[Development of needle-thread integrative embedding needle].

The needle-thread integrative embedding needle consists of needle handle, needle core, thread, locker and needle guard. The thread is fixed in the core by the locker. With the needle inserted into acupoint, the locker is separated from the thread, while the thread is embedded directly into acupoint, to achieve one acupoint with one needle. This type of thread embedding needle is operated simply and safely without cross infection occurrence, easy to carry.

Short-term effect of 0.01% atropine sulphate eye gel on myopia progression in children.

AIM: To investigate the effect of 0.01% atropine sulphate eye gel on myopia progression and axial elongation in a 6-month treatment in children. METHODS: Totally 185 children aged 6-12y with binocular myopia of 3.0 D or less in both eyes were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The atropine group (n=125) received one drop of 0.01% atropine sulphate eye gel in each eye before bedtime daily. The control group included 60 matched children without drug intervention during the same period. The spherical equivalent and axial length was recorded at baseline and the sixth month of treatment. The efficacy was evaluated by the change of the spherical equivalent and axial length. Adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: The average spherical equivalent and axial length at baseline were not statistically significant between the atropine group (-1.64±0.80 D, 24.13±0.76 mm) and the control group (-1.59±0.94 D, 24.06±0.77 mm, P>0.05). After 6mo, there was significantly difference in the spherical equivalent progression between the atropine and the control group (-0.27±0.33 vs -0.60±0.35 D, P<0.001), with a relative reduction of 55.0% in myopia progression. The increase in axial elongation in the atropine group was significantly less than control group (0.19±0.14 vs 0.26±0.14 mm, P<0.001), with a relative reduction of 26.9% in axial length. The 84.4% and 38.4% of the eyes progressed by less than 0.50 D and remained stable in the atropine group, compared with 51.7% and 4.2% in the control group. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Atropine sulphate eye gel 0.01% can slow down myopia progression and axial elongation in children with a 6-month treatment.

[International standard ISO 22236 Traditional Chinese medicine-Thread-embedding acupuncture needle for single use: experience and recommendation].

The ISO 22236 Traditional Chinese medicine-Thread-embedding acupuncture needle for single use, as the first international standard (IS) in acupoint thread-embedding field, has been officially published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2020. The background of its development, difficulties and countermeasures in the process of development were reviewed, and the experience of standard development was summarized, aiming to provide methods and references for future IS development of acupuncture and moxibustion instruments. It is suggested that strengthening the discourse power in the process of IS development, increasing the compound talents cultivation for IS, valuing the importance of enterprises in the development of IS, and creating an advantageous environment for the development of IS are the keys to improve the level of standardization of acupuncture and moxibustion instruments and play a more important role in the IS development.

Dexmedetomidine pretreatment protects the heart against apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats by activating PI3K/Akt signaling in vivo and in vitro.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) exerts cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this cardioprotective effect in diabetic rats are still not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardioprotective mechanism of DEX pretreatment on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats. A total of 25 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were equally randomized into five groups: i) Sham, ii) DEX (100 µg/kg); iii) myocardial I/R; iv) myocardial I/R+DEX (10 µg/kg); and v) myocardial I/R+DEX (100 µg/kg) groups. Primary cardiomyocytes were cultured in DEX for 1 h, and then oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/R for 36 h. These results showed that pretreatment with DEX significantly decreased the I/R-induced size of the myocardial infarction, structural damage, morphological changes and apoptosis in myocardial cells, as well as levels of creatinine kinase, malondialdehyde and cardiac troponin I, and increased the I/R-induced superoxide dismutase activity in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis revealed that DEX pretreatment significantly increased the I/R-induced expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (pPI3K) and pAkt, and significantly decreased those of pBcl-2 associated agonist of cell death, Bcl-2-associated X protein and cleaved caspase 3 in vivo and in vitro. In addition, all of these cardioprotective effects of DEX were reversed by yohimbine and LY294002 pretreatment. These results suggested that DEX pretreatment may activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in an α2 adrenoceptor-dependent manner. DEX pretreatment may exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats through the I/R-induced inhibition of cell apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Genistein inhibits Ang II-induced CRP and MMP-9 generations via the ER-p38/ERK1/2-PPARγ-NF-κB signaling pathway in rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

