Effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma in children: a single-center clinical study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy combined with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the treatment of children with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 children with high-risk NB who were admitted to Shanghai Children's Hospital and were treated with high-dose chemotherapy combined with ASCT from January 2013 to December 2021, and their clinical features and prognosis were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 29 children treated by high-dose chemotherapy combined with ASCT, there were 18 boys (62%) and 11 girls (38%), with a median age of onset of 36 (27, 59) months. According to the International Neuroblastoma Staging System, 6 children (21%) had stage III NB and 23 children (79%) had stage IV NB, and the common metastatic sites at initial diagnosis were bone in 22 children (76%), bone marrow in 21 children (72%), and intracalvarium in 4 children (14%). All 29 children achieved reconstruction of hematopoietic function after ASCT. After being followed up for a median time of 25 (17, 45) months, 21 children (72%) had continuous complete remission and 8 (28%) experienced recurrence. The 3-year overall survival rate and event-free survival rate were 68.9%±16.1% and 61.4%±14.4%, respectively. Presence of bone marrow metastasis, neuron-specific enolase ≥370 ng/mL and positive bone marrow immunophenotyping might reduce the 3-year event-free survival rate (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Children with high-risk NB who have bone marrow metastasis at initial diagnosis tend to have a poor prognosis. ASCT combined with high-dose chemotherapy can effectively improve the prognosis of children with NB with a favorable safety profile.

Baicalein Regulates Colony Formation of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting YAP Entry into Nucleus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:This study aims to observe the effect of baicalein on the clonal formation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells， and to explore the mediation role of Yes- related protein （YAP） in it. Method:MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells were treated with baicalein. Thiazole blue （MTT） colorimetric method was used to detect cell proliferation ability. Plate cloning experiments was used to detect the colony forming ability. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the nuclear distribution of YAP， and Western blot test was used to detect the protein expression levels of YAP large tumor suppressor factor 1 （LATS1）， YAP， phosphorylated Yes- related protein（p-YAP） and phosphorylated YAP large tumor suppressor factor 1 （p-LATS1）. Result:Compared with the blank group， baicalein （40， 80， 160 μmol·L^-1） significantly inhibited the proliferation ability of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the inhibitory effect was dose-dependent. The half inhibit concentration（IC₅₀） of baicalein against MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells were （80.3±7.2），（70.4±6.5） μmol·L^-1， respectively. Compared with blank group， baicalein （5， 10， 20 μmol·L^-1） had no significant effect on the proliferation of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells， and the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the blank group， baicalein （5， 10， 20 μmol·L^-1） significantly dose-dependently reduced the cell colony formation rates of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and baicalein （10， 20 μmol·L^-1） significantly inhibited the nuclear expression of YAP in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Also， baicalin （5， 10， 20 μmol·L^-1） significantly up-regulated p-YAP and p-LATS1 protein expressions in MDA-MB-468 cells in a dose-dependent manner （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Baicalein （10， 20 μmol·L^-1） significantly up-regulated p-YAP and p-LATS1 protein expressions in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Baicalein can inhibit colony formation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells by mediating the reduction of YAP entry into the nucleus.

Seed oil of Brucea javanica induces apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in acute lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells / 中国天然药物

Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) has been used to treat tumor in China for more than 40 years. However, its components and effectiveness in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and its mechanism of anti-cancer activity remain unknown. In the current study, high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) was used to analyze the components of BJOE. Then, the anti-leukemia effects of BJOE were examined both in vitro and in vivo using ALL Jurkat cells and the p388 mouse leukemia transplant model, respectively. The primary ALL leukemia cells were also used to confirm the anti-leukemia effects of BJOE. The apoptotic-related results indicated that BJOE induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells and were suggestive of intrinsic apoptotic induction. Moreover, BJOE inhibited Akt (protein kinase B) activation and upregulated its downstream targets p53 and FoxO1 (forkhead box gene, group O-1) to initiate apoptosis. The activation of GSK3β was also involved. Our findings demonstrate that BJOE has anti-leukemia effects on ALL cells and can induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells through the phosphoinositide3-kinase (PI3K) /Akt signaling pathway.

