Ellagic acid-induced hypercoagulable state in animals: a potentially useful animal hypercoagulable model for evaluation of anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVE: To establish and evaluate a hypercoagulable animal model for the assessment of anticoagulants. METHODS: Forty mice, thirty-two rats, and twenty-four rabbits were randomly and equally divided into control group (saline) and three ellagic acid (EA)-treated groups (low, middle, and high doses). In the mice, bleeding time (BT) was estimated with tail transaction, and clotting time (CT) with template method. Prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in rats and rabbits were measured by means of Quick's one-stage assay and modified APTT assay respectively. In addition, thrombin activity was estimated in rats with PT assay using a hemagglutination analyzer. The circulating platelet aggregates were detected in rabbits through platelet counting and presented as the circulating platelet aggregate ratio (CPAR). RESULTS: EA shortened BT and CT in mice, PT and APTT in rats, and increased thrombin activity and CPAR, all in a dose-dependent manner. EA also brought reduction of PT and APTT in rabbits in dose- and time-dependent manners. CONCLUSION: EA could induce hypercoagulable state through activating coagulation system and platelets in mice, rats, and rabbits.

Development of needle-thread integrative embedding needle / 中国针灸

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.

The relationship between homocysteine, coagulation dysfunction and breast cancer risk / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the correlation of homocysteine (HCY) and coagulation function index with the risk of breast cancer and its clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: The HCY, coagulation function test index, and clinicopathological information of female breast cancer patients (333 cases) treated in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 were collected, and female patients with benign breast (225 cases) were selected during the same period for the control group. The t-test was used to compare measurement data with normal distribution, D-Dimer data were distributed discreetly and described by median, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups. The chi-square test was used to compare enumeration data, and the Logistic regression analysis was used for the risk analysis. Results: The levels of HCY, fibrinogen (Fbg), protein C (PC), and median D-Dimer (D-D) in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients group [(13.26±5.24) μmol/L, (2.61±0.83) g/L, (117.55±19.67)%, and 269.68 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(11.58±0.69) μmol/L, (2.49±0.49) g/L, (113.42±19.82)% and 246.98 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The prothrombin time (PT), PT(INR), α2-antiplasmin (α2-AP) levels [(10.19±0.63) s, 0.91±0.07 and (110.64±13.93)%, respectively] were lower than those in the control group [(10.58±0.65) s, 0.93±0.01 and (123.81±14.77) %, P<0.05]. The serum levels of PC and median D-D in premenopausal breast cancer patients [(112.57±17.86)% and 242.01 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(105.31±22.31)% and 214.75 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of PT(INR), α2-AP [0.91±0.07 and (111.29±12.54)%, respectively] were lower than those of the control group[0.98±0.15 and (120.17±16.35)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of HCY and median D-D in postmenopausal breast cancer patients [(14.25±5.76) μmol/L and 347.53 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(11.67±2.38) μmol/L and 328.28 ng/ml, P<0.05]. The levels of PT, PT(INR), antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ), α2-AP levels [(10.18±0.66) s, 0.87±0.09, (97.30±12.84)% and (110.13±14.96)%] were lower than those in the control group [(10.38±0.61) s, 0.90±0.08, (102.89±9.12)%, and (127.05±12.38)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of α2-AP and median D-D in T2-4 stage breast cancer patients [(111.69±14.41)% and 289.25 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in Tis-1 stage patients [(108.05±12.37)% and 253.49 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of PT, PT (INR), Fbg, AT-Ⅲ, α2-AP, median D-D [(10.62±0.63) s, 0.95±0.06, (3.04±1.52) g/L, (103.21±9.45)%, (118.72±14.77)% and 331.33 ng/ml, respectively] in breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those of patients without lymph node metastasis [(10.42±0.58) s, 0.93±0.06, (2.52±0.54) g/L, (95.20±13.63)%, (106.91±13.13)% and 263.38 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. In non-menopausal breast cancer patients, the level of HCY [(12.63±4.41) μmol/L] in patients with T2-4 stage was higher than that of patients with Tis-1 stage [(10.70±3.49) μmol/L, P=0.010], and the level of thrombin time [(19.35±0.90) s] of patients with T2-4 stage was lower than that of patients with Tis-1 stage [(19.79±1.23) s, P=0.015]. The levels of PT(INR), Fbg, AT-Ⅲ, α2-AP [0.97±0.56, (3.37±2.34) g/L, (102.38±8.77)% and (120.95±14.06)%] in patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those of patients without lymph node metastasis [0.94±0.05, (2.36±0.48) g/L, (94.56±14.37)% and (109.51±11.46)%, respectively, P<0.05]. Among postmenopausal breast cancer patients, the levels of AT-Ⅲ and α2-AP in T2-4 stage patients [(98.48±11.80)% and (111.84±15.35)%, respectively] were higher than those in patients with the Tis-1 stage [(94.12±14.98)% and (105.49±12.89)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of AT-Ⅲ and α2-AP in N1-3 stage patients [(103.74±9.94)% and (117.29±15.23)%] were higher than those in N0 stage patients [(95.75±13.01)% and (108.39±14.42)%, P<0.05]. Conclusions: HCY and abnormal coagulation function are related to the risk of breast cancer, T stage and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe on expression of desmin and CD2AP proteins in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats: an experimental research / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe (QTR) on the expression of desmin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QTR's therapeutic effect on adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats might be achieved through altered expression of desmin and CD2AP.</p>

