Effects of the Application of Information Technology to E-Book Learning on Learning Motivation and Effectiveness.

Along with the rapid development of electronic technology, the appeal of information technology to students and teachers in domestic and international information education has become universal. Education-related departments aim to positively cultivate the professional information knowledge and skills of teachers. The use of information technology in instruction allows students to enhance their creativity and learning motivation. A total of 232 college students from Fujian Province participated in the experimental research. The results show the following: (1) the application of information technology to e-book teaching could enhance a sense of achievement of students in self-directed learning, and students could answer test questions in a confidential and relaxed manner; (2) the application of information technology to e-book teaching activates teaching flexibility, and many teaching models, such as teaching by wandering around, interactive teaching, and blended teaching, are therefore derived to enhance the richness of teaching; (3) the application of information technology to e-book teaching bridges the distance between instructors and students and leads to a deeper understanding of learning conditions of students, expanding the possibilities for content planning and teaching models. The results give rise to suggestions enhancing enjoyment in learning and promoting higher motivation and more effective teaching.

Resveratrol inhibits VEGF expression of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through a NF-kappa B-mediated mechanism.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytochemical present in berries, grapes, and wine, has emerged as a promising chemopreventive candidate. The aim of the present study was to determine the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore its mechanism. METHODOLOGY: VEGF protein was detected by western blot, whereas VEGF mRNA expression was investigated by RT-PCR. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Xenograft sections were stained for CD34 to study microvessels in vivo. RESULTS: We found that VEGF protein and mRNA expressions in the cells treated with resveratrol were significantly decreased. The activation of NF-kappa B was also intensely inhibited by resveratrol. Growth of tumours in nude mice was inhibited by resveratrol. Microvessel density was decreased with resveratrol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on VEGF activity may occur partly through suppression of the activation of NF-kappa B in HepG2 cells. Resveratrol also significantly inhibited tumour growth and angiogenesis.

[Resveratrol increases sensitivity of CNE2 cells to chemotherapeutic drugs under hypoxia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the sensitization effects of resveratrol on CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line with hypoxia-induced chemotherapy resistance and the potential mechanism. METHODS: Human CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line was cultured under hypoxic conditions (37 degrees centigrade, 5% CO(2), 2% O(2)) in vitro. The cultured cells were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 48 h. Reversal fold (RF) of reseratrol to chemotherapeutic drugs in CNE2 cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Apoptotic rate of CNE2 cells was observed by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and Western blotting were used to investigate the expressions of multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in CNE2 cells. RESULTS: Resveratrol combined with chemotherapeutics produced a synergistic effect. The RF of 200 micromol/L resveratrol to paclitaxel was 2.58. Combined with paclitaxel, 25, 50, 100 and 200 micromol/L of resveratrol increased the apoptotic rate of CNE2 cells from (22.14+/-1.09)% to (23.24+/-1.37)%, (27.57+/-2.01)%, and (30.36+/-2.31)%, respectively. Resveratrol could down-regulate the expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1 significantly. After being treated with resveratrol at different concentrations separately, the expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1 in CNE2 cells decreased significantly as compared with paclitaxel alone or paclitaxel plus verapamil (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol can enhance the sensitivity of CNE2 cells to chemotherapeutic drugs under hypoxia. The potential mechanism is partly attributed to inhibiting the gene expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1.

Heparanase expression in gallbladder carcinoma and its correlation to prognosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Heparanase is an endo-beta-glucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate and has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. The present study was to analyze the expression of and explore the prognostic value of heparanase and two important transcriptional factors, namely hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and nuclear transcriptional factor kappa B p65 (NF-kappaB p65) in gallbladder cancer. METHODS: Heparanase, HIF-1alpha and NF-kappaB p65 protein levels in 38 patients with gallbladder carcinoma were detected by immunohistochemistry and analyzed for clinicopathological significance. RESULTS: The heparanase, HIF-1alpha and NF-kappaB p65 proteins were found in 24 (63.2%), 13 (34.2%) and 22 (57.9%) specimens, respectively. High heparanase expression was closely related to advanced TNM stage (P = 0.007), depth of tumor invasion (P = 0.016), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.040) and decreased postoperative survival at 3 years (50.0% vs 20.8%, P = 0.001). Both HIF-1alpha and NF-kappaB p65 proteins were correlated with tumor size (P = 0.039 and P = 0.027, respectively) and patients positive for HIF-1alpha expression had a decreased survival rate compared with those negative for HIF-1alpha expression (40.0% vs 15.4%, P = 0.035). In addition, heparanase-positive cases had high expression of NF-kappaB p65 compared with the heparanase-negative cases (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Heparanase and HIF-1alpha are frequently expressed in gallbladder carcinoma and are associated with decreased survival. High expression of heparanase, combined with NF-kappaB p65, may contribute to the highly invasive and metastatic behavior of gallbladder carcinoma.

