Lycium chinense Mill improves hypogonadism via anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effect in old aged rat model.

Purpose: To evaluate the pharmacological effects of goji berry (Lycium chinense P. Mill) in an animal model of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).Materials and methods: Thirty 18-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as the LOH aged rat model. Rats were divided into five groups: a control group (n = 6), low concentration goji berry extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), high concentration goji berry extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), low concentration goji berry complex extract group (150 mg/kg/day) (n = 6), and high goji berry complex concentration extract group (300 mg/kg/day) (n = 6). After six weeks of treatment, sperm counts and motility, serum testosterone level, androgen receptor (AR) expression, oxidative stress marker, and apoptotic factors were examined.Results: Goji berry extracts increased testosterone level to 2.07 ± 0.06 pmol/L in the goji berry 150 mg/kg group, 2.39 ± 0.08 pmol/L in the goji berry 300 mg/kg group, 2.97 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 150 mg/kg group, and 3.34 ± 0.04 pmol/L in the goji berry complex 300 mg/kg group compared to 1.86 ± 0.03 pmol/L in the control group, respectively (p < .05). AR expressions were increased in testis tissue significantly but were not significant in prostate tissue.Conclusions: Goji berry might improve LOH by reversing testicular dysfunction via an anti-oxidative stress mechanism without inducing prostate disease.

Molecular evidence for nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane-oxidising bacteria in the Jiaojiang Estuary of the East Sea (China).

Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (N-DAMO) is a recently discovered process linking the global carbon and nitrogen cycles. This process was reported to be mediated by "Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera". To date, M. oxyfera-like bacteria have been detected in a limited number of freshwater habitats, but whether these bacteria occur in estuarine habitats is currently unknown. In this study, the distribution, diversity and abundance of M. oxyfera-like bacteria were studied in the sediment of the Jiaojiang Estuary of the East Sea (China). Both the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and pmoA genes confirmed the occurrence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in the examined estuary. The recovered 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 91.5-97.2 % identity to the 16S rRNA gene of M. oxyfera, and the recovered pmoA gene sequences showed 85.1-95.4 % identity to the pmoA gene of M. oxyfera. Quantitative PCR further confirmed the occurrence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in this estuary, with the abundance varying from 5.80 ± 0.28 × 10(4) to 8.35 ± 0.52 × 10(7) copies g (dry weight)(-1). Correlation analysis indicated that the sediment organic content was the most important factor affecting the distribution of M. oxyfera-like bacterial communities in the examined sediments among the environmental factors investigated. This study demonstrated for the first time the existence of M. oxyfera-like bacteria in an estuarine environment and showed the correlations between the distribution of these bacteria and the estuarine environmental conditions.

Autoimmune encephalitis with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuroimaging-based syndrome and is associated with multifocal vasogenic cerebral edema. Patients with PRES frequently demonstrate headache, seizure, encephalopathy, altered mental function, visual loss and so on. We here report a patient who showed persistent neurologic deficits after PRES and was ultimately diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis (AE). CASE SUMMARY: This case exhibits a rare imaging manifestation of anti-casper 2 encephalitis which was initially well-matched with PRES and associated vasogenic edema. CONCLUSION: AE should be further considered when the etiology, clinical manifestations, and course of PRES are atypical.