Effects of controllable dynamic inhaled exposure of moxa smoke on LDL-r, ICAM-1 and morphology of heart tissue in rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>

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 / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>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.</p>

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 / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>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.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>

Expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase and its correlation with prognosis in breast cancer patients / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in breast cancer and its correlation with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of IDO, CD31, CD105 proteins in 40 specimens of breast cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>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.</p>

Inhibitory effect of fenofibrate on angiotensin II-induced toll-like receptor 4 expression, myeloperoxidase activity and expression in RAW264.7 cells / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the effect of fenofibrate on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression in murine macrophage line RAW264.7 cells and explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism. TLR4 and MPO mRNA levels were analyzed by RT-PCR, and TLR4 and MPO protein expressions were measured by Western blotting. MPO activity in the cell supernatant was assayed with colorimetry. The results showed that fenofibrate reduced Ang II-induced mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and inhibited activity, mRNA and protein expression of MPO in RAW264.7 cells in concentration-dependent manner. In addition, TLR4 blocker partially antagonized the effect of Ang II on MPO activity in RAW264.7 cells, and fenofibrate potentiated the inhibitory effect. Meanwhile, fenofibrate significantly suppressed LPS (TLR4 special ligand)-induced MPO activity in RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, fenofibrate downregulated Ang II-induced TLR4 expression and blocked MPO secretion in RAW264.7 cells via interfering with the TLR4-dependent signaling pathway to alleviate inflammation, which might be one of its novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Inhibitory effects of rosiglitazone on angiotensin II-induced toll-like receptor 4 expression and myeloperoxidase activity in RAW264.7 cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of rosiglitazone on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced mRNA and protein expressions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in RAW264.7 cells to explore its anti- inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Murine RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with rosiglitazone at 2.5, 5, and 10 micromol/L prior to exposure to AngII (0.1 micromol/L). TLR4 mRNA level was analyzed by RT-PCR, and TLR4 protein expression by Western blotting. MPO activity in the cell supernatant was assayed by colorimetry. In another experiment, the cells were pretreated with a neutralizing anti-TLR4 antibody (1 mg/L) for 1 h prior to rosiglitazone (10 micromol/L) treatment for 1 h, and subsequently stimulated with AngII or LPS (100 micromol/L) for 24 h to observe the change of MPO activity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Rosiglitazone downregulated AngII-induced mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, and inhibited MPO activity in RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The TLR4 blocker partially antagonized the effect of AngII on MPO activity, and the inhibitory effect was markedly enhanced by rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone significantly inhibited LPS (a specific TLR4 ligand)-induced MPO activity in RAW264.7 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rosiglitazone downregulates Ang II-induced TLR4 expression in RAW264.7 cells and inhibits MPO secretion possibly by interfering with TLR4 to relieve the inflammatory reaction, which may be one of its anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms.</p>