[Effects of resveratrol on matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in hepatoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of resveratrol on proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 cells and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vitro. METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The effect of resveratrol on proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP-9 protein was identified by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells with dose- and time-dependent effects. Moreover, both MMP-9 mRNA expression and MMP-9 protein production were markedly reduced after resveratrol treatment. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and down-regulate MMP-9 expression. It is presumed that resveratrol may suppress the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries from biliary tract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in general surgery. However, bile duct injury is a rare but still one of the most common complications. These injuries sometimes present variably after primary surgery. Timely detection and appropriate management decrease the morbidity and mortality of the operation. METHODS: Five cases of iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) were managed at the Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University. All the cases who underwent both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy had persistent injury to the biliary tract and were treated accordingly. RESULTS: Recovery of the patients was uneventful. All patients were followed-up at the surgical outpatient department for six months to three years. So far the patients have shown good recovery. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of IBDI it is necessary to perform the operation under the supervision of an experienced surgeon who is specialized in the repair of bile duct injuries, and it is also necessary to detect and treat the injury as soon as possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome.

[Research of beta-elemene interventional treatment on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative effect and mechanism of beta-elemene interventional treatment on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits. METHODS: The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 carcinoma on kidney. Fifty-five rabbits were randomly divided into 11 groups. Rabbits in these groups were administered interventional treatment of normal saline, iodinated oil, mitomycin, 5-fluorouracil, beta-elemene, cisplatin, carboplatin, adriamycin, thiotepa, cyclophopsphamide, and vincristine, respectively. After corresponding intervention, the tumor volume in each group was measured by ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography, and the tumor growth rate (TGR) was calculated. Nenal and hepatic functions of the rabbits in each group were compared 1 day, 7 and 14 days after the interventional treatment. Morphologic change of the tumor was observed by a light microscopy and a transmission electron microscopy 14 days after interventional treatment. The expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured by immunohistochemical straining. RESULTS: There was statistical significance in the effects of different medicines intervened on VX2 kidney transplanted carcinoma. The VX2 carcinoma of rabbits had high-sensitivity to iodized oil embolism, mitomycin, cisplatin and carboplatin, which showed serious damage to the kidney function, medium-sensitivity to beta-elemene, adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil, in which beta-elemene showed slight damage to the kidney function, and resistance to thiotepa, cyclohosphamide and vincristine. Most tumor cells displayed apoptosis in the beta-elemene interventional treatment group under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and only few tumor cells displayed necrosis. The Bax expression was up-regulated (P<0.05) and the Bcl-2 expression had no significant difference (P>0.05) in the beta-elemene interventional treatment group. CONCLUSION: Intervention treatment of beta-elemene has significant effect on VX2 kidney transplanted carcinoma and little side effect on the kidney function. Its mechanism is related to enhancing the apoptosis of tumor cells, and Bax gene participates in this action.

