Introduction to four kinds of risk-assessment methods for occupational noise-induced hearing loss / 中国职业医学

Noise is a common occupational hazard in workplaces. Long-term exposure to high-intensity noise mainly causes occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). The development of ONIHL is irreversible, and there is currently no cure. At present, risk assessment methods based on noise exposure intensities mainly include risk index assessment method, Engineering Professional Council assessment method in United Kingdom (EDC assessment method in UK), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health assessment method in United State (NIOSH assessment method in US), and International Standardization Organization assessment method (ISO assessment method). However, the risk index assessment method is subjective and does not consider the effectiveness of workers wearing protective equipment. The EDC assessment method in UK defines ONIHL differently from China. The NIOSH assessment method in US and ISO assessment methods have population data sources that deviate from China, which can lead to bias in risk assessment. In the future, it is necessary to further carry out application research on the risk assessment of ONIHL in Chinese noise-exposed workers, compare the applicabilities of various assessment methods, conduct large-sample population epidemiological studies for verification, and fully utilize the risk-prediction function to prevent and control ONIHL.

Analyzing the result of half-mask respirator fit testing in workers exposed to organic solvents and its influencing factors / 中国职业医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the results of fit testing and its influencing factors on half-mask respirator among workers exposed to organic solvents. Methods A total of 84 workers exposed to organic solvents were selected as the research subjects using a convenience sampling method. The qualitative fit test apparatus of respiratory protection was tested after the workers had put on the half-mask respirats, and 11 facial indicators of the subjects were measured. Results The overall pass rate of the respirator fit testing was 71.4% (60/84). The lowest pass rate was 63.1% (53/84), which occurred during bending movements of workers. The head width, minimum forehead width, face length, nose length, nose depth, head circumference and head length were higher in workers who passed respirator fit testing, compared with those in the failing group (all P<0.05). The result of binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender and face width were influencing factors of the respirator fit testing (both P<0.05). Female workers had a lower pass rate of the fit testing than male workers, and workers with larger face width had a lower pass rate in the fit testing. Conclusion Drastic movement may lead to a decrease in the seal of half-mask respirator of workers exposed to organic solvents. When providing half-mask respirator to workers exposed to organic solvents, employers need to pay attention to the fit of respirators of female works and those with larger face width to ensure the effectiveness of respiratory protection for workers.

The protective effectiveness of hearing protectors for noise-exposed workers and its influencing factors / 中国职业医学

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of hearing protectors worn by noise-exposed workers and its influencing factors. Methods A total of 329 occupational noise-exposed workers were selected as the research subjects by judgment sampling method. A questionnaire survey on the use of ear protectors and individual suitability tests was conducted. Intervention was carried out for those whose personal attenuation rating (PAR) did not pass the baseline standard. Results The median (M) and the 25th and 75th percentiles of baseline PAR were 17.0 (5.0, 22.5) dB. The baseline PAR of the workers who were male, aged 25-<35 years, with a working experience of 5-<15 years, with a college degree or above, wearing ear protectors for 5-<15 years, knowing the right way to wear ear protectors, and workers who wore ear protectors correctly during work was relatively high (all P<0.01). The unqualified rate of baseline PAR of the study subjects was 32.8%. The unqualified rate of baseline PAR of workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises was lower than that of workers in plastic enterprises and textile enterprises (9.2% vs 43.6%, and 9.2% vs 50.0%, both P<0.01). The M of the 108 unqualified worker on baseline PAR was improved after intervention (22.0 vs 1.0 dB, P<0.01). The rates of knowing the right way to wear ear protectors, wearing ear protectors correctly during work, and receiving training on wearing ear protectors correctly for the research subjects were 88.1%, 84.8%, and 86.6%, respectively. Workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises and plastic enterprises had higher rates of knowing the right way to wear ear protectors, wearing ear protectors correctly during work, and receiving training on wearing ear protectors correctly than those in textile enterprises (all P<0.01). Conclusion Gender, age, working experience, education level, duration of wearing ear protectors, knowledge and use of ear protectors correctly are influencing factors of the protective effect of ear protectors for noise-exposed workers.

