Enhancive effect of N,N′-dinitrosopiperazine on inducing precancerous lesion on nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia of TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice

Objective: To investigate the enhancive effect of N,N′-dinitrosopiperazine (DNP) on induced carcinogenesis in nasal and/or nasopharyngeal epithelia among TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic mice to examine the underlying mechanism for the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT transgenic mice and the same strain of C₅₇BL/6J wild-type mice both at the age of 5 months were randomly divided into 2 groups in parallel, respectively, i.e., TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT cancerous lesion-inducing group (TI), TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT control group (TC), C₅₇BL/6J cancerous lesion-inducing group (CI), and C₅₇BL/6J control group (CC). TI and CI mice were treated only with DNP for 16 weeks, twice each week, while TC and CC mice were given the same volume of saline as controls. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed to collect epithelial tissue samples from nasal cavity and nasopharynx for pathohistological evaluation by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and for determination on the expression of TRAF2, c-Jun, and p16 by immunohistochemistry. Results: Atypical hyperplasia was more significant in the samples of TI than in those of TC, CI, and CC, with the rates of lesions being 90%, 10%, 0, and 0 (P<0.01) respectively, though DNP was used alone in a much shortened inducing period at less dosage and without the use of carcinogenic promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate as usual. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and c-Jun in these samples were significantly up-regulated in TI (P<0.01), while the expression of p16 was significantly lower in TI than in the other groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice hold inherited constitutional defect in immune surveillance function, which can be aggravated by environmental carcinogens, such as DNP used even though in a much less strength. The enhanced carcinogenesis-inducing effect of DNP on TgN(p53mt-LMP1)/HT mice should be closely associated with abnormal signaling of activator protein-1 (AP-1) pathway, especially up-regulated expressions of TRAF2 and c-Jun, and down-regulated expression of p16.     

Advanced primary peritoneal carcinoma: clinicopathological and prognostic factor analyses

Objective： To investigate the factors favoring a positive prognosis for advanced primary peritoneal carcinoma （PPC）. Methods： Twenty-four cases meeting the criteria for PPC were analyzed retrospectively for the clinicopathologic profiles. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expressions of p53, Top2α, Ki-67 and Her-2/neu. Then all these clinicopathological factors and molecular markers were correlated with the prognosis. Results： There were 15 cases of primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma （PPSPC）, 6 cases of mixed epithelial carcinoma （MEC） and 3 cases of malignant mixed Mullerian tumor （MMMT）. All patients underwent cytoreductive surgery with optimal debulking achieved in 3 cases. Among those receiving first-line chemotherapy, 13 patients received the TP regimen （paclitaxel-cisplatin or carboplatin） and 7 patients received the PAC regimen （cisplatin-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide）. The median overall survival of all patients was 42 months, while the breakdown for survival time for patients with PPSPC, MMT and MEC was 44, 13 and 19 months, respectively. The expressions of p53, Top2α and Ki-67 were all demonstrated in 11 cases respectively. None showed the expression of Her-2/neu. There were significant differences in the median survival between patients with PPSPC and those with MMMT （44 months vs 13 months, P〈0.05）, also between patients receiving TP combination and those receiving the PAC regimen （75 months vs 28 months, P〈0.05）. Another significant difference in the median progression-free survival （PFS） was identified between patients with positive p53 immunostaining and those with negative p53 immunostaining （15 months vs 47 months, P〈0.05）, whereas age, menopausal status, residual tumor size and the other molecular factors did not significantly impact survival. Conclusion： Patients with PPC should be treated with a comprehensive management plan including appropriate cytoreductive surgery and responsive chemotherapy. Overestimating an o     

Effects of fish protein hydrolysate on growth performance and humoral immune response in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.)