Effect of Jinguo Weikang Capsule on proto-oncogene expression of gastric mucosa in rats with gastric precancerous lesions / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Jinguo Weikang Capsule [see text] on the gene expression of H-ras, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), P53 and C-myc of the gastric mucosa in rats with gastric precancerous lesions, and to investigate the action mechanism of JWC on gastric precancerous lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A rat model with paratypical proliferation of the gastric epithelium mucosa was established by using 60Co irradiation. Rats were divided into the normal group, model group, high-, medium-, low-dose JWC treatment groups, and the vitacoenzyme control group, and were treated for 30 days. The expression of H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc genes of the gastric mucosa was detected by using immunohistochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression and over-expression rates of H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc gene in the high-and medium-dose JWC treatment groups were significantly lower (P<0.05) as compared with those of the model group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JWC can inhibit the expression of the H-ras, EGFR, P53 and C-myc genes expression of the gastric mucosa in rats, which may be one of mechanisms involved in suppressing or reversing gastric carcinogenesis.</p>

Study on anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of divided functional recipes of dahuang zhechong pill in rabbits / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of divided functional recipes of Dahuang Zhechong pill (DHZCP) in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The atherosclerotic rabbit model was established by high fat feeding combined with immune endothelial injury. Male New Zealand rabbits were divided into 9 groups: normal control group, model control group, Danshen positive control group, and 6 DHZCP-divided groups including divided functional recipes No. 1, 2, 3 with low and high doses for each divided recipe. After intragastric administration for 60 days, blood lipids and serum MDA and NO levels and SOD activity and plasma ET concentration, and contents of hydroxyproline and proteins in the vascular wall were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the model group, the level of blood lipids did not significantly change, serum MDA and ET levels, and the contents of hydroxyproline and proteins in the vascular wall significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and SOD activity and NO level increased in the divided functional recipes (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The divided functional recipes of DHZCP can inhibit development of atherosclerosis via a non-lowering lipid mechanisms, including anti-peroxidation of lipids, protection of endothelial function, and decrease of formation of extracellular matrix by reducing synthesis of collage and protein on the vascular wall. Among them, the divided functional recipe No. 1 exhibits the most obvious effect.</p>

Anti-atherosclerotic effects of divided functional recipes of Dahang Zhechong pill in rabbits / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of the divided functional recipes of Dahuang Zhechong pill( DHZCP) on atherosclerosis in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The atherosclerotic model was established by the combination of hypercholesterol feeding and immune-injured endothelium in rabbits. Male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into nine groups: normal group, model group, Danshen group (0. 5 g x kg(-1) ), the low-dose(0. 5 g x kg(-1) ) and high-dose( 1.0 g - kg(-1) ) groups of the first divided recipe, the low-dose(0. 75 g x kg-' ) and high-dose(1. 5 g x kg(-1)) groups of the second divided recipe, the low-dose(0. 8 g x kg(-1) ) and high-dose( 1.6 g x kg(-1) ) groups of the third divided recipe. The effects of the divided functional recipes of DHZCP were observed in macropathology, histopathology and ultrastructure. Image analyzing system was used to determine atherosclerotic plaque area, intima thickness(IT) and intima-media thickness(IMT) in rabbit aorta.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The divided functional recipes of DHZCP could significantly decreased the deposit of lipid and the atherosclerotic plaque area in aorta intima, relieve the histopathological changes of atherosclerosis, and inhibited the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and collagen to reduce pachynsis of vascular intima. The divided functional recipes of DHZCP also reduced IT, IMT and IT/MT and reversed the contractive vascular remodeling.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The divided functional recipes of DHZCP produce the different anti-atherosclerotic action, among which the first divided functional recipe exhibits more effective action.</p>

