Determination of Mouth Width for Facial Reconstruction Based on Statistical Regression Model.

INTRODUCTION: It is important to generate predictable statistical models by increasing the number of variables on the human skeletal and soft tissue structures on the face to increase the accuracy of human facial reconstructions. The purpose of this study was to determine mouth width 3-dimensionally based on statistical regression model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography scan data from 130 individuals were used to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of orbital and nasal structures and intercanine width. The correlation between these hard tissue variables and the mouth width was evaluated using the statistical regression model. RESULTS: Orbital width, nasal width, and intercanine width were found to be strong predictors of the mouth width determination and were used to generate the regression formulae to find the most approximate position of the mouth. CONCLUSION: These specific variables may contribute to improving the accuracy of mouth width determination for oral and maxillofacial reconstructions.

Comprehensive metabolic profiling of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important complication of diabetes mellitus and a prevalent blind-causing ophthalmic disease. Despite years of efforts, rapid and accurate diagnosis of DR remains a challenging task. Metabolomics has been used as a diagnostic tool for disease progression and therapy monitoring. In this study, retinal tissues were collected from diabetic mice and age-matched non-diabetic mice. An unbiased metabolic profiling was performed to identify the altered metabolites and metabolic pathways in DR. 311 differential metabolites were identified between diabetic retinas and non-diabetic retinas under the criteria of variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and P < 0.05. These differential metabolites were highly enriched in purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and pantaothenate and CoA biosynthesis. We then evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of purine metabolites as the candidate biomarkers for DR through the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROCs). Compared with other purine metabolites, adenosine, guanine, and inosine had higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for DR prediction. In conclusion, this study sheds new light on the metabolic mechanism of DR, which can facilitate clinical diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of DR in the future.

Application of the Digital Articulator in Surgery-First Approach.

ABSTRACT: Orthognathic surgery with surgery-first concept inevitably leads to an increase in posterior vertical dimension and anterior mandibular movement, causing a relapse. This case report introduces a digital technique for predictable surgical outcome in mandibular setback with the surgery-first orthognathic concept using digital articulator. Intraoral scans and a digital articulator were used to simulate the mandibular position after surgery and to predict postoperative increase in vertical dimension and its expecting forward movement of mandibile. This was incorporated in surgical planning. Sequential cone-beam computed tomography evaluation showed stable condylar position at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Thus, a digital articulator can be used to simulate the surgical outcome and to predict postsurgical increase in vertical dimension for better treatment planning.

[The preliminary research on the gap junction mechanisms for synergistic effects of liuwei di-huang pill containing serum on suicide gene therapy of melanoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the gap junction mechanisms for synergistic effects of liuwei di-huang pill (LDP) containing serum on HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy of mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells. METHODS: The LDP containing serum (2.5% LDP serum group, 5.0% LDP serum group, and 10.0% LDP serum group) and the control serum group were set up. The effects of LDP on mRNA expressions of Cx26 and Cx43 in mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells were detected by RT-PCR assay. The effects of LDP on protein expressions of Cx26 and Cx43 in B16 cells were detected using Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The interference efficiencies of Cx26-309, Cx26-337, Cx26-367, Cx26-2098 SiRNA on Cx26 gene in B16 cells were detected using RT-RCR technique. Cx26-2098 SiRNA, due to the optimal interference efficiency, was chosen to interfere Cx26 gene, and the bystander effect of LDP + HSV-tk/GCV was observed. The effects of the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) inhibitor glycyrrhetinic acid on the killing of LDP + HSV-tk/GCV system to B16 cells were detected by MTT assay. In this experiment, the control serum group, 2.5% LDP serum group, 5. 0% LDP serum group, 10.0% LDP serum group, the control serum combined GCV group, 2.5% LDP serum combined GCV group, 5.0% LDP serum combined GCV group, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV group, 2.5% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group, 5.0% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group were set up. The final concentration of GCV was 20 micromol/L. The final concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid was 50 micromol/L. RESULTS: LDP containing serum could increase the protein and mRNA expressions of Cx43 in B16 cell in a dose-dependent manner. It had bi-directional regulation on the Cx26 protein and mRNA expressions. The low dose LDP had inhibition while high dose LDP could up-regulate its expression. After SiRNA interfered Cx26 gene, there was no obvious change in the bystander effect of LDP combined suicide gene therapy between before and after interference. There was significant reduction in the inhibition rate between before (48.75%, 59.39%, and 69.28%) and after blockage (29.14%, 38.71%, and 58.13%) of glycyrrhetinic acid in the 2. 5%, 5.0%, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV groups (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: The synergistic effects of LDP containing serum on HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy in mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells were correlated with the gap junction mechanisms, which might be achieved through increasing the expressions of Cx26 and Cx43.

