Association of Visit-to-Visit Variabilities in Metabolic Factors with Chronic Kidney Disease in Chinese Adults Living in Shanghai / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#This study aimed to examine the association of visit-to-visit variabilities in metabolic factors with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Shanghai community residents.@*Methods@#We used data from a cohort study of community residents who participated in three examinations in 2008, 2009, and 2013, respectively. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, blood pressure (BP), and lipid levels were determined in 2,109 participants at all three visits, and CKD was evaluated between the second and the third visits. Visit-to-visit variabilities in metabolic factors were described by coefficients of variation (CV) at three visits. A variability score was calculated by adding the numbers of metabolic factors with a high variability defined as the highest quartile of CV. CKD was defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m @*Results@#A total of 200 (9.5%) participants had CKD at the third visit. Compared with the lowest quartile of CV, the highest quartile was associated with a 70% increased risk of CKD for FPG [odds ratio, @*Conclusion@#The visit-to-visit variabilities in metabolic factors were significantly associated with the risks of CKD in Shanghai community residents.

Identification of the active material of anti-hepatic fibrosis from Amydae Carapax / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the active material of anti-hepatic fibrosis from Amydae Carapax.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Membrane separation technology was adopted to screen active fraction in Amydae Carapax, and the active components were isolated from the active fraction using gel chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The purified active components in Amydae Carapax were further analyzed using 4700 series time-of-flight mass spectrometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Proteins and peptides of Amydae Carapax with molecular weight less than 6000 were proved to have biological activity. 8 components (Bj1-Bj8) were isolated from the active fraction. Bj4, Bj6 and Bj7 were screened as active components. Bj7 was further purified, resulting in 7 components (Bj701-Bj707). Bj704 and Bj707 showed significant biological activity. Mass spectrometry showed three molecular ion peaks with highest abundance, i.e. m/e 526, 542 and 572, i.e. m/e 526, 542 and 572, in Bj707 -A The amino acid sequences of above three peptide compounds were NDDY (Asn-Asp-Asp-Tyr), NPNPT (Asn-Pro-Asn-Pro-Thr), and HGRFG (His-Gly-Arg-Phe-Gly), respectively. And M572 was the most abandunt components.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three active peptide compounds of anti-hepatic fibrosis of Amydae Carapax were identified.</p>

Visible light induced photodegradation and phototoxicity of phloxine B and uranine / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the visible light-induced photodegradation kinetics of two xanthene photosensitizers, phloxine B and uranine, in solution and on the surface of silica TLC plates, and to examine the phototoxicity of residues of degradation, which could provide valuable safety data on the two photosensitizers and other xanthene chemicals when applied in the environment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>UV-Vis absorption during photodegradation was monitored with a Unico 2102 spectrophotometer. Organic content of samples was measured with a Shimadzu TOC 4100. Phototoxicity tests were carried out using Saccharomyces cerevisiae with the methods modified from Daniels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When phloxine B and uranine degraded in solution, their apparent rate constant k was 0.0019 and 0.0027 min(-1), respectively. The total organic carbon (TOC) content decreased by approximately 50% during the 8 h irradiation period, which led to a gradual decrease in phototoxicity of the residues. The photodegradation of photosensitizers on the surface of silica TLC plates was much faster than that in the solution. The apparent rate constant k and the half life of phloxine B were 0.0073 min(-1) and 95 min, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Visible light can rapidly induce photodegradation of phloxine B and uranine. The phototoxicity of residues is also decreased. The environmental risk of applications of phloxine B and uranine is minimal.</p>

Effects of iron and phosphorus on Microcystis physiological reactions / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of iron and phosphorus on Microcystis physiological reactions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The experimental conditions were chosen as the light dark cycles of 16 h 8 h, 12 h 12 h, and 8 h 16 h. The cell change of morphology and life history, cell number, cell color, and cell area of Microcystis were analyzed quantitatively. According to the resource competition and Monod equation, Microcystis kinetics of phosphorus and iron were also examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The longer light time caused more special cell division, slower growth rate, and easier change of bigger cell area. The color of alga was changed from green to brown. Ks and micromax of phosphorus absorption were 0.0352 mircomol x L(-l) and 0.493 d(-1), respectively. Those of iron absorption were 0.00323 micromol x L(-1) and 0.483 d(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microcystis bloom is more dominant than other algae.</p>