Targeting Ferroptosis to Enhance Radiosensitivity of Glioblastoma / 生物化学与生物物理进展

Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by diffuse and invasive growth as well as resistance to various combination therapies. GBM is the most prevalent type with the highest degree of malignancy and the worst prognosis. While current clinical treatments include surgical resection, radiotherapy, temozolomide chemotherapy, novel molecular targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, the median survival time of GBM patients is only about one year. Radiotherapy is one of the important treatment modalities for GBM, which relies on ionizing radiation to eradicate tumor cells. Approximately 60% to 70% of patients need to receive radiotherapy as postoperative radiotherapy or neoadjuvant radiotherapy during the treatment process. However, during radiotherapy, the radioresistant effect caused by DNA repair activation and cell apoptosis inhibition impedes the therapeutic effect of malignant glioblastoma.Ferroptosis was first proposed by Dr. Brent R. Stockwell in 2012. It is an iron-dependent mode of cell death induced by excessive lipid peroxidation. Although the application of ferroptosis in tumor therapy is still in the exploratory stage, it provides a completely new idea for tumor therapy as a novel form of cell death. Ferroptosis has played a significant role in the treatment of GBM. Specifically, research has revealed the key processes of ferroptosis occurrence, including intracellular iron accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, and a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant system. Among them, glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) on the plasma membrane, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) in the mitochondria constitute an antioxidant protection system against ferroptosis. In iron metabolism, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) can mediate ferritin autophagy to regulate intracellular iron balance based on intracellular iron content. Heme oxygenase1 (HMOX1) catalyzes heme degradation to release iron and regulate ferroptosis. Radiation can trigger ferroptosis by generating ROS, inhibiting the signaling axis of the antioxidant system, depleting glutathione, upregulating acyl-CoA synthase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and inducing autophagy. Interestingly, some articles has documented that exposure to low doses of radiation (6 Gy for 24 h or 8 Gy for 4-12 h) can induce the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in breast cancer and lung cancer cells, leading to radiation resistance, while radiation-induced ferroptosis occurs after 48 h. In contrast, high doses of ionizing radiation (20 Gy and 50 Gy) increase lipid peroxidation after 24 h. This suggests that radiation-induced oxidative stress is a double-edged sword that can regulate ferroptosis in both directions, and the ultimate fate of cells after radiation exposure——developing resistance and achieving homeostasis or undergoing ferroptosis——depends on the degree and duration of membrane lipid damage caused by the radiation dose. In addition, during the process of radiotherapy, methods such as inducing iron overload, damaging the antioxidant system, and disrupting mitochondrial function are used to target ferroptosis, thereby enhancing the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma. By promoting the occurrence of ferroptosis in tumor cells as a strategy to improve radiotherapy sensitivity, we can enhance the killing effect of ionizing radiation on tumor cells, thus providing more treatment options for patients with glioblastoma. In this paper, we reviewed ferroptosis and its mechanism, analyzed the molecular mechanism of radiation-induced ferroptosis, and discussed the effective strategies to regulate ferroptosis in enhancing the sensitivity of radiotherapy, with a view to providing an important reference value for improving the current status of glioblastoma treatment.

Analyzing the results of finger systolic blood pressure tests in 28 healthy young adults / 中国职业医学

Objective To investigate the level of finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) in healthy young adults. Methods A total of 28 healthy young adults were selected as the study subjects by convenient sampling method. The FSBP of the study subjects was detected at 30 and 10 ℃, and the FSBP index (Fi) was calculated. Results The FSBP of the study subjects at 30 and 10 ℃ were (102.0±16.5) and (104.4±15.2) mmHg, respectively. The FSBP in male group at 30 and 10 ℃ was (99.6±18.6) and (107.2±17.0) mmHg, respectively. The FSBP in female group at 30 and 10 ℃ was (104.4±13.9) and (101.5±2.8) mmHg, respectively. The results of factorial analysis showed that the interaction between gender and temperature on FSBP was statistically significant (P<0.05). FSBP in male group was higher at 10 than 30 ℃ (P<0.05) and higher than female group at 10 ℃ (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance for the main effect of gender, temperature, finger, or the interaction effect of gender and finger, temperature and finger for FSBP (all P>0.05). The average Fi of the study subjects was (98.0±16.6)%, with males and females having the average Fi of (100.7±20.7) % and (95.2±10.6) % respectively. The results of factorial analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference on Fi in the main effect gender and fingers or the interaction effect between them(all P>0.05). Conclusion The FSBP test could be used as a detection method for assessing peripheral microcirculation function in Chinese population. However, further research is needed to establish reference ranges and influencing factors.