Effect of artifact area on cone beam computed tomography scans when integrated with intraoral scans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether integration accuracy increases upon removing artifacts from the registration area when integrating maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and intraoral scans. STUDY DESIGN: Three methods were implemented according to the region of interest (ROI): R0, all teeth included as the registration area (artifacts included); R1, anterior teeth included as the registration area (artifacts in premolars and molars not included); and R2, anterior teeth and second molars included as the registration area (artifacts in premolars and first molars not included). Discrepancies between the 2 images were evaluated by using color-mapping methods. The average surface distance was calculated by measuring the shell/shell deviations for overall discrepancies and 3-dimensional distances between the surface points on the 2 images for registration discrepancies. RESULTS: The R1 method showed more discrepancies between the CBCT and intraoral scans compared with the other 2 methods. The R2 method showed smaller overall discrepancy values compared with the R1 method. Most CBCT artifacts were located in the posterior area. Registration discrepancies were greatest in the x-dimension. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that intraoral and CBCT scans might be integrated by using a registration method that involves exclusion of artifacts and inclusion of the second molar on both sides.

Suppression of pathological ocular neovascularization by a small molecule, SU1498.

Selective inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), particularly VEGFR-2, is an efficient method for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. SU1498 is a specific inhibitor of VEGFR-2. In this study, we investigated the role of SU1498 in ocular neovascularization. Administration of SU1498 did not show any cytotoxicity and tissue toxicity at the tested concentrations. Administration of SU1498 reduced the size and thickness of choroidal neovascularization and decreased the mean length and mean number of corneal neovascular vessels induced by alkali burn. Pretreatment of SU1498 significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of HUVECs. SU1498 played the anti-angiogenic role through the regulation of p38-MAPK signaling. Taken together, inhibition of VEGFR-2 by SU1498 provides a novel therapeutic approach for ocular neovascularization.

Condylar head remodeling compensating for condylar head displacement by orthognathic surgery.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between kind of condylar displacement due to orthognathic surgery and the subsequent adaptive condylar head remodeling. The sample in this retrospective cohort study consisted of 30 patients (12 female and 18 male; mean age 22.7 y) with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). Three-dimensional superimpositions of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan derived images from immediately after and 6 months after surgery were to reveal the type of remodeling, while images from before and immediately after surgery were to identify the type of condylar displacement. Laterally displaced condyles showed bone resorption on the lateral surfaces and deposition on the medial surfaces, whereas the contrary was found in medially displaced condyles. Anteriorly displaced condyles showed resorption on the anterior surfaces and deposition on the posterior surfaces, whereas the contrary was found in posteriorly displaced condyles. Superior surfaces of the condyles showed bone resorption regardless of displacement direction. The results indicate that condylar remodeling patterns (resorption/deposition) are determined by the direction of condylar displacement during surgery. However, condylar displacement by surgery is not completely compensated by condylar head remodeling, especially in case of downward displacement.

Development of Shoelace Tensile Test System Based on Micro Sensors and Reliability Study / 医用生物力学

Objective To design and verify the reliability of a shoelace tensile test system. Methods Incremental loads of 0-196 N were applied to three tension sensors, each load was repeated nine times, with the load removed and interval of 30 s during the repeated tests. Then output voltage of the sensors under each load was collected. Linear regression analysis was used to explore linear relationship between the collected voltage signal and the incremental load. Accuracy, precision and consistency intervals were used to verify consistency of the measured values with the true load. Bland-Altman analysis and intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis were used to verify the repeatability and reliability of the tensile sensor. Results There was a significant linear correlation between output voltage signal of the sensors and the load (P< 0. 000 1, R2= 0. 999 9), and ICC of three sensors was above 0. 999 (P<0. 000 1). The mean values of the coefficients of variation of the measured values for three tensile sensors under different loads were 0. 003 8, 0. 002 2 and 0. 003 5, respectively. Conclusions The shoelace tensile test system has high reliability and can be used for real-time acquisition of shoelace tension.