We investigated the effects of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) on growth performance and humoral immune response of the large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.). One thousand and two hundred large yellow croakers [initial average weight: (162.75±23.85) g] were divided into four groups and reared in floating sea cages (3 m×3 m×3 m). The animals were fed with 4 diets: basal diet only (control) or diets supplemented with 5%, 10% and 15% (w/w) FPH. The results show that dietary FPH levels significantly influenced the growth and immunity of the large yellow croaker. Compared with the control group, total weight gain (TWG) in all treatment groups, relative weight gain (RWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) in fish fed with diets supplemented with 10% and 15% FPH were significantly increased (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in immune parameters [lysozyme activity, serum complements, immunoglobulin M (IgM)]. Lysozyme activity, complement C4 and IgM were also significantly increased (P<0.05) in fish fed with diets supplemented with 10% and 15% FPH, while complement C3 level was significantly increased (P<0.05) in all treatment groups. In general, with the supplementation of FPH, particularly at dose of 10%, the growth performance and immunity of the large yellow croaker can be improved effectively.     

Effects of angiotensin II on connexin 43 of VSMCs in arteriosclerosis

Objective: To observe the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on expression of gap junction channel protein connexin 43 (Cx43) in the proliferation process of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during the early stage of arteriosclerosis. Methods: Thirty-two adult male rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups. Rabbits in Group A were fed common diet while others in Groups B, C, and D were fed high-cholesterol diet. Losartan (10 mg/(kg·d)) and ramipril (0.5 mg/(kg·d)) were added in the diet of Groups C and D, respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and abdominal aortas were removed and dissected. The expression of Cx43 was assayed using RT-PCR and Western Blotting analysis. Results: Cx43 was increased markedly in both protein and mRNA level in Groups B, C, and D fed high-cholesterol diet compared with that in control group (P<0.01). Cx43 level in losartan or ramipril treated groups was higher than that in control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), but lower than that in high-cholesterol diet groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: Cx43 level was upregulated in VSMCs during early atherosclerosis. Losartan and ramipril can inhibit the expression of Cx43.     

Relationships between endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

Objective: To investigate the relationships between endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) G894T and 27 bp-variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women of Chinese Han nationality. Methods: In the present study, 281 postmenopausal women from Xi’an urban area in West China were recruited, and divided into osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal groups according to the diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis proposed by World Health Organization (WHO). The bone mineral density (BMD) values of lumbar vertebrae and left hips were determined by QDR-2000 dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were tested for plasma biochemical indicators including testosterone, estradiol, calcitonin, osteocalcin, and procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase by spectrophotometric method, and the content of nitric oxide by Griess method. Genome DNA was extracted from whole blood, and G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene was analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and 27 bp-VNTR polymorphism of eNOS gene was genotyped by PCR method. Then the relationships between genotypes and biochemical indicators, genotypes and osteoporosis, and haplotypes and osteoporosis were analyzed. Results: The average BMD values of the femoral neck, ward’s triangle and lumbar vertebrae 1~4 (L1~L4) in the subjects with T/T genotype in eNOS G894T locus were significantly higher than those in the subjects with G/T and G/G genotypes (P<0.05). The average BMD of the femoral neck in the subjects with a/a genotype of eNOS 27 bp-VNTR locus was evidently higher than that in the subjects with b/b genotype (P<0.05). The plasma testosterone and osteocalcin concentrations in the subjects of eNOS G894T G/T genotype were evidently higher than those in the subjects of other genotypes (P<0.05); the plasma estradiol concentration in the subjects of eNOS 27 bp-VNTR a/a genotype was obviously higher than that in the subjects of b/b genotype (P<0.01). eNOS G/G homozygous frequencies in osteoporosis women, osteopenia women, and normal women were 85.37%, 76.38%, and 83.87%, respectively (P>0.05). 0% osteoporosis woman, 0.79% osteopenia women, and 3.23% normal women were eNOS a/a homozygous (P<0.05). The frequencies of eNOS 27 bp-VNTR a allele were 5.33% in the osteoporosis group, 10.24% in the osteopenia group, and 16.13% in the normal group (P<0.05, odds ratio (OR)=0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.11~0.77), suggesting that a/a genotype and a allele might have protective effects on osteoporosis. The haplotype analysis showed that G-b was 87.7% (214/244) in the osteoporosis group (P<0.05, OR=2.48, 95% CI=1.18~5.18). G-a was 5.3% (13/244) in the osteoporosis group (P<0.05, OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.11~0.77). G-b was a risk factor for osteoporosis, and G-a a protective factor. Conclusion: eNOS G894T G/T genotype influenced the plasma testosterone and osteocalcin concentrations, and T/T genotype influenced BMD. eNOS 27 bp-VNTR a/a genotype increased plasma estradiol concentration to have a protective effect on osteoporosis.     

