital status (P = 0.007) were associated with H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: We found that migrant workers had little basic knowledge of H. pylori and their prevalence of infection remains high. Therefore, we need to promote education and awareness of H. pylori and to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment for infected workers.