AIMS: C-reactive protein (CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 are involved in the inflammation of atherosclerosis lesions. Genistein (Gen) has been demonstrated to exert beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. However, it remains unclear whether Gen produces anti-inflammatory effect in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore, we investigated the effects of Gen on CRP and MMP-9 expressions induced by angiotensin (Ang) II in VSMCs and the related molecular mechanism. MAIN METHODS: Rat VSMCs were cultured, and Ang II was used as a stimulant for CRP and MMP-9 expressions. CRP level was measured by ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of related indexes were identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Gen inhibited Ang II-stimulated CRP and MMP-9 mRNA and protein expressions in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Additionally, Gen ameliorated Ang II-induced p-ERK1/2, p-p38 and NF-κB expressions, antagonized Ang II-downregulated peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR) γ and estrogen receptor (ER) ß expressions. After treating the VSMCs with GW9662 or ICI182780 in Gen treated groups, inhibitory effect of Gen on CRP and MMP-9 expressions were antagonized in Ang II-stimulated VSMCs. The treatment of VSMCs with ICI182780 abolished downregulations of p-p38/p-ERK1/2, and antagonized upregulation of PPARγ by Gen in Ang II-stimulated VSMCs. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of Gen on Ang II-stimulated NF-κB expression was abolished after preincubation of VSMCs with GW9662 in Gen treated groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Gen exerts anti-inflammatory property via the ER-p38/ERK1/2-PPARγ-NF-κB-CRP/MMP-9 signal pathway in Ang II-stimulated VSMCs.

Meta-analysis of the association between three microRNA polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three microRNAs (miRNAs), rs2910164 in miR-146a, rs11614913 in miR-196a2, and rs3746444 in miR-499, have been associated with breast cancer (BC) susceptibility, but the evidence is conflicting. To obtain a more robust assessment of the association between these miRNA variants and BC risk, we carried out a meta-analysis through systematic literature retrieval from the PubMed and Embase databases. A total of 9 case-control studies on rs2910164, 12 on rs11614913, and 7 on rs3746444 were included. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate associations with BC risk. Overall analysis showed that rs2910164 was not associated with BC susceptibility in any genetic model, whereas rs11614913 was associated with a decreased risk in both the allelic contrast and recessive models, and rs3746444 imparted an increased risk in all genetic models. Stratified analyses showed that rs11614913 may decrease the risk of BC in the heterozygote model in Asians, and in all genetic models, except the heterozygote model, when the sample size is ≥ 500. Subgroup analysis indicated that rs3746444 was associated with increased risk of BC in Asians, but not Caucasians, at all sample sizes. This meta-analysis suggests that rs11614913 in miR-196a2 may decrease the risk of BC, while rs3746444 in miR-499 may increase it, especially in Asians when the sample size is large. We propose that rs11614913(C > T) and rs3746444 (A > G) may be useful biomarkers predictive of BC risk.

Is adjuvant chemotherapy necessary for patients with microinvasive breast cancer after surgery?

OBJECTIVE: Survival and treatment of patients with microinvasive breast cancer (MIBC) remain controversial. In this paper, we evaluated whether adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary for patients with MIBC to identify risk factors influencing its prognosis and decide the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 108 patients with MIBC were recruited according to seventh edition of the staging manual of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The subjects were divided into chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy groups. We compared the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates between groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors related to prognosis for patients with MIBC using univariate and multivariate analyses. We also evaluated the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognostic factors by subgroup analysis after median follow-up time of 33 months (13-104 months). RESULTS: The 5-year DFS and OS rates for the chemotherapy group were 93.7% and 97.5%, whereas those for the non-chemotherapy group were 89.7% and 100%. RESULTS indicate that 5-year DFS was superior, but OS was inferior, in the former group compared with the latter group. However, no statistical significance was observed in the 5-year DFS (P=0.223) or OS (P=0.530) rate of the two groups. Most relevant poor-prognostic factors were Ki-67 overexpression and negative hormonal receptors. Cumulative survival was 98.2% vs. 86.5% between low Ki-67 (≤20%) and high Ki-67 (>20%). The hazard ratio of patients with high Ki-67 was 16.585 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.969-139.724; P=0.010]. Meanwhile, ER(-)/PR(-) patients with MIBC had cumulative survival of 79.3% compared with 97.5% for ER(+) or PR(+) patients with MIBC. The hazard ratio for ER(-)/PR(-) patients with MIBC was 19.149 (95% CI, 3.702-99.057; P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that chemotherapy could improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients (P=0.014), but not those who overexpress Ki-67 (P=0.105). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MIBC who overexpress Ki-67 and with negative hormonal receptors have relatively substantial risk of relapse within the first five years after surgery. However, adjuvant chemotherapy can only improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients, but not those who overexpress Ki-67. Further studies with prolonged follow-up of large cohorts are recommended to assess the prognostic significance and treatment of this lesion.