Optimization of antioxidant activity by response surface methodology in hydrolysates of jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum) umbrella collagen

To optimize the hydrolysis conditions to prepare hydrolysates of jellyfish umbrella collagen with the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, collagen extracted from jellyfish umbrella was hydrolyzed with trypsin, and response surface methodology (RSM) was applied. The optimum conditions obtained from experiments were pH 7.75, temperature (T) 48.77 °C, and enzyme-to-substrate ratio ([E]/[S]) 3.50%. The analysis of variance in RSM showed that pH and [E]/[S] were important factors that significantly affected the process (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The hydrolysates of jellyfish umbrella collagen were fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and three fractions (HF-1>3000 Da, 1000 Da<HF-2<3000 Da, and HF-3<1000 Da) were collected. The HF-2 fraction had the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with the highest yield compared with the other two fractions. Furthermore, HF-2 also showed the strongest Cu²⁺-chelating ability and the best tyrosinase-inhibitory activity.     

Clinical investigation of surgery for intermittent exotropia

Objective： To investigate the time and postoperative binocular vision of strabismus surgery for children with intermittent exotropia （X（T））. Methods： A retrospective investigation was conducted in 80 child patients with intermittent exotropia. Pre- and postoperative angles of deviation fixating at near （33 cm） and distant targets （6 m） were measured with the prolonged alternate cover testing. The binocular function was assessed with synoptophore. Twenty-one patients took the postoperative synoptophore exercise. Results： （1） A week after surgery, 96.2% of the 80 patients had binocular normotopia, while a year after surgery, 91.3% of the 80 patients had binocular normotopia; （2） Preoperatively, 58 patients had near stereoacuity, while postoperatively, 72 patients achieved near stereoacuity （P〈0.05）; （3） Preoperatively, 64 patients had Grade Ⅰ for the synoptophore evaluation and postoperatively, 76 patients achieved Grade Ⅰ. Meanwhile, 55 patients had Grade Ⅱ preoperatively and 72 achieved Grade Ⅱ postoperatively. For Grade Ⅲ, there were 49 patients preoperatively and 64 patients postoperatively （P〈0.05）; （4） Patients of 5-8 years old had a significantly better recovery rate of binocular vision than those of 9-18 years old （P〈0.05）; （5） Patients taking postoperative synoptophore exercise had a better binocular vision than those taking no exercise （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： （1） Strabismus surgery can help to preserve or restore the binocular vision for intermittent exotropia; （2） Receiving the surgery at young ages may develop better postoperative binocular vision; （3） The postoperative synoptophore exercise can help to restore the binocular vision.     

Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on growth, fatty acid composition and hepatic lipogenesis in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.)

We examined the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth, fatty acid composition and enzyme activity of fatty acid oxidation in the liver of large yellow croaker. We divided 1600 fish (average initial weight 150 g) into 4 groups and reared them in 8 cages. Four dietary treatments were formulated to contain 0%, 1%, 2% and 4% (w/w) CLA, respectively. The fish were fed for 10 weeks ad libitum twice daily. We found that the dietary CLA had no effect on growth, biometric parameters and whole body proximate (P>0.05), but showed some significant effects on the fatty acid composition in both muscle and the liver. The activities of lipogenic enzymes were slightly depressed in fish fed with increasing levels of CLA when compared with control (P>0.05). Dietary CLA supplementation had no effects on liver lipid content, but significantly increased the contents of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P<0.05) and decreased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in both muscle and the liver. Dietary CLA inclusion resulted in significant increases of the biologically active cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers in both tissues (P<0.05). The total accumulation of CLA was higher in the liver (3.83%, w/w) than in muscle (3.77%, w/w) when fed with 4% (w/w) CLA. This study demonstrates that large yellow croakers are capable of absorbing and depositing CLA and long-chain n-3 PUFA in the liver and muscle, showing that this species fed with CLA could be an important human food source for these healthful fatty acids.     