Changes in Plasma Amyloid-β Level and Their Relationship With White Matter Microstructure in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the changes in plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) level and their relationship with white matter microstructure in the patients with amnesic mild cognitive impairment(aMCI) and vascular mild cognitive impairment (vMCI).Methods A total of 36 aMCI patients,20 vMCI patients,and 34 sex and age matched healthy controls (HC) in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were enrolled in this study.Neuropsychological scales,including the Mini-Mental State Examination,the Montreal Cognitive Assessment,and the Activity of Daily Living Scale,were employed to assess the participants.Plasma samples of all the participants were collected for the measurement of Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels.All the participants underwent magnetic resonance scanning to obtain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data.The DTI indexes of 48 white matter regions of each individual were measured (based on the ICBM-DTI-81 white-matter labels atlas developed by Johns Hopkins University),including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD).The cognitive function,plasma Aβ42,Aβ40,and Aβ42/40 levels,and DTI index were compared among the three groups.The correlations between the plasma Aβ42/40 levels and DTI index of aMCI and vMCI patients were analyzed.Results The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores of aMCI and vMCI groups were lower than those of the HC group (all P<0.001).There was no significant difference in the Activity of Daily Living Scale score among the three groups (P=0.654).The plasma Aβ42 level showed no significant difference among the three groups (P=0.227).The plasma Aβ40 level in the vMCI group was higher than that in the HC group (P=0.014),while it showed no significant difference between aMCI and HC groups (P=1.000).The plasma Aβ42/40 levels in aMCI and vMCI groups showed no significant differences from that in the HC group (P=1.000,P=0.105),while the plasma Aβ42/40 level was lower in the vMCI group than in the aMCI group (P=0.016).The FA value of the left anterior limb of internal capsule in the vMCI group was lower than those in HC and aMCI groups (all P=0.001).The MD values of the left superior corona radiata,left external capsule,left cingulum (cingulate gyrus),and left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus in the vMCI group were higher than those in HC (P=0.024,P=0.001,P=0.003,P<0.001) and aMCI (P=0.015,P=0.004,P=0.019,P=0.001) groups,while the MD values of the right posterior limb of internal capsule (P=0.005,P=0.001) and left cingulum (hippocampus) (P=0.017,P=0.031) in the aMCI and vMCI groups were higher than those in the HC group.In the aMCI group,plasma Aβ42/40 level was positively correlated with FA of left posterior limb of internal capsule (r=0.403,P=0.015) and negatively correlated with MD of the right fonix (r=-0.395,P=0.017).In the vMCI group,plasma Aβ42/40 level was positively correlated with FA of the right superior cerebellar peduncle and the right anterior limb of internal capsule (r=0.575,P=0.008;r=0.639,P=0.002),while it was negatively correlated with MD of the right superior cerebellar peduncle and the right anterior limb of internal capsule (r=-0.558,P=0.011;r=-0.626,P=0.003).Conclusions Plasma Aβ levels vary differently in the patients with aMCI and vMCI.The white matter regions of impaired microstructural integrity differ in the patients with different dementia types in the early stage.The plasma Aβ levels in the patients with aMCI and vMCI are associated with the structural integrity of white matter,and there is regional specificity between them.

Effects of Next-Generation Low-Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Diabetes.

PURPOSE: Gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have been investigated as treatments for refractory erectile dysfunction (ED), but inconclusive evidence has been obtained. We investigated the effect of a next-generation electromagnetic cylinder ESWT device on an animal model of ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced rats were divided into 3 groups: group 1, control; group 2, DM; and group 3, DM+ESWT. Rats were treated with ESWT 3 times a week for 2 weeks. After the treatment course, intracavernous pressure was measured and the corpus cavernosum and cavernous nerve were evaluated. RESULTS: In the DM group, all parameters predicted to be significantly lower in the ED model had statistically significantly decreased (p<0.01). As a measurement of erectile function, intracavernous pressure was evaluated. The DM+ESWT group exhibited significantly restored erectile function compared to the DM group (p<0.05). Moreover, ESWT treatment restored smooth muscle content, as assessed by Masson's trichrome staining (p<0.05). Finally, corporal tissue and the dorsal nerve were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. After ESWT treatment, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression levels were restored to levels in the DM group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic cylinder ESWT device resulted in increased VEGF, nNOS, and eNOS expression; reduced smooth muscle atrophy; and increased endothelial cell regeneration in a DM-associated ED model. Our data suggest that safe and effective application could be possible in future clinical studies.