[Radiosensitization of beta-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the radiosensitization of beta-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo. METHODS: The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 carcinoma on kidney. The appropriate dose of beta-elemene infusion via renal artery for further study on radiosensitization was determined. Then fifty-five rabbits were divided into three groups: untreated group, radiation group and radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group. After corresponding intervention for each group, the tumor volume was measured by ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography. The sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of beta-elemene was calculated. The pathological change of tumor tissue in kidney was observed by light microscopy and electron transmission microscopy. The apoptotic index was also examined by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method. RESULTS: The most significant radiosensitivity was observed in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group with 6 Mev X-ray radiation dose of 3 Gy.Fx(-1).d(-1) x 5 d and beta-elemene dose of 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1). The average time delayed for tumor growth was obviously longer in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group than those in the untreated group and radiation group. The SER of beta-elemene was 1.89. The apoptotic index of tumor cells in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group was also significantly higher than those in the untreated group and radiation group. CONCLUSION: The beta-elemene can enhance the effects of irradiation on VX2 carcinoma transplanted to kidney in rabbits in vivo by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.

[Efficacy of modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Fifty-five patients with CTS were divided into three groups, which were modified acupotome group including 26 CTS patients with 28 lesions treated by modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy, traditional acupotome group including 14 CTS patients with 16 lesions treated by traditional acupotome combined with blocking therapy, and blocking therapy group including 15 CTS patients with 15 lesions only treated by local blocking. The treatment outcome and one-year recurrence rate were observed. RESULTS: The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the modified acupotome group were 85.7% (24/28) and 20.8% (5/24) respectively, which had no significant differences as compared with 81.3% (13/16) and 38.5% (5/13) in the traditional acupotome group. The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the above two groups were both improved significantly as compared with those in the blocking therapy group which were 46.7% (7/15) and 85.7% (6/7) respectively. There were no acupotome-related adverse effects and injuries observed in the modified acupotome group. CONCLUSION: The modified acupotome is a considerable treatment method for CTS with respect to its simple manipulation and high effectiveness.

Microcirculation disturbance affects rats with acute severe pancreatitis following lung injury.

AIM: To study the effects of microcirculation disturbance (MD) on rats with acute severe pancreatitis (ASP). METHODS: We developed ASP rat models, and anatomized separately after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h. We took out blood and did hemorrheologic examination and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test, checked up the water content, capillary permeability, and genetic expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in lung tissues, examined the apoptosis degree of blood vessel endothelium while we tested related gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in lung tissues. We did the same examination in control group. RESULTS: The viscosity of total blood and plasma, the hematocrit, and the erythrocyte osmotic fragility were all increased. Fibrinogen was decreased. The water content in lung tissues and capillary permeability were increased. Apoptosis degree of blood vessel endothelium was increased too. ICAM-1 genetic expression moved up after 1 h and reached its peak value after 9 h. CONCLUSION: MD plays an important role in ASP following acute lung injury (ALI). The functional damage of blood vessel endothelium, the apoptosis of capillary vessel endothelium, WBC edging-concentration and the increasing of erythrocyte fragility are the main reasons of ALI.

Effects of emodin and double blood supplies on liver regeneration of reduced size graft liver in rat model.

AIM: To study the influences of emodin and reconstruction of double blood supplies on liver regeneration of reduced size graft liver in rat model. METHODS: A total of 45 SD-SD rat reduced size liver transplantation models were randomly divided into three groups (A-C). The conventional reduced size liver transplantation was performed on rats in group A, while the hepatic artery blood supply was restored in groups B and C. The emodin (1.5 mg/kg/d) was given by intraperitoneal route in group C only. The recipients were killed on the seventh day after the operation. The proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TBil and ALT of serum were detected, and the pathological changes of liver cell were observed. RESULTS: The numbers of the rats that survived in A, B, and C group on the seventh day after operation were 14, 13, 13, respectively. The levels of TBil (31.5+/-5.2 micromol/L, 23.2+/-3.1 micromol/L vs 38.6+/-6.8 micromol/L), and ALT (5 351+/-1 050 nKat, 1300+/-900 nKat vs 5779+/-1202 nKat) in serum in groups B and C were lower than those in group A (P<0.05), while the expression of PCNA in groups B or C was higher than that in group A (22.0+/-3.5%, 28.2+/-4.2% vs 18.6+/-3.2%, P<0.05). The deeper staining nuclei, double nuclei, multi-nuclei and much glycogen were observed in liver cells of groups B and C, especially in group C, while fewer were found in liver cells of group A. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of arterial blood supply is very important for rat liver regeneration after reduced size liver transplantation. Emodin has the effect of promoting liver regeneration and improving liver function in rats after reduced size transplantation. The possible mechanism is improving proliferation of liver cell and protecting liver cells from injury.