Practice of two methods in occupational health risk grading and classification management in petroleum refining enterprises / 环境与职业医学

Background Most of the studies on grading and classification of occupational health compre-hensive risks for specific employers still remain in the establishment and description of methodology, and practical application studies are rarely reported. Objective To explore the application of an occupational disease hazards comprehensive risk assessment method issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Bureau in conjunction with the National Health Commission and a self-developed occupational health grading and classification method in petroleum refining enterprises, and to provide practical experience for the implementation of differentiated law enforcement by relevant regulatory authorities. Methods Two occupational health grading and classification methods were practiced in three petroleum refining enterprises in Guangdong Province. The occupational hazards comprehensive risk assessment method was provided by the Notice on Carrying out Pilot Work of Occupational Health Classification Supervision and Law Enforcement of the National Disease Control and Prevention Bureau and the National Health Commission. The principle was to derive the occupational health risk level according to nature of occupational hazards, exposure level, and number of workers exposed to them in an employer, and then to classify them into Class A, Class B, and Class C by combining with local occupational health management status level. The occupational health grading and classification method was self-developed according to available domestic and foreign occupational health risk assessment methods. Its principle was to calculate the risk level of each workstation in an employer based on published carcinogenicity classification or LD50/LC50 of chemical toxicants, level of noise, exposure parameters such as exposure level and exposure frequency, estimate the comprehensive risk Ro of the target employer by the Romanian comprehensive risk calculation method, and then calculate a comprehensive risk Ro' weighted by the occupational health management index of the target employer and classify it into class A, class B, and class C. Finally, assessment results, scope of application, inquired indicators, advantages,disadvantages and professional competence requirements of the two grading and classification methods were compared. Results The occupational hazards that were evaluated in three enterprises in this study were benzene, toluene, xylene, gasoline, hydrogen sulfide, and noise. The exposure levels of benzene, toluene, xylene, and gasoline were all below 10% OEL (occupational exposure limit), and hydrogen sulfide and noise were disqualified. Occupational hazards such as benzene and hydrogen sulfide were serious occupational hazards in the three enterprises, and the number of workers exposed was 461, 912, and 224, respectively; the HRs (hazard ratings) of benzene, toluene, xylene, gasoline, hydrogen sulfide, and noise were level 5, 3, 2, 3, 5, and 3 respectively. The occupational health management status of the three enterprises was graded as B, A, and B, respectively by the occupational disease hazards comprehensive risk assessment method. The occupational health management index of the three enterprises was graded as B, A, and A, respectively by the occupational health grading and classification method. The comprehensive risk assessment results showed that two enterprises classified into as the highest class C and one into class B by the occupational disease hazards comprehensive risk assessment method, while all three enterprises were classified into class B by the occupational health grading and classification method. Conclusion The two grading and classification methods are not consistent in the evaluation results of petroleum refining enterprises, and there are differences in the evaluation scope, indicators to be collected, and professionalism. It is recommended that occupational health regulators should fully consider the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods and choose the appropriate assessment method according to the actual regulatory purpose.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Morus alba / 中国中药杂志

Morus alba, a traditional economic crop, is also a significant medicinal plant. The branches(Mori Ramulus), leaves(Mori Folium), roots and barks(Mori Cortex), and fruits(Mori Fructus) of M. alba are rich in chemical components, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, benzofurans, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, and possess hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, liver protective, immunoregulatory, and other pharmacological activities. This study analyzed the sources, classification, and functions of the main chemical components in M. alba and systematically summarized the latest research results of essential active components in M. alba and their pharmacological effects to provide references for in-depth research and further development as well as utilization of active components in M. alba.

