Analysis of components of proteins from Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the components of proteins from Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid using the shotgun method, and to identify the active components with potential regulatory effects for immune dysregulation diseases. Methods The E. granulosus cyst fluid was collected aseptically from the hepatic cysts of patients with cystic echinococcosis, and characterized by liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) following digestion with trypsin. The protein data were searched using the software MaxQuant version 1.6.1.0 and the cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes of the identified proteins were analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) method. Results The E. granulosus cyst fluid separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) had a relative molecular mass of 25 to 70 kDa. LS-MS/MS analysis identified 37 proteins, including 32 known proteins and 5 unknown proteins. At least 4 proteins were preliminarily found to exhibit potential regulatory effects for immune dysregulation diseases, including antigen B, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), thioredoxin peroxidase (TPX) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). GO enrichment analysis showed that the identified proteins had 149 molecular functions and were involved in 341 biological processes. Conclusions E. granulosus cyst fluid has a variety of protein components, and four known proteins are preliminarily identified to be associated with immune dysregulation diseases.

Therapeutic Effect of Spleen Low Molecular Weight Extracts on Leukopenia Caused by Epirubicin in Mice and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of spleen low molecular weight extracts on epileptics hydrochloride-induced leukopenia in mice and explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#The model of leukopenia in mice was established by the injection of epirubicin hydrochloride (10 mg/kg). After the injection of chemotherapeutic drugs, leukocytopenia mice were treated with different doses of spleen low molecular weight extract, Ganoderma oral solution and recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). The general survival status indicators such as body weight, coat color and athletic ability of mice in each group were recorded; the tail vein blood of mice in each group was collected and the white blood cell count in them was calculated; bone marrow of mice was taken and bone marrow smears were observed.@*RESULTS@#In the model group, the weight of the mice gradually decreased in the later period, their coat became dark and rough, and the ability to exercise decreased, while the mice in the treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in their survival status except for the mice treated by rhG-CSF. There was no significant fluctuation in the white blood cell count of the blank control mice. After injection of epirubicin, the white blood cell count of peripheral blood in the model mice and treated mice were decreased. The white blood cell count was lower in the mice treated with high-dose low molecular weight extract and rhG-CSF than that in other experimental groups. Bone marrow smear showed that the proportion of bone marrow nucleated cells in the mice treated with the low molecular weight extract of the spleen was significantly higher than that of model mice (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The low molecular weight spleen extracts can significantly improve the hematopoietic state of mouse bone marrow, promote the proliferation of inhibited bone marrow cells, and thus has the effect of treating leukopenia in mice.

Role of the ES-62 protein derived from Acanthocheilonema viteae in regulation of immune dysregulation diseases: a review / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ES-62 is a phosphorylcholine-containing, 62 kDa glycoprotein derived from the excretory-secretory product of Acanthocheilonema viteae, which is effective for the prevention and treatment of immune dysregulation diseases through triggering activation of immune cells, such as dendritic cells, mononuclear macrophages and regulatory B cells and mediating immune responses. Recently, the role of the ES-62 protein in the management of allergic, autoimmune and metabolic diseases has been paid much attention. This review summarizes the regulatory role of the ES-62 protein in immune dysregulation diseases and the underlying mechanisms, so as to provide insights into future experimental studies.

Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Recipe on Vascular Endothelial Function in Rats with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the changes and benefits of vascular endothelial cell function in rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and the effect of Yiqi Huoxue recipe (YQHXF) of such changes. Method: Rats were randomly divided into blank control group, Qi deficiency and blood stasis group, and YQHXF high and low dose groups (5.54,2.77 g·kg-1). A small platform of water environment was used to make the rats stand for a long-term with irregular and incomplete sleep deprivation, 16 h per day for six weeks, so that both mentality and labor of rats were consumed to establish qi deficiency and blood stasis rat models. From the fifth week, intragastric administration was given for 2 weeks, until end of the experiment. Then levels of endothelin-1(ET-1), von willebrand factor (vWF), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), P-selectin,interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rat plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nitric oxide (NO) was detected by nitrate reductase assay. Result:Compared with blank control group, rats in Qi deficiency and blood stasis group showed rough and dark hair, with significantly decreased body weight and pulse amplitude (PPPα were abnormally increased after sleep deprivation (PPPPPPPConclusion:Sleep deprivation can induce the formation of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in rats, and lead to vascular endothelial dysfunction. YQHXF has the function of protecting the vascular endothelium. It can improve the Qi deficiency and blood stasis symptoms in rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by regulating the secretion of vascular endothelial active substances, reducing cell adhesion and inhibiting inflammation.