Resveratrol prolongs allograft survival after liver transplantation in rats.

AIM: To study the immuno-modulatory effect of resveratrol (RES) on allograft rejection after liver transplantation in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as donors and male Wistar rats as recipients for a rejection model. The recipients were divided into four groups after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). In the RES A, B, and C groups, RES was given intra-peritoneally once a day (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively) after OLTx, whereas in the control group, vehicle buffer was given intra-peritoneally once a day. The survival time, serum chemistry, production of cytokines, activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, and histopathologic findings were then compared among these groups. RESULTS: The mean survival time after OLTx in the RES C group was significantly longer than that in the control group (16.7+/-1.2 d vs 9.3+/-0.6 d, P<0.01). On the 7th post-transplant day the serum albumin level significantly improved in the RES C group, the serum total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, the serum IL-2 and INF-gamma levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, and the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in the RES A, B, and C groups in comparison to those in the control group. On the 7th post-transplant day, a histological examination revealed apparent difference in the severity of rejection between the RES C group and control group. CONCLUSION: RES has an immuno-suppressive property as well as protective effect on hepatocytes under allograft rejection. It might serve as a novel agent for reducing the severity of hepatic allograft rejection in rats.

[Effect of preoperative lymphatic chemotherapy on Bcl-2 and Bax expression in axillary metastasis of breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins and cell apoptosis induced by preoperative lymphatic chemotherapy with epirubicin-activated carbon suspension (Epi-CH) in the cells of axillary metastatic lymph node of breast cancer and investigate the mechanism. METHODS: Sixty patients with breast cancer of stages II-III were randomly divided into two groups. Forty patients in Epi-CH group were injected with 10 mg Epi-CH in the tissue around the primary tumor or biopsy excision 72 h before operation. Twenty patients in the control group were injected with 10 mg epirubicin solution in the same region. The stained lymph nodes full of tumor cells in Epi-CH group and the non-stained nodes in the control group were selected for apoptotic detection by TUNEL method. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined by SP immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The apoptotic index of the metastatic cancer cells in Epi-CH group was increased remarkably in comparison with that in the control group [(9.5+/-2.7) % vs (3.8+/-1.4) %, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were up-regulated significantly in Epi-CH group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), resulting in decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic chemotherapy can promote cell apotosis in axillary metastasis of breast cancer, which may result from decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of resveratrol on experimentally implanted tumor of H22 in Balb/c mice.

AIM: To study the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of resveratrol on experimentally implanted tumor of H22 in Balb/c mice. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) against H22 cells was measured by the radioactivity of ((3)H)TdR assay, mice with H22 tumor were injected with different concentrations of resveratrol, and the inhibitory rates were calculated and IgG contents were determined by single immunodiffusion method. the plaque forming cell (PFC) was measured by improved Cunningham method, the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by cytotoxic assay against L929 cells. RESULTS: Resveratrol 2.5 mg x L(-1), 5.0 mg x L(-1), 10.0 mg x L(-1), 20.0 mg x L(-1) (E:T=10:1, 20:1) promoted the cytotoxicity of Mphi against H22 cells. Resveratrol ip 500 mg x kg(-1), 1 000 mg x kg(-1) and 1,500 mg x kg(-1) could curb the growth of the implanted tumor of H22 in mice. The inhibitory rates were 31.5 %, 45.6 % and 48.7 %, respectively (P<0.05), which could raise the level of serum IgG and PFC response to sheep red blood cell. Resveratrol 1,000 mg x kg(-1) and 1,500 mg x kg(-1) and BCG 200 mg x kg(-1) ip could increase the production of serum TNF-alpha in mice H22 tumor. However, the effect of resveratrol was insignificant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol could inhibit the growth of H22 tumor in Balb/c mice. The antitumor effect of resveratrol might be related to directly inhibiting the growth of H22 cells and indirectly inhibiting its potential effect on nonspecific host immunomodulatory activity.