Molluscicidal activity of Nerium indicum Mill, Pterocarya stenoptera DC, and Rumex japonicum houtt on Oncomelania hupensis / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the molluscicidal activities of three Chinese plants N. indicum Mill, R stenoptera DC, and R. japonicum Houtt, and to clarify the molluscicidal mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>N-butanol extracts and water extracts of the three plants were obtained. The reactions of EST isozyme, glycogen and total protein of snails to the plant extracts were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>EST electrophoresis showed that EST was an important antidotal enzyme system and reacted strongly to environment. EST changed greatly during the whole exposure period so that it could be viewed as a pathological index of toxicity. Extracts decreased the glycogen content of the snails' soft tissues greatly, and also the protein content.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All extracts show strong molluscicidal activity. The LD50 value of the water extract of N. indicum Mill is as low as 13.2 mg/L. EST can be viewed as a pathological index of toxicity. The energy metabolism abnormity is the key reason for the molluscicidal activities. The biochemical mechanism needs further research.</p>

Construction of a hepatic stellate cells subtracted cDNA library of differentially expressed genes in normal mice and mice with Schistosomiasis japonica / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

To construct a hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) subtracted cDNA library to find differentially expressed genes in normal mice and mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used. The cDNA fragments of normal mouse were compared to those of schistosoma-infected mice to find differentially expressed genes. Then differentially expressed cDNA fragments were directly inserted into T/A cloning vector to set up the subtractive library. Amplification of the library was carried out with transformation of DH5alpha. The amplified library contained more than 400 positive bacterial clone, which were then hybridized with forward and backward subtracted probes for differential screening. One hundred positive bacterial clones were randomly selected for sequencing and BLAST analysis. Finally, virtual Northern Blot confirmed such differential expression. The subtracted cDNA library of differentially expressed genes of HSCs was constructed successfully, the library is efficient and lays foundation for screening and cloning new and specific genes of schistosomiasis.

Effects of pioglitazone on expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in kidneys of diabetic rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The changes in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expressions were examined in the kidneys of diabetic rats to investigate the degradative pathway of collagen type IV (C-IV) and the protective effects of pioglitazone on an experimental model of diabetic nephropathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In 54 SD rats used in our study, 18 served as normal controls. Diabetes mellitus was induced in 36 age- and weight-matched rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg); 18 of the diabetic rats were allocated at random to receive pioglitazone [20 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)] in their drinking water and 18 served as diabetic controls. Rats were killed after 2, 4, or 8 weeks of treatment. Kidneys were examined pathomorphologically and the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and C-IV were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the results were quantified by image analysis techniques.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Diabetes mellitus was associated with a decrease in the expression of MMP-2 in the glomeruli (P < 0.05, vs control). By contrast, MMP-2 expression in the interstitium increased, but not significantly (P > 0.05, vs control). The expression of MMP-9 did not show any change when comparing the three groups (P > 0.05, vs control). STZ-diabetic rats were also associated with an increase in the expression of C-IV in the glomeruli and the interstitium (P < 0.05, vs control). All diabetes-associated changes in MMP-2 expression were attenuated by pioglitazone treatment in association with reduced C-IV accumulation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results indicate that a decrease in MMP-2 expression in the glomeruli of diabetic rats may lead to impairment of C-IV degradation and contribute to the matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy. Pioglitazone treatment, which can attenuate the decrease of glomerular MMP-2 and the increase of C-IV degradation, has curative effects on diabetic nephropathy.</p>

The diagnostic value of eight serum indices for liver fibrosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to compare the value of platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PCIII), type IVcollagen (C-IV) and laminin (LN) in serum and message RNA (mRNA) expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in peripheral blood mononucleocytes (PBMC) to diagnose liver fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum samples from 60 chronic hepatitis B patients and 20 healthy blood donors were assayed for serum level of PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 with ELISA, and for serum level of HA, PCIII, C-IV and LN, with RIA. The mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in PBMC was detected by RT-PCR. Liver biopsy was performed in all those patients. The biopsy materials were examined histopathologically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Through the analysis by ROC curve, serum PDGF-BB is the most valuable marker, and its sensitivity was the highest among eight indices. The marker with the highest specificity was TIMP-1 mRNA in PBMCs. The area under the curve (AUC) of PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, HA, PCIII, C-IV, LN, TIMP-1 mRNA was 0.985, 0.726, 0.318, 0.728, 0.727, 0.583, 0.463, 0.876, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of combination of PDGF-BB and TIMP-1 mRNA were 97.4%, 95.0%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serum PDGF-BB is the most potential index among eight markers. The combination of serum PDGF-BB and TIMP-1 mRNA in PBMC might be more efficient to screen liver fibrosis.</p>