[Effects of controllable dynamic inhaled exposure of moxa smoke on LDL-r, ICAM-1 and morphology of heart tissue in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of lipid metabolism and vascular endothelium as well as morphology of heart tissue in rats who were long-time exposed to moxa smoke with different concentrations in order to provide reference for safety assessment of moxa smoke on cardiovascular system. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a low-concentration group, a median-concentration group and a high-concentration group, 42 rats in each one. The rats were exposed to moxa smoke with concentration of 0%, 10%, 40% and 70%, respectively, for 20 min per day. After continuous intervention for six months, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the level of low density lipoprotein-receptor (LDL-r) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in blood serum in each group; the slices of heart tissue were stained with hematoxylin-eosin staining method to observe morphology change of heart tissue. RESULTS: (1) After the intervention of moxa smoke, the levels of LDL-r and ICAM-1 in the low-concentration group were not statistically different from those in the control group (both P > 0.05); the level of LDL-r in the median-concentration group was significantly increased, which was statistically different from that in the control group [(3.87 +/- 0.27) mg/mL vs (2.12 +/- 0.13) mg/mL, P < 0.01], however, the content of ICAM-1 was not obviously changed; although the level of LDL-r in the high-concentration group was presented with an escalating trend, it was not statistically different from that in the control group (P > 0.05) while the level of ICAM-1 was obviously increased (P < 0.01). (2) Under the light microscope, the abnormalities of cardiac muscle fibers and myocardial cell in each group were not been observed. CONCLUSION: The long-time intervention of low-concentration moxa smoke has no significant effects on lipid metabolism and vascular endothelium of rats, indicating that clinical application of low-concentration moxa smoke is relatively safe. The long-time intervention of moderate-concentration moxa smoke could significantly increase the clearance rate of cholesterol, implying the beneficial regulation of moxa smoke on lipid metabolism. The high-concentration moxa smoke could induce certain damage to vascular endothelium but its mechanism is in need of further research. The pathologic change of heart tissue could not be induced by moxa smoke with any concentration.

Significance of thrombocytosis in clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the relationship between thrombocytosis and clinical features of gastric cancer focussing on platelet counts and gastric cancer progression through different TNM stages. METHODS: According to the normal range of platelet count in our institution, 1,596 patients were divided to two groups: a thrombocytosis group (120 patients, >400?1000/µL) and a control group (1,476 patients, ≤400?1000/µL). RESULTS: The incidence of thrombocytosis was 7.5%. Higher platelet counts were observed in patients with older age, larger tumor size, deeper invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and advanced TNM stage. In multivariate logistic regression, tumor size, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage were independent risk factors for thrombocytosis of gastric cancer patients. On prognostic analysis, age, tumor size, tumor location, histologic type, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and TNM stage and platelet count were important factors. Tumor size, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and the platelet count were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Thrombocytosis is associated with clinical features of gastric cancer patients and correlates with a poor prognosis.

[Effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe on expression of desmin and CD2AP proteins in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats: an experimental research].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe (QTR) on the expression of desmin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats. METHODS: The adriamycin-induced nephropathy rat model was induced by a disposable intravenous injection of adriamycin. The model was successfully established after 3 weeks. Rats were then randomly divided into the blank control group (Group A, n =12), the model control group (Group B, n = 8), the small, medium, large dose QTR group (Group C, n = 8; Group D, n = 8; Group E, n = 8), and the positive control group (Group F, n = 8). From the fourth week normal saline was given to rats in Group A and Group B, QTR 1.0 g/mL, 2.1 g/mL, and 4.2 g/mL was respectively administered to those in Group C, D, and E. Prednisone 25 mg/kg was given to rats in Group F. All medication was performed by gastrogavage at 10 mL/kg, once daily, for 28 successive days. 24-h urinary protein excretion and sera biochemical indices were determined during medication. At the end of the experiment, ultrastructure was observed, mRNA expression of desmin, mRNA and protein of CD2AP were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: (1) Compared with Group B, 24-h urinary protein excretion significantly decreased in Group C, D, E, and F (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with Group B, Alb in Group C, D, and E increased (P < 0.05) and TC significantly decreased (P < 0.05). TG significantly increased in Group F (P < 0.05). (3) Results of electron microscope showed, compared with Group B, the morphology of foot cells was improved to various degrees in Groups D, E, and F, especially the foot process structure and the number of foot processes were significantly improved, which was more obviously shown in Group D and Group E. (4) mRNA expression of desmin, mRNA and protein of CD2AP increased in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats (P < 0.05). After intervention, when compared with Group B, mRNA expression of desmin and CD2AP were significantly lower in Group C, D, E, and F (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with Group A, expression of desmin and CD2AP significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, the expression of desmin protein were obviously lower in Group C, D, E, and F, and the protein expression of desmin obviously decreased in Group D, E, and F (P < 0.05). The protein expression of desmin and CD2AP gradually decreased in Group C, D, and E (P < 0.05). Compared with Group F, the expression of CD2AP protein obviously increased in Group C and D (P < 0.05); the expression of CD2AP protein obviously decreased in Group E (P < 0.05); the expression of desmin protein was higher in Group C, D, and E (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QTR's therapeutic effect on adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats might be achieved through altered expression of desmin and CD2AP.

Cervical cancer cells with positive Sox2 expression exhibit the properties of cancer stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Although Sox2 expression has been found in several types of cancer, it has not yet been used to identify or isolate CSCs in somatic carcinoma. METHODS: SiHa and C33A cells stably transfected with a plasmid containing human Sox2 transcriptional elements driving the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter were sorted into the Sox2-positive and the Sox2-negative populations by FACS, and Sox2 expression was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The differentiation, self-renewal and tumor formation abilities, as well as the expression of the stemness and the EMT related genes of the Sox2-positive and the Sox2-negative cervical cancer cells were characterized in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: A pSox2/EGFP system was used to separate the Sox2-positive and the Sox2-negative cells from cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa and C33A cells. Compared with the Sox2-negative cells, the Sox2-positive SiHa and C33A cells exhibited greater capacities for self-renewal, differentiation and tumor formation. Furthermore, Sox2-positive SiHa and C33A cells expressed higher levels of stemness-related genes, such as Sox2/Bmi-1/Oct4/ALDH1, and EMT-related genes, such as vimentin/snail/ß-catenin. Taken together, all these results indicated that cells expressing endogenous Sox2 are CSCs in cervical carcinomas. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to establish a functional link between endogenous Sox2 expression and CSCs in cervical carcinomas. Additionally, this study demonstrated that it is feasible to develop a tool to isolate CSCs from somatic tumors based on the expression of the endogenous nuclear protein Sox2 instead of cell surface markers.

Influence of the gastrointestinal microflora and efflux transporters on the absorption of scutellarin and scutellarein.

Scutellarin (SG) and its aglycone, Scutellarein (S), are flavonoids of therapeutic cardiocerebrovascular disease. SG was hydrolyzed by bacterial enzyme into S which was absorbed in the intestine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the microflora in the intestinal lumen and the efflux transporter of intestinal epithelial cells on the absorption process of SG and S. After oral administration of antibiotics in Sprague-Dawley rats, the reduced bacterial enzyme formation significantly hinders the absorption of SG, whereas scarcely that of S. The absorption study in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion revealed that S could be absorbed throughout the intestine of rats. The effective intestinal permeability of S in the jejunum was much lower than in the other sections of the GI tract. The efflux transporter promoted SG secretion into lumen from enterocytes, which hindered the absorption of both SG and S into the bloodstream. The efflux transporter protein inhibitor (verapamil, probenecid and reserpine) remarkably enhanced the absorption of S and the bioconversion of S into SG in both the rat intestine and Caco-2-monolayer models.