Effect of resveratrol on cell cycle proteins in murine transplantable liver cancer.

AIM: To study the antitumour activity of resveratrol and its effect on the expression of cell cycle proteins including cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 in transplanted liver cancer of murine. METHODS: Murine transplanted hepatoma H22 model was used to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of resveratrol. Following abdominal administration of resveratrol, the change in tumour size was recorded and the protein expression of cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 in the tumor and adjacent noncancerous liver tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Following treatment of H22 tumour bearing mice with resveratrol at 10 or 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 10 days, the growth of murine transplantable liver cancer was inhibited by 36.3% or 49.3%, respectively. The inhibitory effect was significant compared to that in control group (P<0.05). The level of expression of cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 protein was decreased in the transplantable murine hepatoma 22 treated with resveratrol whereas the expression of cyclin D1 protein did not change. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol exhibits anti-tumour activities on murine hepatoma H22. The underlying anti-tumour mechanism of resveratrol might involve the inhibition of the cell cycle progression by decreasing the expression of cyclinB1 and p34cdc2 protein.

Effect of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages on pro-inflammatory cytokines of rats with acute pancreatitis.

AIM: Proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 play a main role in acute pancreatitis (AP). Cytokine biosynthesis runs through two major signaling pathways at the level of proteins: nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages on cytokines of rats with acute pancreastitis. METHODS: Taurocholate (3% and 5%) at doses of 1 mL/kg was administered into the biliopancreatic duct of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to reduce acute edematous pancreariris (AEP) and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Pancreatic tissues were prepared immediately after death. At this point, blood was obtained for determination of serum amylase and pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha and IL-6. Activated monocytes/macrophages were captured from blood and so were ascites. NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages were measured by immunohistochemistry method. Pancreatic tissue samples were prepared for routine light microscopy, using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: The serum levels of amylase were 3,056.00+/-1,232.35 IU/L and 4,865.12+/-890.34 IU/L at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group, which were significantly higher than those (3,056.00+/-1,232.35 IU/L and 3,187.17+/-821.16 IU/L) (P<0.05, respectively) in AEP group. In ascites the levels were 3.32+/-1.01 g and 3.76+/-1.12 g at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group, which were significantly higher than those (1.43+/-1.02 g and 2.56+/-1.21 g) (P<0.05, respectively) in AEP group. The serum levels of TNF-alpha were 54.27+/-23.48 pg/ml and 67.83+/-22.02 pg/ml in AEP group and 64.28+/-20.79 pg/ml and 106.59+/-43.71 pg/ml in ANP group, and the serum levels of IL-6 were 428.12+/-140.30 pg/ml and 420.13+/-139.40 pg/ml in AEP group and 1,600.32+/-309.78 pg/ml and 2,203.76+/-640.85 pg/ml in ANP group, which were far significantly higher than those in sham group (P<0.001, respectively). The serum level of TNF-alpha 6 hours after establishment of the studied model and that of IL-6 at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group were significantly higher than those in AEP (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.05). In ANP group, the levels of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 6 hours after establishment of the studied model were significantly higher than those 3 hours after establishment of studied model (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). Three and 6 hours after establishment of the model, typical pathological changes of AEP and ANP were found, such as large numbers of inflammatory cells, edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, large amount of ascites. In AEP, NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages were moderately found at 3 and 6 hours after introduction of the model. However, in ANP, the expression of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages was upregulated evidently at 3 and 6 hours after introduction of the model, reaching their highest levels at 6 hours after introduction of the model, which were consistent with the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6. CONCLUSION: Cytokine TNF-alpha and IL-6 play a main role in acute pancreatitis, expression of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages might play a major role in cytokine transcription and biosynthesis.

Effects of Antiadhesion preparation on free fibrinogen and fibrin degrading products in abdominal exudates of rabbits postoperatively.