Study on effect of restoring mitochondrial dynamics on NK2 activation of NK cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the internal mechanism of NK2 activation of NK cells from the perspective of "mitochondrial dysfunction-abnormal cell activation".Methods NK-92MI cells were divided into blank group, TSLP group, 1, 5, and 10 μmol·L-1 Mdivi-1 dose groups.The levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ in the supernatant of each group were determined by ELISA; The expression of p-Drp1 and MnSOD protein in each group was determined by Western blotting; the ROS level of each group was detected by DHE staining and flow cytometry; mitochondrial morphology was observed by confocal laser in each group of cells.Results ELISA showed that compared with control group, the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in cell supernatant of TSLP group significantly increased, and the level of IFN-γ was down-regulated(P<0.05); Compared with TSLP group, the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in cell supernatant of 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 Mdivi-1 group decreased, and the IFN-γ concentration of the 10 μmol·L-1 Mdivi-1 group rose(P<0.05).DHE staining and flow cytometry showed that ROS level of cells in TSLP group was significantly higher than control group.Compared with TSLP group, ROS level of the 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 Mdivi-1 groups decreased(P<0.05).The laser confocal results showed that after TSLP stimulation, a large number of spherical mitochondria were formed in cells.This phenomenon was improved to a certain extent after the intervention of 5, 10 μmol·L-1 Mdivi-1.Western blot analysis showed that the p-Drp1 level of NK-92MI cells in TSLP group was significantly up-regulated, and the expression of MnSOD decreased, while the intervention of Mdivi-1 effectively reversed the changes in the expression of the above-mentioned molecules.Conclusions Mitochondrial dynamic imbalance may be one of the internal mechanisms of abnormal activation of NK cells, and it may be an important target for regulating NK2 activation of NK cells and improving the allergic inflammatory response mediated by it.

Needs and satisfaction of parturients for postpartum visits in Putuo District, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To ascertain the characteristics of the parturient women in the district, the requirement and satisfaction for postpartum visits, and to explore the present situation of postpartum visits in the district, providing theoretical basis for the formulation and improvement of targeted work mechanism for postpartum visits. Methods A total of 540 parturients were selected to complete the questionnaire survey according to the proportion of parturients in each community, then statistical analysis of questionnaire information was made. Results Among the 540 parturients, 400 were primiparas and 140 multiparas.More than 94% of the respondents believed that postpartum visits were necessary.The demand for postpartum visits was different between primiparas and multiparas.The primiparas needed more guidance on the nursing of the newborn, and the multiparas wanted to have more concern for postpartum recovery and health care.Respondents had high satisfaction with postpartum visits. Conclusion The form and content of postpartum visits directly affect the satisfaction of puerperants, who need higher quality and personalized services.The professional quality of visitors should be improved by professional training.And the personalized postpartum visiting service should be properly carried out by making full use of modern means of information dissemination.And postpartum psychological health care also needs attention in this regard.

Texture analysis of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to identify atypically enhanced small hepatocellular carcinoma and dysplastic nodules under the background of cirrhosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the value of texture analysis based on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in the differential diagnosis of atypically enhanced small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) and dysplastic nodules (DNs) in liver cirrhosis.@*Methods@#Data of 59 cases with atypical enhancement and solitary cirrhotic nodule (≤2 cm) confirmed by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and surgical pathology specimen were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 37 cases were of atypically enhanced sHCC and 22 cases of DNS. The DWI signal characteristics of the lesions were analyzed to measure the average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the lesions, and the ADC ratio of the lesion to the liver parenchyma. MaZda software was used to manually draw the region of interest to extract the texture parameters of DWI lesions. The three sets (combination of Fisher coefficient, classification of error probability combined with average correlation coefficient and interactive information) were used to select the thirty optimal texture parameters. Raw data analysis (RDA), principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and non-linear discriminant analysis (NDA) were performed for texture classification. The difference of ADC value and ADC ratio between sHCC and DNS group was compared by independent sample t-test, and χ2 test was used to compare the count data (or rate). ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.@*Results@#The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DWI high-signal in the identification of atypically enhanced sHCC and DNs were 94.6% (35/37), 68.2% (15/22), and 84.7% (50/59), respectively. The ADC ratio of atypically enhanced sHCC was significantly lower than DNs, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 2.99, P = 0.002). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the diagnosis of atypically enhanced sHCC were 73.0% (27/37), 72.7% (16/22) and 72.9% (43/59), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of DWI texture analysis in diagnosing atypically enhanced sHCC were 94.6% (35/37), 95.5% (21/22) and 94.9% (56/59).The diagnostic efficiency of DWI texture analysis (AUC = 0.94) was significantly higher than DWI high-signal (AUC = 0.81) and ADC ratio (AUC = 0.72).@*Conclusion@#The texture analysis based on DWI can identify atypically enhanced sHCC and dysplastic nodules under the background of cirrhosis, and its efficacy is better than qualitative and quantitative DWI.