S-1联合奥沙利铂方案一线治疗晚期胃癌 有效性及安全性分析

目的探讨S-1联合奥沙利铂方案一线治疗晚期胃癌的有效性及安全性.方法选取60例晚期胃癌患者作为研究对象,随机将其分为研究组和对照组,研究组采用S-1+L-OHP方案进行治疗,对照组采用FOL-FOX方案进行治疗.结果研究组和对照组患者有效率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);研究组疾病控制率为80.0%,优于对照组的53.3%,且差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);研究组和对照组中位TTP比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组中位OS比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);研究组外周神经毒性发生率明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),其余不良反应发生率比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05).结论 S-1联合奥沙利铂治疗晚期胃癌具有良好的疗效及安全性,与FOL-FOX方案比较,不良反应低,且静脉滴注时间短,患者依从性好.     

Effects and complications of placement of motility coupling post in porous polyethylene orbital implants

Objective： To investigate the effects and complications of primary and secondary placements of motility coupling post （MCP） in the unwrapped porous polyethylene orbital implant （PPOI） following enucleation. Methods： We investigated 198 patients who received PPOI implantation following the standard enucleation procedure in the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, from 2002 to 2004. These patients were subgrouped into PPOI-only patients （112 cases, received PPOI following enucleation）, primary MCP patients （46 cases, received primary placement of MCP during PPOI operation）, and secondary MCP patients （40 cases, received secondary placement ofMCP 6 months after the initial surgery）. Effects and complications among these three groups were compared. Results： The PPOI-only patients took shorter treatment course when compared with other two MCP groups （P〈0.001）, without significant difference noted between the two MCP groups. However, the two MCP groups had better prosthetic motility than PPOI-only group （P〈0.001）, without significant difference between the two MCP groups. In the early stage, 2 eyes in the PPOI-only group and l eye in the primary MCP group had PPOI infection. In PPOI-only group, 3 （2.68%） eyes had PPOI exposure, which occurred after fitting the prostheses; 4 eyes （8.70%） in primary MCP group and 1 eye （2.50%） in secondary MCP had PPOI exposure, which occurred before fitting the prostheses. After prosthesis was fit successfully, the excessive discharge and granuloma were 33.9% and 1.79% in PPOI group-only, 53.3% and 8.9% in primary MCP group, and 52.5% and 7.5% in secondary MCP group, respectively. Conclusion： Both primary and secondary placements of MCP into the PPOI following enucleation can help patients to obtain desirable prosthetic motility, but may be associated with more complications. The primary placement of MCP with skilled operation in selected patients is more recommendable than secondary plac     

Protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae on the hearts of rats with severe acute pancreatits or obstructive jaundice

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhizae (Danshen) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)- or obstructive jaundice (OJ)-induced heart injury. Methods: A total of 288 rats were used for SAP- (n=108) and OJ-associated (n=180) experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, and Salvia miltiorrhizae-treated groups. According to the difference of time points after operation, SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h subgroups (n=12), whereas OJ rats were subdivided into 7, 14, 21, and 28 d subgroups (n=15). At the corresponding time points after operation, the mortality rates of the rats, the contents of endotoxin and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) in blood, and pathological changes of the hearts were investigated. Results: The numbers of dead SAP and OJ rats in the treated groups declined as compared with those in the model control group, but not significantly (P>0.05). The contents of endotoxin (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 7, 14, 21, and 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) and PLA₂ (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) in the treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). Besides, myocardial pathological injuries were mitigated in SAP and OJ rats. Conclusion: In this study, we found that Salvia miltiorrhizae improved myocardial pathological changes, reduced the content of PLA₂ in blood, and decreased the mortality rates of SAP and OJ rats, exerting protective effects on the hearts of the rats.     