AIM: To observe effects of ACOL on fibrinogen (FIB), fibrin degrading products (FDP) and changes of FIB and FDP concentration in rabbits with intro-abdominal exudates during 7 d after major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: ACOL group, the control group, DCT group and the normal group. After being modeled, except the normal group, the other 3 groups were treated with different ways for a week; the intro-abdominal exudates of rabbits in the 4 groups were drawn for FIB and FDP measurement once daily during 7 d after major abdominal surgery. RESULTS: FIB and FDP in the intro-abdominal exudates altered in a regular way and ACOL could change the concentration of FIB and FDP in the intra-abdominal exudates after major abdominal surgery. CONCLUSION: ACOL can prevent intestinal adhesion by reducing the concentration of FIB and raising that of FDP in the intro-abdominal exudates after major abdominal surgery.

Anti-hepatoma activity of resveratrol in vitro.

AIM: To study the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol alone and the synergistic effects of resveratrol with 5-FU on the growth of H22 cells line in vitro. METHODS: The number of cells was measured by MTT method the morphological changes of H22 cells were investigated under microscopy and electron microscopy examination. RESULTS: Resveratrol inhibited the growth of hepatoma cells line H22 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, IC50 of the resveratrol on H22 cells was 6.57mg x L(-1),The synergistic anti-tumor effects of resveratrol with 5-FU increased to a greater extent than for H22 cells treated with 5-FU alone (70.2% vs 28.4%) P<0.05 .Under microscope and electron microscope, characteristics of apoptosis such as typical apoptotic bodies were commonly found in tumor cells in the drug-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol can suppresses the growth of H22 cells in vitro,its anti-tumor activity may occur through the induction of apoptosis.

Construction of a regulable gene therapy vector targeting for hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To construct a gene modified hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specific EGFP expression vector regulated by abbreviated cis-acting element of AFP gene. METHODS: The minimal essential DNA segments of AFP gene enhancer and promoter were synthesized through PCR from Genome DNA of HepG2 cells. Gene fragments were then cloned into the multiple cloning site of non-promoter EGFP vector pEGFP-1. Recombinant plasmid was transferred into positive or negative AFP cell lines by means of lipofectamine. The expression of EGFP was tested by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. The effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of EGFP was tested in different concentrations. RESULTS: By the methods of restriction digestion and sequence analyses we confirmed that the length, position and orientation of inserted genes of cis-acting element of AFP were all correct. The transcription of EGFP was under the control of AFP cis-acting element. The expressing EGFP can only been detected in AFP producing hepatoma cells. The expression rate of EGFP in G418 screened cell line was 34.9+/-4.1 %. 48 h after adding 1X10(-7)M retinoic acid, EGFP expression rate was 14.7+/-3.5 %. The activity of AFP gene promoter was significantly suppressed by addition of 1 x 10(-7)M retinoic acid (P<0.05, P=0.003, t=6.488). CONCLUSION: This recombinant expression vector can be used as a gene therapy vector for HCC. The expression of tumor killing gene will be confined within the site of tumor and the activity of which can be regulated by retinoic acid.

Effect of resveratrol and in combination with 5-FU on murine liver cancer.

AIM: To study the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol and in combination with 5-FU on murine liver cancer. METHODS: Transplantable murine hepatoma22 model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of resveratrol (RES) alone or in combination with 5-FU in vivo. H22 cell cycles were analyzed with flow cytometry. RESULTS: Resveratrol could inhibit the growth of murine hepatoma22, after the mice bearing H22 tumor were treated with 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg resveratrol for ten days, and the inhibition rates were 36.3% (n = 10) and 49.3% (n = 9), respectively, which increased obviously compared with that in control group (85+/-22 vs 68+/-17, P<0.01). RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells, and increase the percentage of cells in S phase from 59.1% (n = 9) to 73.5% (n = 9) in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The enhanced inhibition of tumor growth by 5-FU was also observed in hepatoma22 bearing mice when 5-FU was administered in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol. The inhibition rates for 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol were 77.4% and 72.4%, respectively, compared with the group of 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU alone, in which the inhibition rates were 53.4% and 43.8%, respectively (n = 8). There was a statistical significance between the combination group and 5-FU group. CONCLUSION: RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells and enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU on murine hepatoma22 and antagonize its toxicity markedly. These results suggest that resveratrol, as a biochemical modulator to enhance the therapeutic effects of 5-FU, may be potentially useful in cancer chemotherapy.