Short-Term Visual Experience Leads to Potentiation of Spontaneous Activity in Mouse Superior Colliculus / 神经科学通报·英文版

Spontaneous activity in the brain maintains an internal structured pattern that reflects the external environment, which is essential for processing information and developing perception and cognition. An essential prerequisite of spontaneous activity for perception is the ability to reverberate external information, such as by potentiation. Yet its role in the processing of potentiation in mouse superior colliculus (SC) neurons is less studied. Here, we used electrophysiological recording, optogenetics, and drug infusion methods to investigate the mechanism of potentiation in SC neurons. We found that visual experience potentiated SC neurons several minutes later in different developmental stages, and the similarity between spontaneous and visually-evoked activity increased with age. Before eye-opening, activation of retinal ganglion cells that expressed ChR2 also induced the potentiation of spontaneous activity in the mouse SC. Potentiation was dependent on stimulus number and showed feature selectivity for direction and orientation. Optogenetic activation of parvalbumin neurons in the SC attenuated the potentiation induced by visual experience. Furthermore, potentiation in SC neurons was blocked by inhibiting the glutamate transporter GLT1. These results indicated that the potentiation induced by a visual stimulus might play a key role in shaping the internal representation of the environment, and serves as a carrier for short-term memory consolidation.

Comparative study between electroacupuncture at Neima point and Neiguan (PC 6) and epidural nerve block for preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect between electroacupuncture (EA) at Neima point and Neiguan (PC 6) and epidural nerve block for preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with elective radical esophagectomy were randomly divided into a group A, a group B and a control group, 20 cases in each group. The patients in the group A were treated with injection of 20 mL 0.375% ropivacaine at epidural space 30 min before anesthesia induction, followed by normal anesthesia during operation; the patients in the group B were treated with 30 min EA at bilateral Neima point and Neiguan (PC 6) before anesthesia induction, followed by normal anesthesia during operation; the patients in the control group were treated with general anesthesia alone. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was applied for all the patients. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at the following time points: before acupuncture/epidural puncture (T@*RESULTS@#The MAP at T@*CONCLUSION@#The preemptive analgesia of EA at Neima point and Neiguan (PC 6) and epidural nerve block could both provide effective perioperative analgesia for thoracic surgery. The EA could better maintain intraoperative hemodynamics and has less physiological disturbance.

Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan in Enhancing Hepatocarcinoma Suicide Gene Therapy from Cx32 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on connexin 32 (Cx32) in hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 and its gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), and furthermore study its mechanism of enhancing the bystander killing effect of suicide gene therapy. Method: Liuwei Dihuangwan (32 g·kg·d-1) and the same volume of normal saline were given to the rats by intragastrical administration. Blood was taken to prepare the medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan and blank control serum, respectively. The hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 were treated by control serum and medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan in different concentrations. There were four groups in experiment:the blank control group (volume fraction of 10%), medicated serum high dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 10%), medicated serum middle dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 5%), and medicated serum low dose group of Liuwei Dihuangwan (the volume fraction of 2.5%). The expression levels of Cx32 protein and mRNA in hepatoma cell line CBRH7919 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (ⅡA) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay. The fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) method was used to detect the function of GJIC of hepatoma cell line CBRH7919. Result: ① The indirect immunofluorescence assay (ⅡA) analysis indicated that as compared with the blank control group, the cx32 expression of CBRH7919 cells was up-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner in each dose group of the serum containing Liuwei Dihuangwan (PPPPConclusion: The mechanism of medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuangwan in enhancing the bystander killing effect of suicide geneis related to gap junction. Liuwei Dihuangwan may enhance the function of GJIC by increasing the localization of cx32 on the cell membrane of CBRH7919 cells and increasing the expression of cx32 mRNA and protein to achieve the synergistic action.

Induction of apoptosis by evodiamine involves both activation of mitotic arrest and mitotic slippage.

Evodiamine (Evo) is an indole quinazoline alkaloid isolated from the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham. Previous studies have shown that Evo exhibits anti-proliferative anti-tumor activities in several cancer types, but its target(s) and underlying mechanism(s) of action remain unclear. In the present study, we sought to establish a cell synchronization model in order to examine the anti-proliferative and apoptotic mechanisms of Evo in the human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. In addition, we transfected these cells with full-length or non-degradable (ND) cyclinB1 to evaluate the relationship between the induction of apoptosis and activation of mitotic arrest and mitotic slippage by Evo. Our results demonstrated that Evo markedly inhibited cell growth and was cytotoxic to SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, transient Evo treatment (<16 h) caused reversible mitotic arrest, but sustained mitotic arrest was required to initiate apoptosis. The time required to reverse the apoptotic effects of Evo was between 16 and 20 h. We also demonstrated that promotion of mitotic slippage by a CDK1 inhibitor enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of delaying mitotic slippage by overexpressing ND cyclinB1, which delayed apoptosis. In conclusion, these results indicate that Evo-induced apoptosis is associated with mitotic arrest and subsequent mitotic slippage, which may underlie the actions of Evo in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Application Value of Ablation Catheter for Pacemaker Atrial Lead Restoration in Patients With Atrial Lead Dislodgement After Pacemaker Implantation / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the application value of ablation catheter for pacemaker atrial lead restoration in relevant patients. Methods: A total of 6 patients with atrial lead dislodgement after pacemaker implantation were selected for our study. The atrial lead restoration was conducted by using ablation catheter via femoral vein pathway. Results: The average operational time was (15.0 ± 3.7) min which was obviously less than traditional operational time. The position of electrode restoration was ideal with well immobilization. Conclusion: Ablation catheter is feasible for arial lead restoration in patients with atrial lead dislodgement after pacemaker implantation.