Effect of tramadol on immune responses and nociceptive thresholds in a rat model of incisional pain

Objective： To evaluate the effects oftramadol on the proinflammatory responses in a rat model of incisional pain by investigating its effects on nociceptive thresholds and serum interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-2 levels. Methods： Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats scheduled for plantar incision were randomly divided into 7 groups 01=6 in each group）. Rats in Group 1 receiving general anesthesia with no incision were served as control; At 30 min before skin incision, Groups 2-5 were given 5 ml normal saline or 1, 10, and 20 mg/kg tramadol, respectively, intraperitoneally （i.p.）; Group 6 received 10 mg/kg tramadol after operation; Group 7 received 10 mg/kg tramadol before incision, followed by 200 μg/kg naloxone after operation. Mechanical allodynia was measured by electronic yon Frey filament to evaluate the nociceptive thresholds 1 h before incision, and 1 h and 2 h after operation. Serum IL-6 and IL-2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） 2 h after operation. Results： Mechanical thresholds decreased significantly and serum IL-6 level increased significantly after operation in Group 2 compared with control （P〈0.01）, and these changes were reversed respectively by tramadol in a dose-dependent manner （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）. IL-2 level remained unchanged after operation in Group 2, but decreased in Group 3 （P〈0.05）, then gradually returned to the normal level in Groups 4 and 5. The intraperitoneally injected tramadol （10 and 20 mg/kg） produced a potent and dose-dependent antinocicptive effect on the lesioned paw. The antinocicptive effects of tramadol were partially an- tagonized by naloxone （200 μg/kg）, suggesting an additional non-opioid mechanism. Conclusion： The results suggest that tramadol could be a good choice for the treatment of pain under the conditions that immunosuppression may be particularly contraindicated.     

Effects of intermittent negative pressure on osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived stroma cells

Objective: We investigated the effects of intermittent negative pressure on osteogenesis in human bone marrow-derived stroma cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Methods: BMSCs were isolated from adult marrow donated by a hip osteoarthritis patient with prosthetic replacement and cultured in vitro. The third passage cells were divided into negative pressure treatment group and control group. The treatment group was induced by negative pressure intermittently (pressure: 50 kPa, 30 min/times, and twice daily). The control was cultured in conventional condition. The osteogenesis of BMSCs was examined by phase-contrast microscopy, the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and the immunohistochemistry of collagen type I. The mRNA expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) in BMSCs were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: BMSCs showed a typical appearance of osteoblast after 2 weeks of induction by intermittent negative pressure, the activity of ALP increased significantly, and the expression of collagen type I was positive. In the treatment group, the mRNA expression of OPG increased significantly (P<0.05) and the mRNA expression of OPGL decreased significantly (P<0.05) after 2 weeks, compared with the control. Conclusion: Intermittent negative pressure could promote osteogenesis in human BMSCs in vitro.     

Adiponectin levels are associated with the number and activity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with coronary artery disease

Objective: To study the relationship between plasma adiponectin concentration and the functional activities of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Circulating EPCs were enumerated as AC133⁺/KDR⁺ cells via flow cytometry and identified by co-staining with DiI-acLDL and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated lectin under a fluorescent microscope. The migratory capacity of EPCs was measured by modified Boyden chamber assay. Adhesion capacity was performed to count adherent cells after replating EPCs on six-well culture dishes coated with fibronectin. Results: The number of circulating EPCs (AC133⁺/KDR⁺ cells) decreased significantly in CAD patients, compared with control subjects [(74.2±12.3) vs (83.5±12.9) cells/ml blood, P<0.01]. In addition, the number of EPCs also decreased in CAD patients after ex vivo cultivation [(54.4±8.6) vs (71.9±11.6) EPCs/field, P<0.01]. Both circulating EPCs and differentiated EPCs were positively correlated with plasma adiponectin concentration. The functional activities of EPCs from CAD patients, such as migratory and adherent capacities, were also impaired, compared with control subjects, and positively correlated with plasma adiponectin concentration. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the impairment of the number and functional activities of EPCs in CAD patients is correlated with their lower plasma adiponectin concentrations.     