Biocompatibility of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells with human acellular amniotic membrane scaffold / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is commonly seen, and mainly treated with ACL reconstruction. Ligament tissue engineering treatment for ACL injury has become the current focus due to the extensive use of tissue engineering techniques in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and human acellular amniotic membrane(HAAM)scaffolds in vitro. METHODS: hAMSCs were isolated using enzyme digestion and then identified. The fresh human amniotic membrane was subjected to decellularization using enzymatic digestion and chemical decontamination. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect the removal of cell components and destruction of the extracellular matrix. hAMSCs were cultured with HAAM extract (experimental group) and normal L-DMEM/F12 medium (control group). Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8. Cell adhesion and growth were observed by scanning electron microscope and inverted microscope at 14 days after co-culture with HAAM. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: hAMSCs exhibited a spiral, adherent growth under the inverted phase contrast microscope; and the cells highly expressed vimentin and lowly expressed CK-19, with osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic potential. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that human acellular amniotic epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells were completely removed and the extracellular matrix had no obvious damage. Immunofluorescence staining showed positive expression of type I collagen and type III collagen. The HAAM extract had no cytotoxicity to hAMSCs and exerted no effect on its proliferative activity. HAAM could promote the proliferation and adhesion of hAMSCs after incubation under the inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope. These findings indicate that HAAM has good biocompatibility and is favorable for the proliferation of hAMSCs.

The value of MRI texture analysis based on gray level co-occurrence matrix to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue carcinoma patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of MRI texture analysis based on gray level co-occurrence matrix to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with tongue carcinoma. Methods A total of 70 patients with tongue carcinoma confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis group (unilateral LN+, n=18;bilateral LN+,n=22) and no cervical lymph node metastasis(LN-,n=30). T1W, T2W and contrast-enhanced T1W images of the largest section of tumor were selected. ROI of the lesion was manually drew and GLCM texture parameters (energy, contrast, correlation, inverse difference and entropy) were extracted. The tumor length, thickness and para-lingual distance between tumor and tongue midline were also measured.Differences of all parameters were compared between LN+ group and LN- group, unilateral and bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis group, the parameters with statistically significant difference in predicting the efficiency of cervical lymph node metastasis were analyzed. The diagnostic efficiency of lymph node metastasis was calculated. Results The correlation, inverse difference and entropy based on T2WI showed significant difference (Zcor elation=2.97, tinverse dif erence=5.14, tentropy=2.41; P<0.05), entropy showed the best diagnostic efficiency, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.90, the cut off value was 7.19, the sensitivity was 80.0％, specificity was 86.7％. Only entropy showed significant difference between unilateral LN+group and bilateral LN+group (P<0.05), the AUC was 0.82, the cut off value was 7.47, the sensitivity was 90.9％, specificity was 78.8％. The index of tumor length, thickness and para-lingual distance between tumor and tongue midline all showed significant difference between LN+group and LN-group (P<0.05), the thickness showed the best diagnostic efficiency, the AUC value was 0.81, the cut off value was 11.19, the sensitivity was 78.0％, specificity was 81.7％. The index of tumor length, thickness and para-lingual distance between tumor and tongue midline showed no significant difference between unilateral LN+ group and bilateral LN+ group (P>0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity of radiologists was 65.0％ (26/40), the specificity was 80.0％ (24/32) on cervical lymph node metastasis. Conclusion Texture analysis based on T2WI can predict cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with tongue carcinoma. Entropy has certain value in predicting bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis.

Application of bundle management in enhanced recovery after surgery on liver transplantation-an experience of the large-scale center of transplantation in western China / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To explore the application of bundle management in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on liver transplantation.Methods The multidisciplinary team of West China Hospital of Sichuan University discussed the program of ERAS on liver transplantation in 2016,and implemented this program in July 2016.A retrospective analysis was made on 220 liver transplant patients who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University in the period from Jan.2015 to Mar.2017.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,there were 104 patients in traditional group and 92 patients in ERAS group.The clinical indicators during and after surgery were compared between the two groups,and the applied value of ERAS on liver transplantation was analyzed.Results As compared with the traditional group,the patients in ERAS group had advantages in operative time,blood loss,postoperative stay in intensive care unit (ICU),transfusion volume in ICU,endotracheal intubation time and total hospitalization time,with significant difference between the two groups (P＜0.05).Meanwhile readmission and mortality rate after one month in ERAS group was not increased.Conclusion The bundle management in ERAS on liver transplantation of West China Hospital of Sichuan University can improve the prognosis of liver transplant patients.