Association of adiponectin gene polymorphisms and additional gene-gene interaction with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the Chinese Han population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin gene and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as the impact of the interaction of multiple SNPs on NAFLD risk, based on a Chinese population study. METHODS: A total of 612 subjects (411 male, 201 female) were selected, including 302 NAFLD patients and 310 controls. Three SNPs were selected for genotyping in the case-control study: rs266729, rs822393, and rs1501299. A logistic regression model was used to examine the interaction between the SNPs and NAFLD. The odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were calculated. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was employed to analyze the interaction among SNPs. RESULTS: Logistic analysis showed a significant association between genotypes of variants in rs266729 and rs822393 and increased NAFLD risk. The carriers of the homozygous mutant of two SNP polymorphisms revealed increased NAFLD risk compared to those with wild-type homozygotes; ORs (95 % CI) were 1.31 (1.14-1.81) (p = 0.001) and 1.18 (1.05-1.71) (p = 0.005), respectively. There was a significant two-locus model (p = 0.0010) involving rs266729 and rs822393, indicating a potential gene-gene interaction between rs266729 and rs822393. Overall, the two-locus models had a cross-validation consistency of 10 and testing accuracy of 62.17 %. Subjects with the CG or GG and CT or TT genotype have the highest NAFLD risk compared to subjects with the CC-CC genotype; the OR (95 % CI) was 2.52 (1.31-3.82), p < 0.001, after covariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support an important association of the rs266729 (-11377 G/C) and rs822393 (-4522 C/T) polymorphism with increased risk of NAFLD. The interaction analysis showed a combined effect of rs266729 and rs822393 on NAFLD.

Standardized endoscopic evaluation and treatment of early gastric cancer / 中国实用外科杂志

Endoscopic resection is becoming the preferred primary treatment for early gastric cancer with a low incidence of lymph node metastasis. There have been published guidelines and consensus on the standardized endoscopic diagnosis and treatment in recent years. As part of the standardized endoscopic process, risk stratification regarding gastric cancer should be performed prior to gastroscopy. This is followed by a systematic gastroscopic mapping. The pre-malignant mucosal changes should be noted during screening. Chromoendoscopy and Image-Enhanced Endoscopy are recommended to assist the preoperative diagnosis for any suspicious lesion. Indication for endoscopic resection is according to the pathologic findings post biopsy. There are two main goals of a successful endoscopic resection: en bloc resection and negative margins. The final pathological diagnosis should be comprehensive and systematic. Follow-up surveillance or additional surgery should be based on the eCure system.

Effect of Korean Herbal Formula (Modified Ojayeonjonghwan) on Androgen Receptor Expression in an Aging Rat Model of Late Onset Hypogonadism

PURPOSE: Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) despite a few contraindications and side-effects. The aim of this study was to determine whether modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH-204, Korean herbal formula) improved LOH. KH-204 is a strong antioxidant herbal formula. We evaluated the effect of Korean herbal prescription on androgen receptor (AR) expression in an aged rat model of LOH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen-month-old rats were used as aged LOH rat models. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups of six animals each and treated with one of the following: 1) normal control group (oral administration with distilled water, n=6), 2) KH-204 200 group (oral administration with 200 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6), and 3) KH-204 400 group (oral administration with 400 mg/kg of KH-204, n=6). After four weeks of treatment (once daily, distilled water or KH-204), serum testosterone levels, changes in testicular and epididymal weight, Western blotting analysis of AR expression and measurement of oxidative stress were examined. RESULTS: Treatment with the herbal formulation KH-204 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (1) increased the weights of testis and epididymis; (2) increased the level of serum testosterone; (3) increased the level of superoxide dismutase and reduced the level of 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine; and (4) upregulated AR expression in testicular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: KH-204 might be an effective alternative for LOH. It improves antioxidant mechanisms and increases testicular AR expression without side-effects.