[Effect of sinomenine on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappaB in the heterotopic tissue in rats with endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sinomenine on the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and in the heterotopic tissue in rats with endometriosis. METHODS: The rats with endometriosis were divided into sinomenine lavage group, blank control group, model group and danazol group, and the levels of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB in the heterotopic tissues of the rats were detected with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Sinomenine lavage and danazol treatment both significantly decreased the levels of levels of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB in the heterotopic tissues of the rats as compared with the model group (P<0.05), and lesions were significantly smaller in sinomenine lavage group than in danazol group. CONCLUSION: Sinomenine can inhibit the production and activity of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB to suppress the adhesion, implantation, infiltration and growth of the endometrial cells in the rat model of endometriosis.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 3, 4, 11-trihydroxyl modified derivatives of bergenin / 中国天然药物

To synthesize a series of 3-, 4-, and/or 11-trihydroxy modified bergenin derivatives and evaluated their cytotoxic activity in vitro. The phenolic hydroxyl groups of bergenin were protected by benzyl groups with benzyl bromide. Treatment of dibenzyl bergenin with the corresponding acid in the presence of EDC·HCl and DMAP in CH2Cl2, followed by hydrogenation over Pd/C catalysts, afforded derivatives of bergenin esters. All of the target compounds were identified by IR, MS, and (1)H NMR. Twenty-six novel and three known derivatives of bergenin esters were synthesized. Their cytotoxicity values were evaluated by the MTT assay on the inhibition of DU-145 and BGC-823 cells in vitro. Several triply-substituted (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a) and doubly-substituted (8b, 9b) bergenin derivatives exhibited higher cytotoxic activity than bergenin. The result showed that the size of substituents and the lipophilicity of the bergenin esters displayed an important role on their cytotoxic activity.

The Effects of Autologous Skeletal Myoblasts Transplantation on Hurted Vocal Cord of Paralysis / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective The goal of the present experimental study is to investigate effects on the injection of a-dult rabbit autologous skeletal myoblasts into the thyroarytenoid(TA)muscle after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage and traumatic vocal cords .Methods 20 adult New Zealand white rabbits were used for the establishment of an animal model simulating the cut -off of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and the left vocal cord trauma scar for-mation after traumatic damage .Then from the rabbits ,the sternocleidomastoid muscle cells were cultured ,separa-ted and expanded .After 12 weeks ,the 20 animals were randomly divided into group A ,group B with 10 in each group .Group A(myoblast injection group) in the left vocal cord thyroarytenoid muscle injection of myoblasts 0 .3 ml ,the right vocal cord without any treatment served as normal controls ;Group B(saline injection control group) in the left vocal cord thyroarytenoid muscle was injected with normal saline ,the right vocal cord without any treatment as normal controls ,respectively ,were observed after 12 weeks of bilateral thyroarytenoid muscle fiber diameters and vocal cord volumes .Results After 12 weeks ,Group A's left thyroarytenoid muscle injection of bilateral thyroaryten-oid muscle fiber diameter and the vocal volume size was not significantly different (P>0 .05) ,thyroarytenoid muscle fiber diameter and the vocal cord volume on Group B's injected side was significantly smaller than Group A (P<0 .05) .Conclusion The thyroarytenoid muscle injection of autologous myoblasts can effectively treat recurrent la-ryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and traumatic vocal cords .