Two-photon in vivo imaging of blood brain barrier injury in the ultra-early stage of cerebral ischemic stroke / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two-photon in vivo imaging on detecting the blood brain barrier (BBB) injury in the ultra-early stage of cerebral ischemic stroke. Methods: Twelve clean grade C57BL/6 healthy male mice aged 8-12 weeks were randomly divided into Sham group and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group,which were sham operated or middle cerebral artery occluded,respectively. After 60 min of ischemia,MCAO mice were treated with reperfusion for 30-60 min after the suture being removed. The vessels and the neutrophils of mice in the two groups were labeled intravenously with Alexa-Fluora-488 conjugated dextran and rhodamine 6G,respectively. The integrity of BBB was detected by intravenous injection of tetramethylrhodamine-5-maleimide (TMR). Before and after the stroke,the real-time changes of the fluorescence intensity of the inside and outside cerebral vessels of mice in the MCAO group were observed by two-photon fluorescence microscopy. Results: The fluorescence intensity of TMR in the external cerebrovascular of mice in the MACO group was significantly increased within 30-60 min after stroke (P=0.000),suggesting there existed tracer leakage. Compared with the Sham group,the movement of neutrophils in the blood vessels of mice in the MACO group was significantly slowed down (P=0.000). Conclusion: Two-photon in vivo imaging can be used to detect the BBB injury in the ultra-early stage of cerebral ischemic stroke,which provides a certain reference value for clinical application.

A network pharmacology approach to explore mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu decoction for treatment of cerebral infarction / 中国中药杂志

The point of this study is to explore and investigate mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu decoction for treatment of cerebral infarction (CI) using a network pharmacology approach. First, TCMSP database, DrugBank database and PharmMapper server were used and combined with oral bioavailability and drug analysis to screen the components of Buyang Hanwu decoction and predict the potential targets. Then, Cytoscape 3.5.1 software was used to construct compounds-targets network and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for targets of compounds and CI-related targets and merge the two PPI networks to acquire active targets. Finally, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis of active targets were carried out by DAVID online analysis tool and KOBAS 3.0 software. In total of 150 screened compounds and 232 potential targets were obtained. And in total of 208 active targets were finally determined by merging networks. Results indicated that Buyang Huanwu decoction might have a role in treating CI by regulating some biological processes including response to drug, aging, response to hypoxia, and blood coagulation, and some molecular function, such as protein binding, enzyme binding and serine-type endopeptidase activity. The mechanisms might be concerned with PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway. Among them, the regulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be one of the most crucial mechanisms.

Effects of sleep deprivation induced blood stasis syndrome on platelet activation in rats / 中国中药杂志