Effect of Yishen Daluo Decoction on the expression of PLP, Olig1, and Olig2 in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Yishen Daluo Decoction (YDD) on the expression of protein lipoprotein (PLP), oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig 1), and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2) in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 40 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the Chinese medicine (CM) group, and the Western medicine (WM) group, 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the model, CM, and WM groups was subcutaneously injected with 200 microL antigen emulsion (containing 150 micro g PLP139 -151 and 400 micro g H37RA) in two parts at the upper abdomen on the first day. 100 microLBordetella pertussis juice (containing 0. 6 x 10(6) Bordetella pertussis) was injected by caudal vein on the first and the third day. On the 7th day after modeling, each mouse in the normal group and the model group was intragastrically given normal saline (0. 1 mL/10 g). YDD (0. 2 g crude drug/10 g) was intragastrically given to mice in the CM group, and prednisone (0. 039 mg/10 g) was intragastrically given to mice in the WM group. All mice were intervened for 54 days. Changes of PLP, Olig1, and Olig2 in the brain tissue of EAE mice were detected by Western blot. Results The levels of PLP and Olig2 in the brain tissue of the model group were less than those of the normal group (P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of PLP, Olig1, and Olig2 in the brain tissue increased in the CM group (P <0.05); the levels of PLP and Olig2 in the brain tissue increased in the WM group (P <0.05). Compared with the WM group, the level of Olig1 in the brain tissue increased in the CM group (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YDD could enhance remyelination by elevating the levels of Olig1 and Olig2 in the brain tissue of EAE mice.</p>

Correlation between pulmonary function impairment and levels of alpha1-antitrypsin in serum and colon of ulcerative colitis patients: a clinical research / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of pulmonary involvement in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by observing the correlation between pulmonary functions and levels of alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in serum and colon tissue in UC patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 90 patients with confirmed UC were assigned to different groups according to the extent of disease, the disease activity, the staging of severity, and course of disease. The serum level of A1AT in UC patients with different extent of disease, the disease activity, the staging of severity, and course of disease were compared. And 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. The serum renal and hepatic functions, pulmonary functions, and serum levels of A1AT were detected in the UC group and the control group. The correlation between A1AT and each pulmonary function index in UC patients was analyzed. The A1AT content in the colon tissue was detected with immunohistochemical assay in 20 UC patients as well as in 10 healthy volunteers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 90 UC patients, 54 patients were accompanied with pulmonary function abnormality (60.0%), and 24 with extraintestinal manifestations (26.7%). Compared with the control group, the serum level of A1AT was significantly lower in the UC group (P < 0.05). The serum level of A1AT was significantly higher in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05). The serum level of A1AT was lower in patients with the course of disease 5 years and more than 5 years than in those with the course of disease less than 5 years (P < 0.05). Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), total lung capacity (TLC), function residual volume (FRV), and the ratio of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of lung (DLCO) were much lower in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05). The ratio of FVC was negatively linear correlated with the course of disease (r = -0.23, P = 0.018). There was a positive correlation between the serum level of A1AT and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (r = 0.22, P = 0.03). The level of A1AT in the colon tissue was obviously lower in the UC patients than in those of the control group (P < 0.05). Mild and moderate UC patients had increased levels of A1AT in the colon tissue, when compared with severe UC patients (P < 0.05). The level of A1AT in the colon tissue was higher in those with proctitis than in those with distal colonitis and pancolitis (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The prevalence of pulmonary function impairment was higher than other extraintestinal manifestations in UC patients. The pulmonary function test was helpful to screen the pulmonary impairment of UC patients. The A1AT level in the serum and the colon tissue obviously decreased in UC patients, indicating the pulmonary function impairment of UC patients might manifest as decreased A1AT levels correlated chronic airway inflammation, remodeling of airway, and obstructive changes.</p>

Morphological study on early development of brain derived neurophic factor-positive neurons in the frontal lobe of human fetus / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the growth and development of brain derived neurophic factor(BDNF)-positive neurons in the frontal lobe of human fetus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of the BDNF-positive neurons in the frontal lobe of human fetus in the 2(nd),3(rd),and 4(th) month of gestation were observed with the streptavidin-biotin-complex/immunoperoxidase(SABC)method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the second month of gestation,BDNF-positive neurons were seen in the subventricular layer of the frontal lobe of cerebellum.By the third month of gestation,BDNF-positive neurons in the central layer were in various shapes,with big nucleus,less cytoplasm,and small processes.By the fourth month of gestation,BDNF-positive neurons in the central layer grew larger in size,cytoplasm increased,the BDNF-positive expression was enhanced with deeper dyeing,and the nerve fibers and particles were distributed between neurons;also,the BDNF-positive neurons were seen in the marginal layer of the frontal lobe of cerebrum.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BDNF-positive neurons may participate in the early development of the frontal lobe of cerebrum of human fetus.</p>