Effects and mechanisms of the functional parts of Dahuang Zhechong pill containing serum on platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effects and mechanisms of three functional parts of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DHZCP), including drugs with the function of removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation (FP-I), drugs with the function of expelling heat and moistening dryness (FP-II), and drugs with the function of nourishing yin and replenishing blood (FP-III) of DHZCP, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation with the method of serum pharmacology. METHODS: VSMCs proliferation of rat was assayed by measuring the cell viability with the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method. Cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry. Expression of cyclin D1, p27, PKCα, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) was quantified by the Western blotting method. RESULTS: The FP-I and FP-III containing serum was capable of inhibiting PDGF-stimulated proliferation and DNA synthesis of VSMCs, arrested VSMCs in G phase, downregulated cyclin D1, and upregulated p27 expression (P <0.01 or P <0.05). The FP-I and FP-III containing serum also inhibited the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of tyrosine of ERK1/2 and PKCα expression (P <0.01 or P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FP-I and FP-III of DHZCP are able to inhibit VSMCs proliferation via interrupting PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling, modulating the expression of cell cycle proteins to result in arresting the cells in G phase. The inhibitory effect is mainly related to the function of removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation, slightly to the function of nourishing yin and replenishing blood, but not to the function of expelling heat and moistening dryness.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits angiotensin II and interleukin-6-induced C-reactive protein production in macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of green tea has been associated with health benefits against multiple diseases including cardiovascular diseases. However, the action mechanisms of green tea and its major ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against cardiovascular diseases are still unclear. Emerging evidence has suggested a common role for C-reactive protein (CRP) in the pathogenesis of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the effect of EGCG on angiotensin II (Ang II)- and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced CRP production in U937 macrophages and the possible mechanisms were observed. METHODS: U937 macrophages were cultured, and Ang II and IL-6 were used as stimulants for generation of CRP. U937 macrophages were preincubated with EGCG at 1, 3, 10 µM for 1 h prior to the stimulation. mRNA expression and protein level were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. ROS production was observed by a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Pretreatment of macrophages with EGCG prior to the stimulation concentration-dependently inhibited Ang II- and IL-6-induced expression of CRP both in protein and mRNA levels. Meanwhile, EGCG reduced Ang II- and IL-6-stimulated generation of ROS in macrophages. CONCLUSION: EGCG is able to inhibit Ang II- and IL-6-stimulated CRP expression in macrophages to produce an anti-inflammation by interfering with ROS generation. The finding is helpful to update understanding of anti-atherosclerotic effects of EGCG.

Rosiglitazone inhibits angiotensin II-induced C-reactive protein production in human aortic endothelial cells through regulating AT(1)-ROS-MAPK signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease. As an inflammatory molecule, C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a direct role in atherogenesis. Our previous study confirmed that angiotensin II (Ang II) is capable of inducing CRP generation in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The present study observed the effect of rosiglitazone on Ang II-induced CRP expression in HAECs and molecular mechanisms. METHODS: HAECs were cultured, and Ang II (10(-6) M) was used as a stimulant for the generation of CRP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). HAECs were preincubated with rosiglitazone at 1, 10, 100 µM for 18 h prior to the stimulation. mRNA and protein expressions were identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. ROS production was observed by a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Pretreatment of HAECs with rosiglitazone prior to Ang II stimulation markedly downregulated Ang II-induced mRNA and protein expressions of CRP (maximal inhibition of 55.2 and 99.1 %, P < 0.001 vs. Ang II alone) and AT(1) (maximal inhibition of 66.4 and 90.5 %, P < 0.001 vs. Ang II alone) in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited Ang II-stimulated ROS production (P < 0.01 vs. Ang II alone), and attenuated Ang II-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK (P < 0.001 vs. Ang II alone). Meanwhile, AT(1) receptor blocker losartan also reduced Ang II-stimulated ROS generation in HAECs (P < 0.001 vs. Ang II alone). CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone at the concentrations used in the present experiment is able to inhibit Ang II-induced CRP generation in HAECs by regulating AT(1)-ROS-MAPK signal pathway. These results strengthen our understanding of the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects of rosiglitazone.

