[Effects of family cohesion and adaptability on behavioral problems in preschool children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of family cohesion and adaptability on behavioral problems in preschool children. METHODS: The stratified cluster multistage sampling method was used to perform a questionnaire survey in the parents of 1 284 children aged 3-6 years in the urban area of Lanzhou, China. The general status questionnaire, Conners Child Behavior Checklist (Parent Symptom Question), and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, Second edition, Chinese version (FACESII-CV) were used to investigate behavioral problems and family cohesion and adaptability. RESULTS: The overall detection rate of behavioral problems in preschool children was 17.13%. The children with different types of family cohesion had different detection rates of behavioral problems, and those with free-type family cohesion showed the highest detection rate of behavioral problems (40.2%). The children with different types of family adaptability also had different detection rates of behavioral problems, and those with stiffness type showed the highest detection rate of behavioral problems (25.1%). The behavioral problems in preschool children were negatively correlated with family cohesion and adaptability. CONCLUSIONS: During the growth of preschool children, family cohesion and adaptability have certain effects on the mental development of preschool children.

[Effects of Marsdenia tenacissima extract on proliferation and apoptosis of hematologic neoplasm cell line cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the extract from Marsdensia tenacissima on proliferation and apoptosis of human hematologic neoplasm cell line cells. METHODS: Raji, NB4 and K562 cells were treated in vitro with different concentrations of the extract from Marsdensia tenacissima, including different ethanol elution components and C21 steroidal saponin monomer compounds, for different periods. Tumor cell proliferation was measured by MTT colorimetric assay and its apoptosis was determined by the flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: Firstly, with higher concentrations, 100 microg/mL and 200 microg/mL, 70% ethanol eluate from Marsdensia tenacissima inhibited the proliferation of Raji, NB4 and K562 cells significantly, in a dose and time dependent manner, compared with 30% and 50% ethanol elution components from Marsdensia tenacissima (P < 0.05). Secondly, four C21 steroidal saponin monomer compounds, tenacissosides B,C,I and marsdenoside K, also inhibited the proliferation of Raji, NB4 and K562 cells in vitro significantly, in a dose and time dependent manner, compared with that of control group (P < 0.05). Among them, tenacissoside C showed the strongest inhibition effects on proliferation of these cells under all experimental conditions compared with the other three C21 steroidal saponin monomer compounds (P < 0.05). Furthermor, the IC50 of tenacissosides C on proliferation of Raji, NB4 and K562 cells were 64.1 micromol/L, 70.4 micromol/L and 105.8 micromol/L, respectively. Finally, after Raji, NB4 and K562 cells were treated with 98.4 micromol/L tenacissoside C for 24 h and 48 h, the early apoptosis rates and late apoptosis rates of these tumor cells increased markedly, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The extract from Marsdensia tenacissima, including different ethanol elution components and C21 steroidal saponin monomer compounds, may inhibit the proliferation of some human hematologic neoplasm cell line cells and induce these tumor cells apoptosis in vitro, especially tenacissoside C, one of the C21 steroidal saponin monomer compounds, showed the strongest effects on proliferation of these tumor cells when compared with other ones, with the strongest inhibition activities on human Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Raji cells.

Regulation of adhesion molecules expression in TNF-α-stimulated brain microvascular endothelial cells by tanshinone IIA: involvement of NF-κB and ROS generation.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated expression of cell surface adhesion molecules plays a key role in endothelial cell injury, leading to vascular inflammation and the development of many cerebrovascular diseases. Thus, antiinflammatory agents targeting these adhesion molecules may represent potential drugs for the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. The present study explored the effects of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an active ingredient present in the Salvia miltiorrhiza root, on the expression of cellular adhesion molecules in TNF-α-stimulated brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs). Treatment with Tan IIA was found to suppress the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), resulting in inhibition of TNF-α-induced adhesion of neutrophils to BMVECs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Tan IIA significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was accompanied by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Treatment with Tan IIA also inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Together, these results suggest that Tan IIA regulates TNF-α-induced expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 through inhibition of NF-κB activation and ROS generation in BMVECs.

[Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yiqi Zengmin formula on expression of glucose transporter 4 in skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetic rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese compound recipe Yiqi Zengmin (YQZM) formula on expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle of rats with type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet combined with low-dose-streptozotocin injection. METHODS: Fifty male rats were randomly divided into two groups: model group fed with high-fat diet (n=40) and control group (n=10). After 4-week feed of high-fat diet, the rats of the model group were injected with streptozotocin at a dose of 35 mg/kg. Rats with plasma glucose over 16.67 mmol/L were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic model group, YQZM group, rosiglitazone group and losartan group and were treated with water, YQZM, rosiglitazone or losartan respectively by oral administration for 8 weeks. The expression of GLUT4 protein in the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane of isolated rats' skeletal muscles were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane was more than that in the cytoplasm in skeletal muscle tissues of the normal rats, while the expression of GLUT-4 in the plasma membrane was less than that in the cytoplasm in skeletal muscle tissues of the type 2 diabetic rats. YQZM formula enhanced GLUT4 translocation from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in skeletal muscle tissues, similar to rosiglitazone. CONCLUSION: YQZM formula can enhance GLUT4 translocation from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in skeletal muscle tissues, and displays the insulin sensitization characteristic of rosiglitazone.

[Apigenin affects semen parameters in male mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of apigenin on semen parameters in male mice. METHODS: Totally 100 healthy male mice of Kunming strain were randomly divided into 5 groups according to the body weight: negative control, solvent control, low-dose apigenin, median-dose apigenin and high-dose apigenin, the latter three groups given intragastric apigenin at a fixed time every day for 7 and 14 days. At 35 days after the first medication, all the mice were killed and detected for the sperm motion parameters by computer aided sperm analysis (CASA). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in sperm motion parameters, density and motility between the negative control and the three apigenin groups after 7-day medication. At 14 days, the high-dose apigenin group showed remarkable decreases in average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), straightness (STR), wobbliness (WOB), the percentage of grade b sperm and sperm motility, and a significant increase in beat cross frequency (BCF) as compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Apigenin affects sperm motility in male mice to a certain extent.

[Gene cloning of mIFN-gamma and construction of recombinant adenovirus].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a rapid and efficient method for preparing recombinant adenovirus containing mouse IFN-gamma (mIFN-gamma) gene by homologous recombination in E. coli. in order to build a foundation for research into gene therapy of liver fibrosis. METHODS: The target gene mIFN-gamma was amplified by using PCR from the vector pORF5-mIFN-gamma. Once verified, it was cut out by double endonucleases, then connected to the shuttle vector pAdTrack-CMV. The newly constructed vector was linearized by Pme I following transformation to the E. coli. BJ5183, which contained the backbone vector pAdEasy-1. The correct recombinant pAd-mIFN-gamma was selected by endonucleases and by Kanamycin resistance. Again it was linearized with Pac I , then transfected to AD-293 cells by means of Calcium Phosphate method. Finally, the target gene IFN-gamma was identified by PCR and Western blot methods. RESULTS: The target gene mIFN-gamma amplified by PCR was identified by DNA sequencing, which proved that the mIFN-gamma gene consisted of 468 nucleotides and was completely the same with the sequence published on the GenBank. The adenoviral vector constructed by homologous recombination had the gene of interest and the viral could be examined 4-6 days after transfection, and the green fluorescence intensity became greater at about 8-11 days. The adenovirus obtained at the 12th day was digested by protease K and then was amplified by PCR and identified by Western blot. The two methods proved that the adenovirus encoded the target gene mIFN-gamma. CONCLUSION: Preparing recombinant adenovirus containing mIFN-gamma gene by homologous recombination in E. coli. Is a rapid and efficient method. The Ad-mIFN-gamma can be propagated in 293 cell line. It may be used as a novel agent for gene therapy in liver fibrosis.

[Survey on the influencing factors of malnutrition in rural children under 7 years of age in Gansu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the status and influencing factors of malnutrition in rural children under 7 years of age in Gansu Province. METHODS: By stratified random cluster sampling, 9 390 rural children under 7 years of age from 4 counties of Gansu Province were enrolled. A cross-sectional investigation on children's nutritional status was performed. The major influencing factors of malnutrition were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The detection rate of under-weight was 3.60% (338 cases). The growth retardation occurred in 992 cases (10.56%). Athrepsy was found in 196 cases (2.49%) out of 7 868 children under 5 years of age. Gender, age, birth weight, life style, parents' educational level and family income were influencing factors of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: More attention should be paid to the issue of malnutrition of rural children under 7 years of age in Gansu Province. The prevalence of malnutrition may be reduced through increasing family income and nutrition education, and improving parents' education level and children's life style.

Pancreatic T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: A case report and review of literature.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is an extremely rare form of extranodal malignant lymphoma. The most common histological subtype of PPL is diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In rare cases, PPL can also present as follicular lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and T cell lymphoma either of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or of Hodgkin's lymphoma. T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (T/HRBCL) is an uncommon morphologic variant of DLBCL with aggressive clinical course, it is predominantly a nodal disease, but extranodal sites such as bone marrow, liver, and spleen can be involved. Pancreatic involvement of T/HRBCL was not presented before. Herein, we report a 48-year-old male who was hospitalized with complaints of jaundice, dark brown urine, pale stools, and nausea. The radiological evaluation revealed a pancreatic head mass and, following operative biopsy, the tumor was diagnosed as T/HRBCL. The patient achieved remission after six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy. Therefore, T/HRBCL can be treated similarly to the stage-matched DLBCL and both of them get equivalent outcomes after chemotherapy.