Effectiveness analysis on the physical activity and the health benefit of a community population based program / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the community-based health promotion effect of physical activity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The residents aged 18 and above from two communities in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang province, were randomly selected and recruited for the multi-strategy and comprehensive physical activity intervention. Questionnaire survey, physical check up and blood biochemistry were conducted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After this two-year intervention, the time of the participant spent on weekly physical activity of moderate intensity increased from 464 min to 542 min (P<0.05), with an average increase of 78 min. Time spent in walking every week increased from 533 min to 678 min (P<0.05), with an average increase of 145 min. The body weight, waistline, blood pressure and heart rate all reduced significantly (P<0.05); the vital capacity increased significantly (P<0.05); and the related biochemical indicators were also improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Comprehensive and evidence-based physical activity interventions targeting community population can improve the levels of physical activity, related body measurement and biochemical indicators.</p>

Effect of extracts from Radix Ginseng, Radix Notoginseng and Rhizoma Chuanxiong on delaying aging of vascular smooth muscle cells in aged rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of extracts from Radix Ginseng, Radix Notoginseng and Rhizoma Chuanxiong (EXT) on delaying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) aging in aged rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>VSMCs were obtained by the modified tissue explants technique and were shown to be positive for smooth muscle α-actin (SM-α-actin) by immunohistochemistry staining. VSMCs obtained from the young rats were served as the young control group; VSMCs obtained from the old rats were treated with no drug (the old group), with low dose extracts (20 mg/L, the EXT low-concentration group) and high dose extracts (40 mg/L, the EXT high concentration group), and with Probucal (10(-6) mol/L, the Probucal group) as a positive control. All groups were cultured for 24 h in the medium with 10% serum for 24 h followed by another 24 h in the serum-free medium. At the end of the 48-h culture, the following analyses were performed including determination of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SAβ-Gal) activity, flow cytometry analysis of cell cycle, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of p16, Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and retinoblastoma (Rb) mRNA expression, and Western blotting analyses of p16, cyclin D1, CDK4 and phosphoretinoblastoma (pRb) protein expressions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) In comparison to the younger rats, VSMCs from aged rats had significantly more SAβ-Gal positive cells (P<0.01) and more cells in S phase (P<0.05). VSMCs from the all treated groups showed a significant decrease in both SAβ-Gal positive cells (P<0.05) and S phase (P<0.05) compared to the old rats. (2) Compared with the young group, VSMCs in the old group had a significant decrease in p16 and Rb mRNA expression and a significant increase in Cyclin D1 and CDK4 mRNA expression. Compared with the old group, VSMCs in the treated groups had a significant increase in p16 and Rb mRNA expression and a significant decrease in Cyclin D1 and CDK4 mRNA expression (P<0.05). (3) Compared with the young group, VSMCs in the old group had a significant decrease in p16 protein expression and a significant increase in Cyclin D1, CDK4 and pRb protein expressions (P<0.05). Compared with the old group, VSMCs in the treated groups had a significant increase in p16 protein expression and a significant decrease in cyclinD1, CDK4 and pRb protein expressions (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>VSMCs obtained from old rats showed typical signs of cellular senescence and vascular aging. EXT had an effect on delaying senescence of VSMCs in vitro by altering the p16-cyclinD/CDK-Rb pathway.</p>