Study on Mechanism of Taoren Chengqitang in Regulating Intestinal Myoelectrical Activity and Microenvironment Homeostasis in Intestinal Sepsis Rats Based on HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the mechanism of Taoren Chengqitang in regulating intestinal myoelectric activity and microenvironment homeostasis in intestinal sepsis rats based on high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor -κB(NF-κB) pathway. Method:The 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, glycyrrhizic acid (HMGB1 inhibitor, 0.03 g·kg-1) group, Taoren Chengqitang group (10 g·kg-1), glycyrrhizic acid+Taoren Chengqitang group (0.03 g·kg-1+10 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. Except the sham operation group, the other groups established intestinal sepsis rat models, each group was treated with medicine, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of small intestinal mucosa in rats of each group, the changes of mucosal thickness and villus height were compared, the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid in intestinal mucosa of rats were detected by kit, the intestinal myoelectrical activity of rats in each group was measured, the slow wave frequency and amplitude of small intestinal smooth muscle were compared, the intestinal flora of rats in each group was detected, the contents of E. coli, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were compared, and the expressions of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway proteins HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in small intestinal tissues were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with sham operated group, the villus height, mucosal thickness, sIgA content, slow wave frequency and amplitude of smooth muscle, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus contents in intestinal mucosa of model group rats were significantly decreased, and serum DAO and D-lactic acid levels, intestinal E. coli content, intestinal tissue HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the villus height, mucosal thickness, sIgA content, slow wave frequency and amplitude of smooth muscle, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus contents in intestinal mucosa of the Taoren Chengqitang group, glycyrrhizic acid group, and glycyrrhizic acid + Taoren Chengqitang group were significantly increased, and serum DAO and D-lactic acid levels, intestinal E. coli content, intestinal tissue HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the Taoren Chengqitang group and the glycyrrhizic acid group, the villus height, mucosal thickness, sIgA content, slow wave frequency and amplitude of smooth muscle, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus contents in intestinal mucosa of glycyrrhizic acid+Taoren Chengqitang group were significantly increased, and serum DAO and D-lactic acid levels, intestinal E. coli content, intestinal tissue HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins were significantly decreased, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions:Taoren Chengqitang can alleviate intestinal mucosal injury, regulate intestinal myoelectrical activity and microenvironment homeostasis, restore intestinal function and maintain flora balance in intestinal sepsis rats, which may be achieved by down-regulating HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of Taoren Chengqitang on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and TLR9 Signaling Pathway in Septic Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the protective effect of Taoren Chengqitang on intestinal mucosal barrier in septic rats and its possible mechanism. Method: Rats were divided into sham operation group, model group (replication of septic rats with cecal ligation and perforation), low, middle and high-dose Taoren Chengqitang groups (2.85,5.70,8.55 g·kg-1), and dexamethasone group (0.01 g·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. After last administration, rats were put to death, the morphological changes of intestinal mucosa were observed under electron microscope, the bacterial translocation rates in lymphoglandulae mesentericae, liver, kidney and spleen tissues were detected; the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FABP) levels in small intestine tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Expressions of Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-kappa B subunit p65 in small intestine tissues were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Result: Compared with sham operated group, the bacterial translocation rate, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in model group increased significantly, DAO, i-FABP, mucosal thickness and villus height decreased significantly, and protein expressions of TLR9, MyD88 and nucleus NF-κB p65 increased significantly (PPκB p65 protein decreased significantly. Compared with model group, the bacterial translocation rate, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in organs of low, medium and high-dose Taoren Chengqitang groups and dexamethasone group decreased significantly, DAO, i-FABP, mucosal thickness and villus height increased significantly, while the protein expressions of TLR9, MyD88 and nucleus NF-κB p65 decreased significantly (PκB p65 protein increased significantly. Conclusion: Taoren Chengqitang has a certain protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in septic rats, which may be related to the inhibition of TLR9 signaling pathway.