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 in kidney of diabetic rats / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), transforming growth factor beta(1)(TGF-beta(1)) and IV-collagen (C-IV) in kidneys of diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat diabetic model was induced by streptozotocin (70 mg/kg), and kidneys were examined pathologically and the expressions of MMP- 2, MMP-9, TGF-beta(1) and C-IV were studied by immunohistochemistry. The results were analyzed by imaging quantitative analysis technique.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Immunoreactive MMP-2 and MMP-9 were mainly expressed in the mesangial cells, endothelial cells, parietal layer of Bowman's capsule and tubular cells. The expression of MMP-2 was significantly weaker in the glomeluri of diabetic rats than that of the control animals (P<0.05), while the expression of TGF-beta(1) and C-IV in the glomeluri of diabetic rats was significantly stronger than that of the controls (P%lt;0.05). The expression of MMP-9 didn't show significant different in glomeluri of the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Expression of MMP-2 in glomeluri is decreased in diabetic rats, which may be related to the increased TGF-beta(1) and in turns promote the accumulation of C-IV.</p>

Study on the influence factors of the serum fibrosis markers / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyse the factors which influence the four serum fibrosis markers hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PCIII), laminin (LN) and type IV collagen (CIV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The levels of serum HA, PCIII, LN and CIV were measured by RIA in 141 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), then the patients were divided into two groups according to the serum fibrosis markers, namely consistent group and inconsistent group. the liver biopsy materials were examined pathomorphologically and liver function was detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer, The interior diameters of the portal vein, the spleen vein and the thickness of the spleen were also measured with ultrasonography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>16 patients (14.16%) whose serum fibrosis markers were inconsistent with histological stage of liver fibrosis were found. Their serum fibrosis markers were not correlated with staging of liver fibrosis (P>0.05), but were positively correlated with inflammation grade (x(2)=12.07, P<0.05), at same time, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and globulin (GLB) decreased obviously, from 89.28 U/L +/- 64.25 U/L to 49.31 U/L +/- 26.75 U/L (t=2.45, P<0.05), 66.10 U/L +/- 42.30 U/L to 40.83 U/L +/- 22.40 U/L (t=2.33, P<0.05), 86.26 U/L +/- 70.36 U/L to 48.99 U/L +/- 29.96 U/L (t=2.08, P<0.05) and 32.13 g/L +/- 5.18 g/L to 28.05 g/L +/- 3.47 g/L (t=3.03, P<0.01) respectively. And the level of albumin (ALB) and the ratio of albumin and globulin (A/G) increased evidently, from 42.34 g/L +/- 4.81 g/L to 46.19 g/L +/- 3.61 g/L (t=3.06, P<0.01) and 1.35 +/- 0.28 to 1.63 +/- 0.26 (t=3.70, P<0.01). But the serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), total protein (TP), the width of main portal vein, the width of splenic vein and the thickness of the spleen did not change clearly (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As diagnostic markers, serum fibrosis markers as well as inflammation grade and liver function should be taken into account.</p>

Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in rat liver fibrosis model and the role of IFN-gamma / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in rat liver fibrosis model induced by CCl4 and the role of IFN-gamma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of CCl4. The rats were divided into fibrosis model group, Bie-Jia-Ruan-Gan-Tablet treatment group and IFN-gamma treatment group (0.2 MU.kg.d, i. m. for 12 weeks), and another 10 rats without any treatment were used as normal control. Bcl-2 and Bax proteins expression were detected by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bcl-2 was expressed weakly in the homogenate of hepatocytes and hepatic sinusoid in normal control rats, and it was expressed stronger in fibrous septae, portal area, hepatic sinusoid, the homogenate and membrane of hepatocytes and central vein in fibrosis model rats (3.87%+/-2.37% vs 9.46%+/-4.29%, t=2.83, P<0.05). Bax was expressed slightly in central vein and the hepatic sinusoid around, and it was expressed stronger in the homogenate of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoid, fibrous septae, membrane of hepatocytes and epithelial cells of bile duct (3.50%+/-1.88% vs 9.80%+/-3.75%, t=3.72, P<0.01). Compared with that in fibrosis model rats, the expression of Bax was significantly lower in rats treated with IFN-gamma (9.80%+/-3.75% vs 5.85%+/-2.35%, t=2.98, P<0.01), but the expression of Bcl-2 was not significantly different (t=1.49, P>0.05), however it was significantly lower in fibrous septae in IFN-gamma-treated group than in model group (6.58%+/-4.13% vs 9.46%+/-4.29%, t=2.80, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax increases in liver fibrosis model rats, and IFN-gamma can promote myofibroblasts apoptosis</p>