Effects of peroral endoscopic myotomy on esophageal dynamics in patients with esophageal achalasia / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) on esophageal dynamics in patients with esophageal achalasia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2011 to November 2011, 20 cases with esophageal achalasia received POEM at the Endoscopic Center in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Pre-operation esophageal dynamics of all the patients were evaluated by high resolution manometry(HRM) system and 3 days after operation the test was repeated. Lower esophagus sphincter resting pressure(LESP), 4-second integrated relaxation pressure(4sIRP), lower esophagus sphincter relax rate(LESRR), lower esophagus sphincter length(LESL), and esophageal manometry were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After POEM, LESP decreased from(29.1±17.0) mm Hg to(14.6±4.9) mm Hg, and decrease rate was 49.8%(P<0.01). However, the decreases in LESRR and LESL were not statistically significant(P>0.05). Esophageal peristaltic contraction was absent in all the 20 patients preoperatively. After POEM, changes in the esophageal contraction were seen in 7 patients, and peristalsis was noticed but was below normal level. There were no significant changes in peristalsis in the remaining 13 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>POEM can significantly reduce LESP and 4sIRP in patients with achalasia, but can not affect the contraction of the esophagus.</p>

A pilot study of closure of gastric full-thickness defect with metallic clips in a rabbit model / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of metallic clips for closure of full-thickness defects in the stomach wall.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 in each group using random digits table. A 2 cm×2 cm full-thickness defect was created in the gastric body. No closure was performed in the first group; in the second group, mucosa closure with metallic clips; the third group, closure of full-thickness gastric tissue with metallic clip; the fourth group closure with 3-0 silk suture. After operation the animals were sacrificed at the third day and the seventh day. Wound healing was evaluated. Bursting pressure was recorded. HE and Masson staining was performed to inspect wound inflammation and tissue fibrosis situation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After operation all the animals in the first group died within 34 hours, while those in other groups survived. No intraperitoneal bleeding or infection were seen in the survived animals. General observation showed that the metallic closure group caused less intraperitoneal adhesions. Operative time was shorter in the second and third group compared to the fourth group [(45.8 ± 1.6) min and (42.5 ± 1.5) min vs. (48.0 ± 1.4) min, P<0.05]. The bursting pressure on the third day was lower [(36.9 ± 4.6) mm Hg and (39.8 ± 4.1) mm Hg vs. (50.5 ± 4.2) mm Hg, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in bursting pressure on the 7th day among the three groups [(95.0 ± 7.9) mm Hg and (97.8 ± 6.8) mm Hg vs. (98.5 ± 7.0) mm Hg, P>0.05]. HE staining revealed that metal closure had a better healing and Masson staining reflected no significant difference in healing at the same time point.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Metal clips closure full-thickness defects in the stomach, regardless in full thickness or mucosa closure, is as safe and effective as suture closure.</p>

Effects of huoxue injection on the adherence of human monocytes to endothelial cells and expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Huoxue Injection (HXI, a Chinese herbal preparation consisted of red sage, chuanxiong, safflower and red peony root) on the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and the adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injured by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Model of injured cell was established by adding ox-LDL into the culture of HUVECs, and the model cells were intervened with HXI. The adhesive percentage of the model cells to monocytes was determined by protein quantification; mRNA and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After HUVEC being treated with ox-LDL for 12 h and 24 h, its adhesion rate to monocytes increased, with the mRNA and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVEC enhanced significantly, showing significant differences as compared with those in the normal control (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). HXI could significantly reverse the above-mentioned changes dose-dependently, showing that these parameters in the HXI intervened cells significantly different to those in the untreated model cells respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HXI could inhibit the adherence of endothelial cells to monocytes by way of down-regulating the endothelial superficial adhesion molecules, so as to display its protection on endothelial cells, which should be helpful for reducing or suppressing the formation of atherosclerosis.</p>