Effect of Bifidobacterium combined with ulinastatin on immunologic function of CLP rats / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Bifidobacterium combined with ulinastatin on the immunologic function of sepsis rats.Methods:One hundred male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,model group,Bifidobacterium treatment group,Ulinastatin treatment group,combining treatment group.Cecal ligation and punctured was used to prepare sepsis model in rats.Survival rate was observed.The number of intestinal floras were determined.The tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).T-lymphocyte subset was tested by flow cytometry.Serum endotoxin was tested by TAL method.Results:Serum endotoxin,Escherichia coli,CD8+T cell,TNF-α and IL-1β of model group were significantly higher than the sham operation group (P＜0.05).CD3+,CD4+T cell and ratio of CD4+/CD8+T cell,Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus were significantly higher than the sham operation group (P＜0.05).Compared with model group,Serum endotoxin,Escherichia coli,CD8 +T cell,TNF-α and IL-1 β of combining treatment group were significantly decrease (P＜0.05).CD3+,CD4+T cell and ratio of C D4+/CD8+T cell,Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus were significantly increase (P＜0.05).Serum endotoxin,TNF-α and IL-1 β of combining treatment group were significantly lower than that in Bifidobacterium treatment group and Ulinastatin treatment group.CD3+,CD4+T cell and ratio of CD4+/CD8+T cell,Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus were significantly higher than that in Bifidobacterium treatment group and Ulinastatin treatment group.Conclusion:Efficacy is significantly improvement while Bifidobacterium combined with ulinastatin,which can restrain TNF-α and IL-6 of CLP rats,decrease the increasing of serum endotoxin,and regulate the balance of intestinal floras,also improve the immune function of CLP rats.

Biological characteristics of drug induced tumor cells and its medicine prevention and treatment / 药学学报

Recently, the incidence and mortality of cancer has raised. More and more cytotoxic drugs and molecular targeted medicines have been used in clinic. However, most drugs just display a short-term anti-tumor effect. If patients received treatment for a long time, it would arise resistance to chemotherapy frequently. One of its important reasons is the accumulation of drug induced cancer cells. Thus, this paper emphasizes on biological character of drug induced cells, including cell biological phenotype, the change of gene and protein, variation of metabolism, dynamic change of signal transduction pathway and so on. Meanwhile, according to the characteristics of drug induced cells, we propose some strategies to inhibit drug induced cells, which would provide the foundation of clinical therapy and novel anti-tumor drug research and development.

Effect of Knockdown of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 on the Immunologic Regulation Capacity of Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the stably lower expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in MSC cell line (C3H10T1/2) by siRNA technology, and explore the effect of knockdown of VCAM-1 on the immunologic regulation capacity of murine MSC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mouse GV118-VCAM-1-RNAi retrovirus vector was constructed by gene recombination technology. The recombinant plasmid was identified by restriction analysis and sequencing, and then the recombinant plasmid GV118-VCAM-1-RNAi was transfected into 293 cells by Lipofectamine, and the supernatant was collected to transfect C3H10T1/2. Moreover, the VCAM-1 lower expression on MSC was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. The knockdown VCAM-1 MSC was sorted by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the knockdown VCAM-1 MSC on lymphocyte proliferation was tested by lymphoblast transformation assay (LTT) and mixed lymphocyte reaction assay(MLR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recombinant retroviral vector of knockdown VCAM-1 (GV118-VCAM-1-RNAi) was successfully constructed and transfected into mouse MSC cell line C3H10T1/2. The knockdown VCAM-1/MSC was obtained by flow cytometric sorting. The LTT and MLR assay showed that the immunosuppressive effect of MSC lower-expressing VCAM-1 dramatically decreased (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Knockdown VCAM-1 in MSC can significantly down-regulate the inhibitory capability of MSC on the proliferation of T-cells. The data of this study laid an experimental foundation for studying effect of VCAM-1 transfecting into MSC on immune function.</p>

Effect of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule -1 Overexpression on Adipogenic Differentiation of Murine Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene overexpression on adipogenic differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells(MSC) and explore its molecular mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VCAM-1 overexpression MSC (MIGR1-VCAM-1/MSC) and the empty plasmid transfection MSC (MIGR1/MSC) were induced to adipogenic differentiation, oil-red-O staining and real-time PCR were used to detect the adipogenic differentiation ability and the mRNA expression level of key transcription factors C/EBP α and PPAR γ. The activation of P38, ERK and JNK pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Furthermore, the specific chemical inhibitors of MAPK pathway (SB203580, PD98059 and JNK inhibitor II) were added to the induced culture system and the alteration of the MSC adipogenic differentiation ability were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>no matter in self or induced differentiation groups, the lipid droplets in MIGR1-VCAM-1/MSC became larger, the amount of adipocyte increased than that in MIGR1/MSC (P<0.01), the mRNA expression level of C/EBPα and PPARγ were upregulated, and JNK pathway were down-regulated while the P38 and ERK pathway were significantly up-regulated. The inhibition of JNK pathway of MIGR1-VCAM-1/MSC could lead to increased mRNA expression level of C/EBP α and PPAR γ, the amount of adipocytes increased (P<0.01), however, the inhibition of the P38 and ERK pathway of MIGR1-VCAM-1/MSC could lead to decreased mRNA expression level of C/EBP α and PPAR γ, and the lipid droplets and the number of adipocytes became smaller and less.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The overexpression of VCAM-1 may promote MSC to differentiate into adipocytes through inhibiting JNK signaling pathway, activating P38 and ERK pathways.</p>