The preliminary research on the gap junction mechanisms for synergistic effects of liuwei di-huang pill containing serum on suicide gene therapy of melanoma / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the gap junction mechanisms for synergistic effects of liuwei di-huang pill (LDP) containing serum on HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy of mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The LDP containing serum (2.5% LDP serum group, 5.0% LDP serum group, and 10.0% LDP serum group) and the control serum group were set up. The effects of LDP on mRNA expressions of Cx26 and Cx43 in mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells were detected by RT-PCR assay. The effects of LDP on protein expressions of Cx26 and Cx43 in B16 cells were detected using Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The interference efficiencies of Cx26-309, Cx26-337, Cx26-367, Cx26-2098 SiRNA on Cx26 gene in B16 cells were detected using RT-RCR technique. Cx26-2098 SiRNA, due to the optimal interference efficiency, was chosen to interfere Cx26 gene, and the bystander effect of LDP + HSV-tk/GCV was observed. The effects of the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) inhibitor glycyrrhetinic acid on the killing of LDP + HSV-tk/GCV system to B16 cells were detected by MTT assay. In this experiment, the control serum group, 2.5% LDP serum group, 5. 0% LDP serum group, 10.0% LDP serum group, the control serum combined GCV group, 2.5% LDP serum combined GCV group, 5.0% LDP serum combined GCV group, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV group, 2.5% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group, 5.0% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV + glycyrrhetinic acid group were set up. The final concentration of GCV was 20 micromol/L. The final concentration of glycyrrhetinic acid was 50 micromol/L.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LDP containing serum could increase the protein and mRNA expressions of Cx43 in B16 cell in a dose-dependent manner. It had bi-directional regulation on the Cx26 protein and mRNA expressions. The low dose LDP had inhibition while high dose LDP could up-regulate its expression. After SiRNA interfered Cx26 gene, there was no obvious change in the bystander effect of LDP combined suicide gene therapy between before and after interference. There was significant reduction in the inhibition rate between before (48.75%, 59.39%, and 69.28%) and after blockage (29.14%, 38.71%, and 58.13%) of glycyrrhetinic acid in the 2. 5%, 5.0%, 10.0% LDP serum combined GCV groups (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The synergistic effects of LDP containing serum on HSV-tk/GCV suicide gene therapy in mouse malignant melanoma B16 cells were correlated with the gap junction mechanisms, which might be achieved through increasing the expressions of Cx26 and Cx43.</p>

Effects of maternal deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy on pulmonary development and SP-A expression in newborn rats / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study examined the effects of maternal deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy on pulmonary development and protein A (SP-A) expression in newborn rats in order to explore the possible mechanism of lung developmental disorders.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six adult Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned into two groups: control and study (n=18). The study and the control groups were fed with fodder containing folic acid or not respectively. Two weeks later, the female rats in the two groups copulated with normal male rats. Newborn rats were sacrificed at 1, 7 and 14 days after birth (8 pups at each time point). Lung sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examination. SP-A expression of protein and mRNA were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative RT-PCR, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The newborn rats from the study group showed damaged lung tissue structures. The mean optical density of type II cells with positive expression of SP-A decreased significantly from 1 to 14 days in newborn rats of the study group compared with the control newborn rats (P<0.05). The real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression of lung SP-A mRNA also decreased significantly from 1 to 14 days in newborn rats of the study group compared with control newborn rats (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Maternal deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy can decrease the expression of SP-A in lung tissues of newborn rats, which might lead to the disorder of lung development maturation.</p>

Effect of sinomenine on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor-kappaB in the heterotopic tissue in rats with endometriosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of sinomenine on the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and in the heterotopic tissue in rats with endometriosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rats with endometriosis were divided into sinomenine lavage group, blank control group, model group and danazol group, and the levels of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB in the heterotopic tissues of the rats were detected with immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sinomenine lavage and danazol treatment both significantly decreased the levels of levels of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB in the heterotopic tissues of the rats as compared with the model group (P<0.05), and lesions were significantly smaller in sinomenine lavage group than in danazol group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Sinomenine can inhibit the production and activity of TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB to suppress the adhesion, implantation, infiltration and growth of the endometrial cells in the rat model of endometriosis.</p>

Analysis of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR genetic polymorphism in Chinese Han population / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the genetic polymorphism of DC-SIGN's and DC-SIGNR's neck regions in normal Chinese Han population, and to obtain the genetic data of the two loci in Chinese Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The genotypes and alleles of repeat sequences of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR neck region were typed by PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Polymorphism information content (PIC) of DC-SIGNR was calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DC-SIGN genetic polymorphism was rare. Allele 7 was most and its frequency was 0.9808. 4-, 5-, 6- and 8- alleles were also found, although their frequencies were very low. Caucasians had only 6- and 8- allele mutants; DC-SIGNR genetic polymorphism was high, its PIC was 0.5312, 4-,5-,6-,7-,8-,9- alleles and 16 genotypes were found in normal Chinese Han population. The differences of 6/5,7/4,7/5,7/6,7/7,9/5,9/7,9/9 genotypes distribution and 5-,6-,7-,9- alleles frequency between normal Chinese Han population and Caucasian population were all extremely distinct (P<0.01). The inserted mutation seemed more in Chinese Hans than Caucasian population.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR genotypes and alleles distribution in Chinese Han population are significantly different from Caucasian population and with Chinese own population genetic characteristics, compared with Caucasians.</p>