Blood stasis syndrome is the pre-state of thrombotic disease. The model of blood stasis syndrome in rats was induced by sleep deprivation to study on effects of blood stasis syndrome on platelet activation. The weight, the color of tongue and hemorheology for the blood stasis syndrome of Chinese medicine were measured after modeling. The release of platelet granules and platelet activation factors in plasma were detected by ELISA kit related indicators to provide experimental basis for platelet function evaluation and related drug effects in syndrome research. The results showed that the weight of the model group rats was significantly lower than that of the normal group (<0.01). The tongue showed a dark purple blood stasis pattern, and the R, G and B values of the tongue surface in model group were significantly lower than those of the normal group (<0.01). The hemorheological parameters including high shear, middle shear and low shear viscosity in whole blood were significantly higher than those in the normal group (<0.01). But plasma viscosity did not change significantly. The release levels of platelet α particles (GMP-140, -TG, PF4) and dense particles (ADP, 5-HT) were significantly higher than those in the normal group (<0.01). The levels of TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF₁α in plasma were significantly higher than those in the normal group (<0.01). The ratios of TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF₂α were also significantly higher than those in the normal group (<0.01). The levels of PAF in plasma in model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (<0.01). It was concluded that platelet functions could be changed induced by sleep deprivationin rats with blood stasis syndrome, and there might be inflammation and endothelial cell dysfunction.

Protective effects of Toona sinensis leaf extract on retinal tissue in rats with hyperlipidemia / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the protective effects of Toona sinensis leaf extract on the retina of rats with high-fat diet and the expression of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax).Methods Together 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (N group),hyperlipidemia model group (HF group) and hyperlipidemia model + toona sinensis leaf extract (HF + TSLE group),and then hyperlipidemia model was induced by fed high-fat diet in the latter two groups;after 8 weeks,the model was confirmed to be successful,and the rats in HF + TSLE group were fed with TSLE solution for 4 weeks continuously,and rats in N group and HF group were given the same dose of physiological saline.At the end of the twelfth week,all rats were followed by the examination of flash electroretinogram (FERG),serum lipid total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).Then,HE staining was performed in the retinas,the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting for the analysis of the correlation between the expression level of apoptotic protein Bax and the abnormal function of FERG.Results In HF group,the content of HDL-C decreased,and the contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were higher than those in N group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).The contents of TC,TG and LDL-C in HF + TSLE group were lower than those in HF group,but the content of HDL-C was significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).The content of HDL-C in HF + TSLE group was lower than that in N group,while the contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were higher than those in N group,and the differences were not statistically significant (all P ＞0.05).The difference of a wave latency between the three groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05),and the latency of a wave in HF group was longer than that in N group,while HF + TSLE group was shorter than HF group,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05),but HF + TSLE group was longer than N group,and the difference was not statistically significant (P ＞ 0.05).Moreover,there was no significant difference in the incubation period of b wave in the three groups (P ＞ 0.05);and there was no significant difference in the amplitude of a wave and b wave in the three groups (all P ＞ 0.05).In addition,HF group had lower expression level of Bcl-2 and overexpression of Bax than N group.The expression level of Bcl-2 increased and Bax expression level decreased significantly in HF + TSLE group,and the expression level of Bax was positively correlated with the latency of a wave and b wave (all P ＜ 0.05),but was not correlated with amplitude of a wave and b wave (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion TSLE has an important role in the retina of rats with abnormal lipid metabolism,and it may play a protective role by regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax.

Determination of 5 nucleosides components in culture of Paecilomyces hepialid by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

The concentration of 5 nucleosides, uracil, uridine, guanidine, adenine and adenosine in culture of Paecilomyces hepialid was determined by the developed method of HPLC. The HPLC method was performed on a Waters SunFire C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) column with methanol-water gradient elution as the mobile phase. The detection wavelength was 260 nm and the colunmn temperature was controlled at 30 °C. The linear range was 10.00-200.00 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9994) for uracil, 10.10-202.00 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9992) for uridine, 10.00-200.00 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9991) for guanidine, 10.30-206.00 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9992) for adenine and 10.45-209.00 mg · L(-1) (r = 0.9991) for adenosine, respectively. The RSD of precision was 0.032%, 0.035%, 0.039%, 0.049%, 0.00080%, respectively. The average recoveries of uracil, guanidine, adenine, and adenosine were 97.34%, 99.10%, 101.6%, 98.61% and 100.2% with RSD of 1.3%, 2.1%, 0.96%, 0.95%, and 1.3% respectively. The method showed high sensitivity, good selectivity, linearity and repeatability, which was suitable for the content analysis of 5 nucleosides components in P. hepialid and its extracts.