Effect of the disassembled recipes of dahuang zhechong pill on proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic rabbits / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of the disassembled recipes of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DRDZP) on proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) of thoracic aorta in atherosclerotic rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The atherosclerotic rabbit model was induced by high-cholesterol diet and immune injury of endothelium. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in VSMC was detected by SP immunohistochemical technique, and VSMC apoptosis was observed with TUNEL technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model control, PCNA expression in VSMC decreased, while apoptotic cells increased significantly in all the groups treated by DR-DZP (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All the DR-DZP could inhibit VSMC proliferation and promote its apoptosis to modulate the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, so as to exert antiatherosclerotic action, among which the disassembled-recipe I is the main composition to contribute to antiatherosclerotic action of Dahuang Zhechong Pill.</p>

Fenofibrate inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of CD40 and matrix metalloproteinase in human vascular endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effects of fenofibrate on TNF-alpha-induced CD40 expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the effect of fenofibrate on TNF-alpha-induced CD40 mRNA and cell surface CD40 expression in HUVECs, and gelatin zymography was used to determine the effect of fenofibrate on the gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fenofibrate at the concentrations of 5x10(-5), 1x10(-4) and 2x10(-4) mol/L significantly reduced TNF-alpha-induced increment of CD40 mRNA and cell surface CD40 expressions (P<0.01), with the maximal inhibition achieved at the concentration of 1x10(-4) mol/L. Fenofibrate at 2x10(-4) mol/L did not further decrease CD40 expression induced by TNF-alpha. Fenofibrate significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of TNF-alpha on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in HUVECs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fenofibrate reduces TNF-alpha-induced increment of CD40 expression and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in HUVECs.</p>

Measurement of CD4+CD25+ T cells in breast cancer patients and its significance / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the changes of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells in peripheral blood from patients with breast cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty four patients with breast cancer, 15 patients with benign breast tumors and 9 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The proportion of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells population in total T cells was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. The cytokine production (TGF-beta1) was measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The population of CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells in peripheral blood from patients with breast cancer accounted for (5.1 +/- 2.9)% of the total amount of T lymphocytes, and was significantly higher in comparison with that in patients with benign tumors and in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). The CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells population in breast cancer patients was positively correlated with the cancer size and with TGF-beta1 level (r = 0.511 and r = 0.253, respectively), and negatively correlated with CD(8)(+)CD(28)(+) T cells and NK cells (r = -0.243 and r = -0.301, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer is significantly increased in comparison with that in patients with benign breast tumor and in healthy subjects. It may be responsible for immune suppression in breast cancer patients.</p>

Effect of ligustrazine on injury of vascular endothelial cells ECV-304 induced by hypoxia and lack of glucose / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of ligustrazine on nitric oxide (NO), malonaldehyde (MDA) production, release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and membrane fluidity of the injured human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cell line (ECV-304) with hypoxia and lack of glucose.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The experiments were performed in culture of ECV-304 injured with hypoxia and lack of glucose in vitro. The released LDH of ECV-304 was measured with automatic biochemistry analyse. NO content of ECV-304 was monitored with colorimetry. Lipid peroxidation of ECV-304 was monitored as MDA with a fluorometric assay. The membrane fluidity of ECV-304 was measured with the fluorescence polarization method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After culture ECV-304 in hypoxia and lack of glucose for 24 h, the LDH release, MDA production and the membrane fluidity increased significantly and NO level was decreased. Preincubation of ECV-304 with ligustrazine for 24 h reduced LDH release, MDA production, membrane fluidity increasing and increased the level of NO in ECV-304 due to hypoxia and lack of glucose.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ligustrazine has protective effect on injury of ECV-304 induced by hypoxia and lack of glucose.</p>