Dahuang zhechong pill containing serum inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by inducing G1 arrest partly via suppressing protein kinase C α-extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of dahuang zhechong pill ( DHZCP) on the cell cycle and the related signal pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) with the method of serum pharmacology. METHODS: DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by detecting 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation with the immunocytochemical method. The cycle of VSMCs was evaluated with flow cytometry. Expressions of cyclin D1, p27, protein kinase Cα (PKCα), and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were quantified by Western blot method. RESULTS: DHZCP containing serum significantly inhibited DNA synthesis of PDGF-stimulated VSMCs, arrested the cells in G G(1) phase, modulated the protein expressions of cyclin D D(1) and p27, and suppressed the activation of PKCα and ERK1/2. CONCLUSION: DHZCP containing serum inhibits VSMCs proliferation via modulating the expressions of cell cycle proteins to arrest the cell in G G(1) phase, which is attributed to, at least in part, suppressing PKCα-ERK1/2 signaling in VSMCs.

Pravastatin inhibits C-reactive protein generation induced by fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: The available evidence indicates that C-reactive protein (CRP) participates directly in atherosclerosis formation as an inflammatory molecule. Our previous investigation suggested that fibrinogen, fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) produce a pro-inflammatory effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through inducing CRP generation. In the present study, we observed the effect of pravastatin on CRP generation induced by fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP in rat VSMCs. METHODS: VSMCs from Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured. Fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP were used as stimulants for CRP generation. VSMCs were preincubated with pravastatin at 10, 30, 100 µM for 30 min prior to stimulation. CRP mRNA expression was studied by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CRP levels in the supernatant of VSMCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRP expression in VSMCs was examined with immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: ELISA analysis showed that the pravastatin concentration-dependently reduced fibrinogen-, fibrin- and FDP-stimulated generation of CRP in VSMCs, with maximal inhibition of 56.6, 55.7 and 62.3%, respectively. Immunocytochemical staining and RT-PCR revealed that pravastatin inhibited protein and mRNA expression of CRP in VSMCs significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Pravastatin at the concentrations used in the present experiment has ability to relieve vascular inflammation and to restrain atherosclerotic processes via inhibiting the CRP production induced by fibrinogen, fibrin and FDP in VSMCs, which helps explain the beneficial effects of pravastatin on atherosclerosis.

Comparison of Cancer Incidence between China and the USA.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of cancer varies around the globe, especially between less-developed and developed regions. The aim of this study is to explore differences in cancer incidence between China and the USA. METHODS: Data were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2008 database. Estimated numbers of new cancer cases in the USA were obtained from the American Cancer Society, while the numbers of cases in China, including those in urban and rural areas, were obtained from 36 cancer registries (2003-2005). Cancer incidence for major sites between China and the USA were analyzed. RESULTS: In China, lung cancer was the predominant type of cancer detected in males; in females, breast cancer was the main type of cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers, such as those of the liver, stomach, and esophagus, were more commonly seen in China than in the USA. A significant difference in the incidence of melanoma of the skin was observed between China and the USA. During comparison of differences in the age-standardized rates by world population (ASRWs) of major cancer sites between the two countries, 4 sites in males (i.e., nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, and liver) and 6 sites in females (i.e., nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and cervix uteri) showed higher cancer incidence rates in China than in the USA. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in cancer incidence sites were found between the two countries. Cancer may be prevented through public education and awareness. Programs to promote cancer prevention in China, especially those of the lung, breast, and gastrointestinal region, must also be implemented.

[Expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase and its correlation with prognosis in breast cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis. METHODS: The expression of IDO, CD31, CD105 proteins in 40 specimens of breast cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The overexpression rate of IDO in breast cancer was 67.5% (27/40), and expression of IDO was closely associated with clinical stage and lymph nodes metastasis. The disease-free survival rate in patients with IDO overexpression was not significantly lower than that in patients with negative or low expression of IDO (P > 0.05). Moreover, the expression of IDO was positively correlated with CD105-labeled microvessel density (r = 0.659, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of IDO is associated with clinical stage and lymph nodes metastasis, and microvessel densitty. IDO expression may promote the growth and metastasis of breast cancer, probably via the increased agiogenesis. A larger sample study is needed to verify whether the prognosis of beast cancer is significantly correlated with IDO expression.