An in vitro study of enhancing tendon-bone healing by human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells co-modified with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and Scleraxis gene / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Tendon-to-bone healing is a complex and slow process, which often hinders the therapeutic outcomes. To enhance the tendon-to-bone healing, increasing cell bioactivity on the contact surface is a new strategy. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) can induce the formation of blood vessel and bone tissue via many ways.However,it is unclear whether HIF-1α can strengthen differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) induced by Scleraxis, a specific marker of tendon, and can be used in tendon and bone repair. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of HIF-1α in enhancing Scleraxis to modify hAMSCs aiming to promote tendon-to-bone healing and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: Passage 3 hAMSCs were infected with AdHIF-1α, AdScx, AdGFP and AdHIF-1α+AdScx. The expressions of related genes of tendon, cartilage and bone tissue were detected at 3 and 7 days after infection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Under the inverted phase contrast microscopy, the passage 3 hAMSCs were in spindle shape and presented with vortex-like adherent growth. Under the transmission electron microscopy, hAMSCs were in oval shape and had clear structure, with abundant endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Fluorescence photographs were taken at 24 hours after adenovirus infection, showing about 50% red fluorescence expression in the AdHIF-1α group, while about 70% green fluorescence expression in the AdScx and AdGFP groups. Real time-PCR results showed that at 3 and 7 days after infection, the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, Fibronectin, RUNX2, VEGF and ALP in the AdHIF-1α+AdScx group, AdHIF-1α group and AdScx group were higher than those in the AdGFP group (P < 0.05); the mRNA expressions of collagen type I, Fibronectin, RUNX2, VEGF and ALP in the AdHIF-1α+AdScx group were significantly higher than those in the AdScx group (P < 0.05). Fluorescence immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of collagen type I in the AdHIF-1α+AdScx group at 7 days after infection was higher than that at 3 days after infection. To conclude, HIF-1α can enhance the ability of Scleraxis to modify hAMSCs to promote tendon-to-bone healing by upregulating the expressions of molecular markers of tenocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of vonoprazan in acute hepatic injury rats and normal rats / 药学学报

Hepatic disease is one of the high-prevalence diseases in China, of which gastrointestinal bleeding is a common complication treated by proton pump inhibitors. Vonoprazan is a novel proton pump inhibitor which acts better than lansoprazole in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of vonoprazan was compared between acute hepatic injury and normal condition in rats. Results showed that the exposure (AUC) of vonoprazan was significantly higher in rats with acute hepatic injury than in normal rats, and the metabolites formation rates of vonoprazan also slowed down, which might be due to the change of activity of enzymes and transporters. This find may provide a theoretical basis for the dose regulation of vonoprazan in patients with hepatic injury.

Research progress on therapeutic targets of active components in Chinese herbs for treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中国中药杂志

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a kind of metabolic liver injury, which is closely associated with insulin resistance and genetic susceptibility. Traditional Chinese herbs used in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are widely investigated in recent years. A series of recent studies show that the effects of the active components in traditional Chinese herbs on NAFLD are associated with activating AMPK signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, modulating the activity and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and regulating intestinal flora. In this review, the potential therapeutic targets of the active components from traditional Chinese herbs for NAFLD would be summarized to provide a new thought for further research and clinical treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Potent therapeutic effects of shouwu jiangqi decoction on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance in rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Shouwu Jiangqi Decoction (SJD) on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance (IR) in rats and to explore the underlining molecular mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 51 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (n=7), model group (n=8), SJD high-dose group (n=9), SJD medium-dose group (n=9), SJD low-dose group (n=9) and DMBG group (n=9). Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations and qRT-PCR and western blot were used to examine the expression levels of mRNA and protein respectively of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) p85α in different groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FSH level significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal control (P<0.01), and high-dose SJD and DMBG can significantly increase FSH level (P<0.01). LH level showed a mild increase without statistic significance in the model group compared with the control and different dosages of SJD had no significance effect on LH level, while DMBG can significantly decrease LH level (P<0.01). Testosterone level significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.01), and high-dose SJD and DMBG can significantly decrease testosterone level (P<0.01). The expression of IRS-1 as well as PI3Kp85α were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the normal control group at both mRNA (P<0.001) and protein (P<0.01) level, and both high-dose SJD and DMBG can enhance IRS-1 and PI3K expression (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SJD has potent therapeutic effects on PCOS with IR in rats. The therapeutic effects of SJD on IR and ovulatory dysfunction are probably achieved through correcting the defective insulin signaling transduction.</p>