Tetramethoxystilbene, a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, suppresses adipogenesis of C3H10T1/2 pluripotent stem cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effects of tetramethoxystilbene, a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, on adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 multi-potent mesenchymal cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vitro cultured C3H10T1/2 cells at full confluence were induced by adipogenic agents (10 µg/ml insulin, 2 µmol/L dexamethasone and 0.5 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) and exposed simultaneously to TMS at the final concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 µg/ml. Oil Red-O staining was used to observe the cell differentiation. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its target genes cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Oil Red-O staining and TG contents revealed that TMS suppressed induced differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. TMS exposure of the cells dose-dependently decreased both mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, a key nuclear transcription factor during adipogenesis, and also lowered the mRNA expressions of PPARγ target genes CD36 and FABP4.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TMS can suppress adipogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells by inhibiting PPARγ</p>

Application of isokinetic muscle testing in identification of the faked paralysis / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the application of isokinetic muscle testing in identification of the faked paralysis to provide scientific data for establishing a standard system of muscle strength in forensic medicine identification.@*METHODS@#Fifty-seven patients with bone fracture or nerve damage as damaged group and 128 normal subjects pretended paralysis as faked paralyzed group were included in this study. Isokinetic muscle testing was performed on bilateral knees of all subjects in the two groups. The peak torque (PT) and peak torque angle (PTA) were compared between both sides in each group. The features of torque-time graph of two groups were classified.@*RESULTS@#In the damaged group, the differences of PT between two sides of flexors and extensors were statistically significant (P<0.05), while the dif- ferences of PTA were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In faked paralyzed group, the differences of PT and PTA between two sides of flexors and extensors were both statistically significant (P<0.05). The torque-time graph of damaged knee presented mostly as single lead peak, while torque-time graph of the faked paralyzed knee presented mostly as multiple peaks.@*CONCLUSION@#The feature of torque-time graph could be useful to identify the faked paralyzed extremities in forensic authentication.

Isokinetic muscle test of normal people's knees in different postures / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the influence of different positions in the isokinetic muscle test of knees by CON-TREX Biomechanical Test and Training System, so as to select the suitable conditions for forensic identification of muscle strength test.@*METHODS@#Fifty-two healthy volunteers joined the isokinetic muscle strength test in unfixed and fixed position, respectively and in two kinds of angular speed (60 degrees/s and 30 degrees/s). The differences of peak torque (PT) and peak torque angle (PTA) between bilateral knee flexor and extensor were statistically analyzed.@*RESULTS@#In the unfixed position, under the two speed, there was statistically significant difference in PT between bilateral knee flexor and extensor (P < 0.05); while in the fixed position, under the two speed, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). In any kind of conditions, the PTA of bilateral knee flexor and extensor did not have statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The position of the subject influences the results of PT. So the position of subject in knees isokinetic muscle test should be regulated.

Location of semen collection and semen quality: clinic-collected versus home-collected samples / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in semen quality between samples collected by masturbation in the clinic and at home.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on the WHO guidelines, we analyzed the ejaculates collected by masturbation in the clinic and at home from 342 men under infertility assessment and measured the contents of such biochemical markers in the seminal plasma as neutral α-glucosidase, zinc, and fructose. According to the location of semen collection, we divided the samples into two groups, clinic-collected and home-collected, and analyzed the differences in the semen parameters between the two groups with the SPSS 16.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the clinic-collected semen, the home-collected samples had significantly higher mean values in semen volume (4.0 vs 4.9%), sperm concentration (41 vs 64 x 10(6)/ml), total sperm count (175 vs 270 x 10(6) per ejaculate), progressive sperm motility (40 vs 52%), total count of progressively motile sperm (82 vs 135 x 10(6) per ejaculate) (all P <0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in normal sperm morphology (4.0 vs 5.0%) and the contents of neutral α-glucosidase (26 vs 24 mU per ejaculate), zinc (8.0 vs 8.0 μmol per ejaculate), and fructose (62 vs 60 μmol per ejaculate) (all P >0.05). Abnormal sperm concentration (<20 x 10(6)/ml) was observed in significantly fewer of the home-collected samples than the clinic-collected ones (18% [62/342] vs 30% [103/342], P<0.05), and so was abnormal progressive sperm motility (<32%) (64% [219/342] vs 75% [256/342], P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings show that semen samples collected by masturbation at home has a higher quality than those collected in the clinic. So the location of semen collection should be taken into consideration in infertility investigation.</p>