Inhibitory effect of cryptotanshinone on angiogenesis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of cryptotanshinone (CPT) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the effect of CPT on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HUVECs were incubated with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μ mol/L CPT for detecting cell viability with dimethyl thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then, HUVECs were incubated with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 μ mol/L CPT for detecting endothelial cell migration, invasion, and tubular-like structure formation with wound healing, transwell invasion and matrigel tube formation assays, respectively. To gain insight into CPT-mediated signaling, the effects of CPT on T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors were detected by the Dual-luciferase reporter assay. Next, the nuclear expression of β-catenin was evaluated using Western blot and immunochemistry. Finally, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclin D1, downstream proteins of the Wnt pathway were examined with Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CPT dose-dependently suppressed endothelial cell viability, migration, invasion, and tubular-like structure formation. In particular, CPT blocked β-catenindependent transcription in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. In Western bolt, 10 μ mol/L CPT decreased expression of β-catenin in nucleus of HUVECs (P<0.01). In immunohistochemistry, β-catenin was more potent in response to LiCl (an activator of the pathway) treatment. However, the signals were weaker in the nucleus of the CPT (10 μ mol/L) group, compared to the positive control. Also, VEGF and cyclin D1 were both eliminated by CPT in 5 and 10 μ mol/L doses (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study supported the role of CPT as an angiogenic inhibitor, which may impact on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.</p>

Establishment of predictive model of testicular torsion in pediatric patients with acute scrotum / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To establish a predictive model of testicular torsion according to the clinical data of pediatric patients with acute scrotum.Methods Retrospective study was performed to analyze medical records of 118 pediatric patients with acute scrotum.A case-control study was conducted,the case group included the patients with testicular torsion and the control group included the patients without testicular torsion.Data of patients including physical signs and laboratory tests related to testicular torsion were assessed by univariate analysis through Chi-square test or t test.All factors which had statistical significance in the univariate analysis were used as independent variables for multivariate Logistic analysis to establish a predictive model of pediatric testicular torsion.Results There were 54 patients in the case group and 64 patients in the control group.Vanishment of cremaster reflex,duration of pain,fever,urine positive and fading away of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were independent predictors of pediatric testicular torsion (all P ＜ 0.05),and the OR values were 4.330,0.888,0.229,0.107 and 4.408,respectively.The predictive model of testicular torsion in pediatric patients was as follows:In [P / (1-P)] =2.307 + 1.466 × vanishment of cremaster reflex-0.119 × duration of pain-1.476 × fever-2.235 × urine positive + 1.484 × CDFI.Conclusions The Logistic regression model,which takes into account vanishment of cremaster reflex,duration of pain,fever,urine positive and CDFI,can be used to predict the risk factors of pediatric testicular torsion to provide a basis of surgical exploration.

Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference suppresses APRIL expression and enhances chemosensitivity in colorectal cancer cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of lentivirus-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) targeting a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) on the chemosensitivity to 5-FU of colorectal cancer cell line LoVo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The lentiviral vector siRNA-APRIL was constructed and verified by PCR and DNA sequencing. LoVo cells were transfected with siRNA-APRIL plasmid, non-targeting siRNA plasmid, or empty plasmid. Forty-eight hours after the transfection, the cells were examined for APRIL expression using Western blot. Seventy-two hours after treatment with 10 µg/ml 5-FU, flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle changes. The cell growth inhibition rate following 5-FU exposure was detected by MTT assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PCR analysis and DNA sequencing demonstrated that the RNAi sequence targeting APRIL gene was successfully inserted into the lentiviral vector. siRNA-APRIL transfection resulted in obviously reduced expression of APRIL in LoVo cells. After 5-FU exposure, the apoptosis rate of siRNA-APRIL-transfected cells were increased to (21.12∓3.35)%, significantly higher than that in cells transfected with the non-targeting plasmid or the empty plasmid [(13.06∓1.92)% and (12.28∓1.79)%, respectively, P<0.01]; the cell number in G0/G1 phase increased while that in G2/M phase decreased in siRNA-APRIL-transfected cells. The growth inhibition rate in siRNA-APRIL group was (59.67∓5.03)%, significantly higher than that in the other two groups [(42.33∓4.16)% and (39.67∓4.73)%, respectively, P<0.01].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Lentivirus-mediated RNAi targeting APRIL can effectively suppress the expression of APRIL in LoVo cells and enhance the chemosensitivity of the cells to 5-FU.</p>