Research progress on pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Guizhi Fuling Capsule / 中草药

Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFL), composed of Cassia Twig, Pachyma Cocos, Cortex Moutan, Radices Paeoniae Alba, and Peach Kernel, is a compound Chinese medicine preparation refined by modern technology. Modern pharmacology study shows that GZFL has pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor, smooth muscle relaxing, endocrine adjusting, and immunity enhancing activities. GZFL can be used in treatment of gynecological disease such as uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrheal, and endometriosis in clinic, and it can be also used for the treatment of varicocele, hyperplasia of prostate, stroke, and carotid atherosclerosis. The phase II clinical trials of GZFL in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in the United States of America have already finished. This paper makes a systematic review of the pharmacological activities and clinical applications of GZFL in recent years, in order to provide reference for its further development and utilization.

Regulating effect of recombinant lentivirus silencing rictor gene on mTORC2/SGK1 signal pathway and pulmonary alveolar epithelial sodium ion channel / 重庆医学

Objective To construct recombinant lentivirus silence vector aiming at rictor gene in mTORC2 specific protein, and to investigate its regulation on mTORC2/SGK1 signal pathway and the effect on pulmonary alveolar epithelial sodium ion chan-nel,as well as the role in acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and acute lung injury.Methods The interfering vector plas-mid and empty vector plasmid of target gene rictor were constructed,which and the lentivirus packaging system were co-transfected to 293T cells.The viral supernatant was collected,centrifuged,concentrated and purified for obtaining recombinant lentivirus.The virus titer was detected and the virus was infected to A549 cells.Stable cell lines were screened.RT-PCR was used to confirm the silencing situation of target gene rictor.The expression situation of various signal indexes in this pathway was detected by PCR and Western blot.Results The recombinant lentivirus of silence gene rictor was successfully constructed and transfected to A549 cell for obtaining stable cell lines.Compared with blank and control groups,the mRNA levels of rictor,downstream SGK1 andα-,β-andγ-ENaC in the shRNA-rictor group were significantly decreased (P <0.05 ).Meanwhile,the protein levels of rictor,downstream SGK1,P-SGK andα-,β-andγ-ENaC in the shRNA-rictor group were significantly decreased compared with the other two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Silence rictor gene has the obvious regulation effect on mTORC2/SGK1 signal pathway,meanwhile affects the expression of pulmonary alveolar epithelial cellular α-,β-and γ-ENaC at gene and protein level.It is speculated that mTORC2/SGK1 may be an important signal pathway for regulating the clearance capacity of pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells on pulmonary alveolar fluid and simultaneously affecting the pulmonary edema formation.

Ginsenoside Rb1 upregulates expressions of GLUTs to promote glucose consumption in adiopcytes / 中国中药杂志

Previous studies have shown that ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of active components in ginseng, can activate insulin signaling pathway and promote translocation of glucose transporters (GLUTs) to increase glucose uptake in adipocytes. However, the effect of Rb1 on the expressions of GLUTs remains unknown. In this study, the effects of Rb1 on GLUT1 and GLUT4 were observed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and epididymal adipose tissue of db/db obese diabetic mice. Male db/db mice were treated with Rb1 by intraperitoneal injection at the dosage of 20 mg x kg(-1) for 14 d. Rb1 reduced HOMA-IR significantly (P < 0.05, n = 5), and FBG and FINS sowed declining trend after treatment with Rb1. Rb1 recovered the expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT4 and phosphorylation of AKT in adipose tissue of db/db mice. In vitro, glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with 10 micromol x L(-1) Rb1 for 24 h was elevated (P < 0.05, n=3), and mRNA of GLUT1 and GLUT4 were up-regulated (P < 0.05, n=3) and proteins of GLUT1 and GLUT4 were also increased. AKT was activated in adipocytes treated with Rb1 for 3 h. It can be concluded that ginsenoside Rb1 can up-regulate the expression of GLUTs in adipose tissue, in addition to activate insulin signalling pathway, which may partially account for its insulin sensitizing activity and regulating effect of glucose metabolism.