Progress in isokinetic technology in testing and training for assessment of muscle function / 法医学杂志

Isokinetic technology in testing and training is the most advanced practical technique in the evaluation of muscle function. This method is a continuous dynamic test in the full range of the joint motion which has strong pertinence at the aspect of assessing muscle strength, and is an objective and quantitative method for reflecting each point's muscle strength in the range of the joint motion. This article reviews the key concepts, brief history of development and influencing factors of isokinetic technology in testing and training, introduces the progress in the field of rehabilitation medicine and sport science, etc., and discusses the future exploration in forensic science.

Identification of origins of marker chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and bacterial artificial chromosome FISH (BAC-FISH) for the diagnosis for patients with marker chromosomes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen patients with marker chromosomes were analyzed with technologies including GTG-banding, Q-banding, multiplex FISH and BAC-FISH.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The marker chromosomes in the 16 patients were verified as der(Y) (2 cases), psu dic(Y) (1 case), psu dic(15) (1 case), dic(15) (1 case), del(Y) (1 case), r(X) (5 cases), i(14 or 22) (2 cases), i(18) (1 case).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FISH and BAC-FISH can both verify the origin of marker chromosomes and provide accurate information for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.</p>

Omeprazole affects clopidogrel efficacy but not ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Omeprazole, usually used in the antiplatelet therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), has been reported to increase ischemic events in retrospective studies. However, other clinical trials gave paradoxical results. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of omeprazole on clopidogrel efficacy and clinical events.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All patients (n = 172) received aspirin (loading dose 300 mg and maintenance dose 100 mg/d) and clopidogrel (loading dose 600 mg and maintenance dose 75 mg/d) during the therapy. They were randomized to receive omeprazole (20 mg/d) or placebo for 30 days. Residual platelet activities in the adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) pathway were detected on the fifth day after PCI with thrombelastography (TEG)-mapping. The clinical events were recorded after one month.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the five levels of platelet activities, the frequency distributions of the inhibition rates were significantly different (P = 0.0062). However, no significant change was seen in the distribution among the highest or the lowest inhibiting levels (> 95% and < 30% inhibition rate). And there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in events incidence, while gastro-intestinal bleeding decreased in co-administration of omeprazole.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Omeprazole significantly blunts clopidogrel efficacy while not exacerbates ischemic events in ACS undergoing PCI. Omeprazole even can decrease gastro-intestinal bleeding in those patients.</p>

Mutation analysis of NF2 gene and clinical investigation in a Chinese family with neurofibromatosis type II / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report a heterozygous RNA-splicing mutation (IVS3+ 3A to C) of NF2 gene in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant neurofibromatosis type II and investigate the relationship between the genotype and phenotype.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The proband with bilateral vestibular schwannomas underwent gamma knife radiosurgery two years earlier. DNA of blood samples from all affected individuals, suspected individuals and unaffected relatives of the family was extracted and amplified to detect the polymorphisms at loci D22S1150 and D22S268 that are linked with the NF2 gene. Two-point LOD score was calculated. The promoter region, 17 exons and exon/intron boundaries of NF2 gene were amplified and sequenced for the proband. The exon 3/intron 3 boundaries of NF2 gene was amplified and sequenced for the other 3 patients, 1 suspected individual, 9 unaffected members of the family and 150 unrelated controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The result of two-point linkage analysis suggested that NF2 gene was a candidate gene (Zmax= 2.109, θ = 0.00, locus D22S1150). DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous splicing mutation in intron 3 (IVS3+ 3A to C) for the proband. Identical mutation was also observed in the other 3 patients and 1 suspected individual. No mutation was found in the 9 normal family members and 150 unrelated controls, which was consistent with the clinical diagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This is the first report of familial neurofibromatosis type II with a splicing mutation of IVS3+ 3A to C of the NF2 gene. The mutation might be responsible for the neurofibromatosis type II in the family.</p>