Histomorphological effects of Nd:YAG laser for debonding ceramic brackets on rabbit pulp / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Ceramic brackets debonding by Nd:YAG laser is based on the thermal effect of laser, which may cause injury of the pulp tissue. In this study, the histological changes of pulp tissue that subjected to Nd: YAG laser irradiation with different power and time were observed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>20 New Zealand rabbits were included in this study. Ceramic brackets were bonded to the 4 incisors as routine. The ceramic brackets of left upper teeth that debonded mechanically were used as control group, while the brackets of right upper, left lower and right lower incisors were debonded by laser with 3 W 3 s (group A), 2 W 5 s (group B) and 5 W 2 s (group C) energies, respectively. The teeth were pulled out at 5 minutes, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after the debonding operations. Slides prepared from the pulp tissues of the debonded teeth were used to evaluate the injury of laser.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In comparison with the control group, pulp tissue of teeth that exposed to laser with different energy for 5 minutes showed mild capillary dilation. One day later, group A, B and C showed moderate capillary dilation, and group C also showed moderate infiltration. At 3 days, inflammation was disappeared in group B, whereas capillary dilation was found in group A. Hemorrhage and inflammation cells infiltration were found in group C. At 1 week, alleviation of capillary dilation was found in group A but not in group C. One month later, inflammation disappeared in group A, while pulp tissue in group C showed mild edema and capillary dilation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nd:YAG laser of high energy may cause injury of the pulp tissue during debonding. Laser energy of 3 W 3 s could effectively debond ceramic brackets without irreversible pulp injury.</p>

Effects of fluvastatin on the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in glomerular mesangial cells under high concentration of glucose / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the effects of fluvastatin on the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB1) in glomerular mesangial cells under high concentration of glucose. High concentration glucose and fluvastatin were used to stimulate the cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in vitro. The protein expressions of p38 MAPK, CREB1, p-p38 MAPK and p-CREB1 were observed with Western blotting. TGF-beta1 and fibronectin (FN) mRNA were measured with reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein synthesis of laminine (LN) and type IV collagen in the supernatants of the GMCs were detected with radioimmunoassay. Compared with low glucose control group, the expressions of p-p38 MAPK, p-CREB1 were increased obviously in high glucose group, TGF-beta1 mRNA and FN mRNA, LN and type IV collagen in the supernatants were increased significantly in GMCs under high concentration glucose medium. The expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-CREB1, TGF-beta1 mRNA, and FN mRNA, LN and type IV collagen in the supernatants were significantly lower in the fluvastatin group than those in the high concentration glucose group. It is concluded that fluvastatin can inhibit over production of TGF-beta1 and ECM proteins in GMCs under high concentration of glucose, partly by regulating the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and CREB1.

Analysis of the location, early diagnosis and treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome resulted from Wenchuan earthquake / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the location, early diagnosis and treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>There were 38 males and 29 females with age range of 8 - 69 years (mean 38.1 years). All 67 cases were suffered from Wenchuan earthquake happened in May 12th, 2008, of which 34 focuses with tibia-fibular fracture, 9 focuses with femoral fracture, 4 focuses with humeral fracture, and 13 focuses with radius and/or ulna fracture. The occurred place of OCS involves calf (41 focuses), legs (25 focuses), hands (2 focuses), feet (3 focuses), hip (19 focuses), forearms (15 focuses) and upper arms (10 focuses). The clinical symptoms and characteristics were closely observed and treated with decompression posterior to conservative treatment or with prompt open decompression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 67 cases (115 focuses), 82 focuses with secondary suture won satisfactory recovery of blood circulation and extremity function, 23 wounds were closed with secondary suture and skin grafting, 5 limbs were amputated due to avascular necrosis and 2 cases died (5 focuses OCS). Of 115 focuses 11 focuses obtain part function, 7 focuses lost join function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The proportion of some rare parts' pathogenesis of osteofascial compartment syndrome caused by the earthquake rises. Early diagnosis, close observation and open decompression are important for treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome.</p>