Analysis of glucose metabolism of (18)F-FDG in major depression patients using PET imaging: Correlation of salivary cortisol and α-amylase.

Current diagnosis of Major depressive disorder (MDD) depends on its clinical symptoms, not on the results of any laboratory examinations. Establishing biological markers for diagnosis of MDD is one of the most important problems to be solved in psychiatry practice. MDD patients (n=8) and a healthy control group (n=8) were recruited in this study. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) assessments were completed and saliva samples were collected for assessments of salivary cortisol and salivary α-amylase (sAA). PET examination was performed. Salivary cortisol and sAA in the MDD patients group were significantly higher than the healthy control group (P<0.001). MDD patients showed lower glucose metabolism of 18F-FDG in Cingulate Gyrus (BA24), Superior Frontal Gyrus (BA6), Rectal Gyrus (BA11) and Orbital Gyrus (BA11/47) compared with the healthy control group. The severity of depression, salivary cortisol and sAA correlated negatively with regional glucose metabolism in Cingulate Gyrus (BA 24), Superior Frontal Gyrus (BA 6), Rectal Gyrus (BA 11) and Orbital Gyrus (BA 11/47). The combination of salivary cortisol, sAA, superior frontal gyrus and rectal gyrus was the potential predictor of depression for MDD patients (ΔR(2)=0.981, p<0.001). The present study showed that, MDD patients group showed higher salivary cortisol, sAA levels and lower glucose metabolism of (18)F-FDG in several brain areas compared with the healthy control group. The combination of salivary cortisol, sAA, glucose metabolism of (18)F-FDG of superior frontal gyrus and rectal gyrus may serve as a simple clinical tool for the early diagnosis of MDD.

[Effects of Shenmai Huoxue Decoction on early diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Shenmai Huoxue Decoction (SMHXD) on early diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in rats. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal group, diabetic model group and SMHXD-treated diabetic group. The diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally. After the treatment, sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of caudal nerve was detected with evoked electromyography, and the activity of aldose reductase (AR) in erythrocytes and the concentration of endothelin (ET) in plasma were measured. RESULTS: It was showed that the SNCV reduced significantly and the activity of AR in erythrocytes and the concentration of ET in plasma were increased significantly in diabetic group as compared with those in the normal group. The SNCV was increased, and the activity of AR in erythrocytes and the concentration of ET in plasma were improved significantly in SMHXD-treated diabetic group after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that SMHXD can alleviate the lesion of DPN in the early stage of diabetic rats.

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yiqi Huaju Qingli Formula in metabolic syndrome patients with microalbuminuria: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a key component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy as well. Although routine Western medicine treatments are given to MetS patients to control high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, some patients still experience progressive renal lesions and it is necessary to modify and improve the treatment strategy for MetS patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of Yiqi Huaju Qingli Herb Formula, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in MetS patients with MAU when it is combined with routine Western medicine treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Sixty patients with MetS were randomized into the Chinese herbal formula group (CHF, Yiqi Huaju Qingli formula treatment in combination with Western medicine) and control group (placebo in combination with Western medicine). All treatments were administered for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Urinary microalbumin (MA), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour total urine protein (24-hTP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2-hPPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid profile and blood pressure were observed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, CHF treatment significantly decreased BMI (P<0.05), WC (P<0.01) and WHR (P<0.01). Both groups had significant decreases in FPG, 2-hPPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, MA, and UACR, with CHF treatment showing better effects on these parameters compared with the control treatment (P<0.05). Both treatments significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TAG), and a greater reduction in TAG was observed with CHF treatment (P<0.05). The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change in the control group after treatment (P>0.05), whereas it significantly increased with CHF treatment (P<0.01). Compared with before the treatment, significant decreases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were observed in both groups (P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined treatment of Yiqi Huaju Qingli Formula and Western medicine significantly alleviated MAU, which may correlate with the improvement of insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER: This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the identifier ChiCTR-TRC-11001633.

Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang, a Chinese medicine, ameliorates insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of the Chinese herbal decoction, Yi-Qi-Zeng-Min-Tang (YQZMT), on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two dietary regiments by feeding either normal pellet diet (NPD) or high fat diet (HFD). Four weeks later, the HFD-fed rats were injected intraperitoneally with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ). Rats with non-fasting blood glucose level ≥ 16.67 mmol/L were considered type 2 diabetic and further divided into five subgroups: the type 2 diabetes model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose YQZMT groups, and rosiglitazone group. Age-matched NPD-fed rats served as controls. YQZMT or rosiglitazone were administered for 8 wk. Intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed before and after the treatment to measure the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Serum levels of biochemical parameters, adipocytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as free fatty acids (FFAs), were also analyzed. RESULTS: There was significant elevation of insulin resistance and serum levels of fasting glucose (12.82 ± 1.08 mmol/L vs 3.60 ± 0.31 mmol/L, P < 0.01), insulin (7197.36 ± 253.89 pg/mL vs 4820.49 ± 326.89 pg/mL, P < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (8.40 ± 0.49 mmol/L vs 2.14 ± 0.06 mmol/L, P < 0.01), triglyceride (2.24 ± 0.12 mmol/L vs 0.78 ± 0.05 mmol/L, P < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (7.84 ± 0.51 mmol/L vs 0.72 ± 0.04 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (0.57 ± 0.03 mmol/L vs 1.27 ± 0.03 mmol/L, P < 0.01) in the low-dose STZ and high-fat diet induced type 2 diabetic group when compared with the control group. Administration of YQZMT induced dose- and time-dependent changes in insulin resistance, glucose and lipid profile, and reduced levels of FFA, TNF-α and IL-6 in the type 2 diabetic rats. After the treatment, compared with the diabetic group, the insulin resistance was ameliorated in the high-dose YQZMT (2.82 g/100 g per day) group, with a significant reduction in serum glucose (12.16 ± 1.00 mmol/L vs 17.65 ± 2.22 mmol/L, P < 0.01), homeostasis model assessment of basal insulin resistance (22.68 ± 2.37 vs 38.79 ± 9.02, P < 0.05), triglyceride (0.87 ± 0.15 mmol/L vs 1.99 ± 0.26 mmol/L, P < 0.01), TC (3.31 ± 0.52 mmol/L vs 6.50 ± 1.04 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and LDL-c (2.47 ± 0.50 mmol/L vs 6.00 ± 1.07 mmol/L, P < 0.01), and a significant increase in HDL-c (0.84 ± 0.08 mmol/L vs 0.50 ± 0.03 mmol/L, P < 0.01). But the body weight was not changed significantly. CONCLUSION: YQZMT, which ameliorates insulin resistance and does not cause increase in body weight, may be a suitable therapeutic adjunct for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits constitutive STAT3 activation, suppresses proliferation, and induces apoptosis in rat C6 glioma cells.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is usually constitutively activated in a variety of malignancies. Thus, STAT3 may be a promising target for treatment of tumor cells. Recently, Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a major active constituent from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, was reported to have apoptosis inducing effects on a large variety of cancer cells. In this study, we evaluate the anti-proliferation and apoptosis inducing effects of Tan IIA on C6 glioma cells. Cell growth and proliferation were measured by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry and DNA-fragmentation analysis. Further more, we investigated inhibitory effects of Tan IIA on STAT3 activity and its downstream targets: Bcl-XL, cyclin D1. Alteration of STAT3 activity was examined by measuring their DNA binding activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Changes in the expression levels of Bcl-XL and cyclin D1 were examined by Western blot analysis. We found that the cellular growth were inhibited and cell apoptosis were observed after the treatment with Tan IIA. The STAT3 activity was significantly reduced by Tan IIA parallel with a significant attenuation of expression of Bcl-XL and cyclin D1. These results suggest that Tan IIA may serve as an effective adjunctive reagent in the treatment of glioma for its targeting of constitutive STAT3 signaling.

Tanshinone IIA inhibits endothelin-1 production in TNF-alpha-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells through suppression of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 synthesis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on the regulation of the production of endothelin (ET)-1 (including large ET-1), mRNA levels of ET-1, endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), endothelin-A receptor (ETA) and endothelin-B receptor (ETB) induced by TNF-alpha in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC). METHODS: The ET-1 release (including large ET-1) into the culture medium was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The levels of ET-1, ECE-1, ETA, and ETB mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. Endothelin receptor binding was also tested. RESULTS: The induction of ET-1 release by TNF-alpha from cultured BMVEC was dose-dependently reduced by Tan IIA, but large ET-1 levels progressively increased in response to Tan IIA; the mRNA expression of ET-1 was unaffected. Tan IIA also caused a decrease in ETA receptor mRNA and ECE-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Endothelin receptor binding was unaltered in BMVEC stimulated with TNF-alpha alone or a combination of TNF-alpha and Tan IIA. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Tan IIA may inhibit ET-1 production in TNF-alpha-induced BMVEC through the suppression of ECE-1 synthesis.