Grape seed extract inhibits the growth of prostate cancer PC-3 cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on the growth of prostate cancer PC-3 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PC-3 cells were treated with GSE at the concentration of 100, 200 and 300 microg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The the inhibitory effect of GSE on the growth of the PC-3 cells and the kidney cells of SD rats was determined by MTT reduction assay, with primarily cultured kidney cells of 1-3 days old SD rats as the normal control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GSE significantly inhibited the growth of PC-3 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but had only a mild inhibitory effect on the kidney cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GSE inhibits the growth of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and can be used as a new drug for the treatment of prostate cancer.</p>

Statistical analysis of fund sponsored articles in National Journal of Andrology / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the academic level and influence of National Journal of Andrology through statistical analysis for the fund sponsored articles.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Utilizing the information from China Hospital Knowledge Database (CHKD), and adopting bibliometrics methods, we carried on statistical analysis for the fund sponsored articles published on National Journal of Andrology dated from Mar. 2000 to Jun. 2005.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine hundred and fourty-two articles were screened, of which 204 (21.7%) were fund sponsored, and the proportion of the articles supported by various funds, including the funds from national key projects, presented an increasing tendency every year. The authors were distributed among 30 provinces and 6 oversea countries with an average age 37.4 years old, of whom 37.7% got doctor's degree and 38.7% masters degree. The articles involved clinical research were at 28.9%, and basic study and applied study were at 71.1%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The articles supported by various funds in National Journal of Andrology have taken a high percentage, so the journal achieves a fine academic level and social influence.</p>

Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA in adipose cell of intrauterine growth retarded rats and its relation to insulin resistance / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between the expression of turnor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in fat tissue of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats and insulin resistance, and the long-term effects of early different nutritional diet.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The IUGR rat model was established by food restriction of pregnant rats. A total of 32 newborn IUGR rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: IUGR model (S/N) group, IUGR high caloric diet (A) group, IUGR high caloric and high protein diet (B) group, IUGR high protein diet (C) group. Only the mother rats were given those different diets individually, and all IUGR newborn pups were lactated for 3 weeks. From the beginning of the 4(th) week, all IUGR pups were weaned and fed with normal diet till the end of the experiment. Eight normal birth weight newborn rats were used as the control group fed with the normal diet. Weight, perirenal fat weight, fasting glucose and insulin concentration and quantified TNF-alpha mRNA expression in adipose cell were measured at the 48(th) week. The insulin sensitive index (ISI) and the relation index between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight, fat weight/body weight (fw/bw) ratio and ISI were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ISI of IUGR model group, IUGR A and B groups was lower than normal control group, while perirenal fat weight, fw/bw and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in adipose cells were all significantly higher (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in these indexes between IUGR C group and normal control groups (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight and fw/bw (r(1) = 0.755, r(2) = 0.782, P = 0.000). Significant inverse associations between ISI and TNF-alpha mRNA (r = -0.556, P = 0.000) and fw/bw (r = -0.513, P = 0.02) were also found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occurrence of insulin resistance in IUGR rats is possibly associated with central obesity and accumulation of the abdominal fat and adipose cell over-expression of TNF-alpha. The adipose TNF-alpha may be an important pathogenic factor of insulin resistance of IUGR. High protein diet is a reasonable nutritional intervention. Because it promotes the skeleton muscle catch-up growth but not fat catch-up growth, it can avoid the occurrence of central obesity and insulin resistance in IUGR rats.</p>