Effect of ginseng-sanqi extract on the Ras associated signal proteins / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of ginseng-sanqi extract (GSE) on the vascular endothelium growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in VEGFR-2-Ras-MAPK signal pathway of angiogenesis in cultured human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The protein expressions of VEGFR-2, Ras and MAPK in HUVEC and the effects of GSE (at different doses) and basic fibrin growth factor (bFGF) on them were detected by Western-Blot test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GSE can enhance the expression of angiogenesis signaling proteins (VEGFR-2, Ras, MAPK) to different extents, especially in the groups treated by bFGF or higher dose GSE, the levels showed significant differences to those in the blank group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GSE can promote the expressions of VEGFR-2, Ras and MAPK in the angiogenesis signaling pathway, which may be the foundation of Chinese medicine for tonifying qi and activating blood circulation in promoting endothelial proliferation and angiogenesis.</p>

Effects of panax notoginseng saponins on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effect of panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for investigating the mechanism of PNS in treating arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Taking the cultured HUVECs as target cells, ox-LDL was used to establish a model of injured HUVEC and it was then intervened by PNS. The morphologic changes of HUVEC were observed under light microscope; activity of cells was determined by MTT method; the adhesive percentage between ox-LDL treated HUVEC and monocyte detennined by protein quantification and the protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) determined by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the time points of HUVEC being treated with ox-LDL (100 mg/L) for 12 h and 24 h, significant injury of HUVEC was shown, its activity reduced, the adhesion rate with monocytes elevated, and the protein expression of ICAM-l in HUVEC increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). PNS showed significant effect in reversing all the above changes, as compared with the control group (without PNS treaded), respective significant difference was shown in all the four indexes (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PNS has a protective effect on endothelial cells injury induced by ox-LDL,which may be one of its mechanisms in treating ASO. The protective effect of PNS is probably by way of down-regulating the expression of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells and inhibiting the adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells.</p>

Effect of three TCM methods for activating blood circulation on early stage apoptosis in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis complicated precancerous lesion / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To comparatively study the effects of three TCM methods for activating blood circulation, i.e. in combined with resolving stasis (A), regulating qi (B) and supplementing qi (C), respectively, on early stage cell apoptosis in precancerous lesion of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat model of CAG with precancerous lesion was duplicated by insertion of spring in pylorus and gastric perfusion of high-salt hot paste; and the impact of treatment on cell apoptosis was determined using Annexin V/PI double labeled flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After being intervened for 12 weeks, the early stage cell apoptosis rate in the natural recovery group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.01); while it lowered more significantly in the three groups receiving TCM therapeutic methods for activating blood circulation, showing significant difference compared with the natural recovery group (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three therapies of activating blood circulation all show inhibitory action on the early stage apoptosis of precancerous lesion in CAG rats, which is possibly one of their action mechanisms for improving or reversing the precancerous lesion.</p>

Effect of Huoxue injection on oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effect of Huoxue injection on the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), the adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells, and the regulation role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) injury induced by the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The ox-LDL (100 mg x L(-1)) was added to the cultured HUVEC to prepare the injury model of HUVEC. The adhesive percentage between HUVEC treated with ox-LDL and monocytes was determined by protein quantification. Expression of mRNA and protein of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry respectively. The percentage of positive cells and the ratio of nuclei and cytoplasm of NF-kappaB p65 staining in HUVEC the were examined by cell immunochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Treatment of HUVEC with ox-LDL for 12, 24 hours significantly increased adhesion of monocytes to HUVEC and enhanced the expressions of mRNA and protein of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The percentage of positive cells and the ratio of nuclei and cytoplasm of NF-kappaB p65 staining in HUVEC were significantly increased after treatment with ox-LDL for 24 hours. Huo Xue Injection could significantly inhibit the adhesion between monocyte and HUVEC, the expression of mRNA and protein of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and declined the percentage of positive cells and the ratio of nuclei and cytoplasm of NF-kappaB p65 staining in HUVEC. The effects were strengthened with increasing the deal of Huoxue injection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Huoxue injection has an inhibitory effect on the adherence of monocytes to HUVEC, probably by way of down-regulating the expression of mRNA and protein of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVEC. The mechanism is probably associated with inhibiting the activation of NF-kappaB p65 of HUVEC. The effects of Huoxue injection can bring about the protective effect to endothelial cells injury induced by ox-LDL.</p>