Changes of body weight and galanin in epileptic children treated with topiramate / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Topiramate is a new broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug. Decreased body weight and appetite are common side effects of topiramate. The side effect affects the growth and development in children greatly. Little is known about the mechanisms of topiramate-induced weight loss and decreased appetite in children with epilepsy in China and abroad. galanin is one of factors that affect appetite. It is a neuroendocrine peptide and play an important role in the control of appetite and body weight in the mechanism of hormone release. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of topiramate-induced weight loss in children with epilepsy and the relation of weight loss with change of galanin, thereby to provide evidences for improvement of quality of life, compliance to treatment and reduce side effects of growth and development in children with epilepsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 61 patients with especial epilepsy were enrolled into this study and the disease was defined by clinical manifestations and electroencephalography (EEG). Among them 32 cases had generalized seizures and 29 had local seizures. Sixteen normal children were enrolled as control group. The patients' age ranged from 0.5 to 14 (4.76 +/- 4.05) years and the patients were instructed to take 0.5 - 1 mg/kg of topiramate per day, with 0.5 - 1 mg/kg every 3 - 5 d increased to maximum of 3 - 8 mg/kg per day. Patients continued receiving the doses for 4 months. All patients' serum galanin levels and body height and weight and hepatic function were detected before and after antiepileptic drugs treatment. The galanin was detected by using radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment with topiramate (61 cases) for 4 months, plasma galanin [(22.01 +/- 8.12) pg/ml] declined as compared with baseline [(26.56 +/- 9.35) pg/ml, t = 2.85, P < 0.01] in children with epilepsy. Twenty-two of 61 patients lost weight, their plasma galanin concentration was significantly lower [(26.51 +/- 10.00) pg/ml vs. (20.45 +/- 8.09) pg/ml, t = 2.91, P < 0.01], but there was no significant change in the weight-gained patients (39/61) and control group (n = 16). In children with epilepsy, the mean value of body weight decreased as compared with the pre-treatment values, but the difference was not significant; however, the body-mass index (BMI) was significantly lower than that obtained before treatment (t = 8.628, P < 0.01). Eighteen of 22 patients who lost weight had decreased appetite, but only five of 39 patients who gained weight showed decreased appetite (chi(2) = 28.50, P < 0.001). The mean value of plasma galanin declined after treatment in patients (23 cases) with decreased appetite [(18.35 +/- 7.80) pg/ml vs. (27.28 +/- 6.90) pg/ml, t = 4.84, P < 0.001]; while plasma galanin did not change significantly after treatment in patients (38 cases) without decreased appetite [(24.23 +/- 7.66) pg/ml vs. (26.12 +/- 5.49) pg/ml, t = 1.04, P > 0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Topiramate treatment may lower the body weight and reduce appetite in part of children with epilepsy which may be mediated by the reduced plasma galanin level.</p>

FAK antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell migration and adhesion mediated by FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway / 药学学报

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effects of FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway and FAK antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and adhesion stimulated by fibronectin (FN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Migration and adhesion of cultured SMCs were stimulated by different concentrations of FN, FAK, ERK1/2. And their phosphorylation were detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. FAK antisense ODNs were transfected into SMCs by cationic lipid to investigate its modulatory effects on tyrosine phosphorylation, SMCs migration and adhesion were also measured by modifing Boyden Chamber and morphological enumeration, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FAK were expressed when SMCs adhesion and migration were successfully simulated by FN (5, 10, 20, 40, 60 micrograms.mL-1), high contents of FAK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were detected by 20 micrograms.mL-1 FN or more. FAK antisense ODNs were transfected efficiently by cationic lipid. FAK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were inhibited magnificently after FAK antisense ODNs transfection. Cell migration stimulated by FN 10, 20, 40 and 60 micrograms.mL-1 were reduced by 23.26%, 21.63%, 19.31% and 17.88% respectively (P < 0.05). SMCs adhesive spreading in 5-60 micrograms.mL-1 FN groups were reduced by 17.89%-27.67% (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FAK-ERK1/2 mediated signal transduction play important roles in SMCs migration and adhesion stimulated by extracellular matrix. The process can be inhibited by FAK antisense ODNs effectively.</p>