Astragalus mongholicus ameliorates renal fibrosis by modulating HGF and TGF-β in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Astragalus mongholicus (AM) derived from the dry root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus (Bge.) Hsiao is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the potential role of AM on renal fibrosis on a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We divided 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into 4 groups: sham-operated group (Sham), untreated UUO group, AM-treated (10 g/(kg·d)) UUO group, and losartan-treated (20 mg/(kg·d)) UUO group as positive control. Haematoxylin & eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to study the dynamic histological changes of the kidneys 7 and 14 d after operation. The expressions of fibronectin (FN), type I collagen (colI), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot. Results show that, similar to losartan, AM alleviated the renal damage and decreased the deposition of FN and colI from UUO by reducing the expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA (P<0.05), whereas HGF increased greatly with AM treatment (P<0.05). Our findings reveal that AM could retard the progression of renal fibrosis. The renoprotective effect of AM might be related to inhibition of myofibroblast activation, inducing of HGF and reducing of TGF-β1 expression.     

Parthenolide inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through induction of G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest

Objective: This study is to determine the effect of the natural product parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from extracts of the herb Tanacetum parthenium, on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: Rat aortic VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, and treated with different concentrations of parthenolide (10, 20 and 30 μmol/L). [³H]thymidine incorporation was used as an index of cell proliferation. Cell cycle progression and distribution were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, the expression of several regulatory proteins relevant to VSMC proliferation including IκBα, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), p21, and p27 was examined to investigate the potential molecular mechanism. Results: Treatment with parthenolide significantly decreased the [³H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 30%~56% relative to control values in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Addition of parthenolide also increased cell population at G₀/G₁ phase by 19.2%~65.7% (P<0.05) and decreased cell population at S phase by 50.7%~84.8% (P<0.05), which is consistent with its stimulatory effects on p21 and p27. In addition, parthenolide also increased IκBα expression and reduced Cox-2 expression in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our results show that parthenolide significantly inhibits the VSMC proliferation by inducing G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. IκBα and Cox-2 are likely involved in such inhibitory effect of parthenolide on VSMC proliferation. These findings warrant further investigation on potential therapeutic implications of parthenolide on VSMC proliferation in vivo.     

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells promoted by overexpression of connective tissue growth factor

Objective: Large segmental bone defect repair remains a clinical and scientific challenge with increasing interest focusing on combining gene transfection with tissue engineering techniques. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods: A CTGF-expressing plasmid (pCTGF) was constructed and transfected into MSCs. Then expressions of bone morphogenesis-related genes, proliferation rate, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization were examined to evaluate the osteogenic potential of the CTGF gene-modified MSCs. Results: Overexpression of CTGF was confirmed in pCTGF-MSCs. pCTGF transfection significantly enhanced the proliferation rates of pCTGF-MSCs (P<0.05). CTGF induced a 7.5-fold increase in cell migration over control (P<0.05). pCTGF transfection enhanced the expression of bone matrix proteins, such as bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and collagen type I in MSCs. The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of pCTGF-MSCs at the 1st and 2nd weeks were 4.0- and 3.0-fold higher than those of MSCs cultured in OS-medium, significantly higher than those of mock-MSCs and normal control MSCs (P<0.05). Overexpression of CTGF in MSCs enhanced the capability to form mineralized nodules. Conclusion: Overexpression of CTGF could improve the osteogenic differentiation ability of MSCs, and the CTGF gene-modified MSCs are potential as novel cell resources of bone tissue engineering.     

Hypertonic saline resuscitation reduces apoptosis of intestinal mucosa in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock

Objective： To investigate the early effects of hypertonic and isotonic saline solutions on apoptosis of intestinal mucosa in rats with hemorrhagic shock. Methods： A model of rat with severe hemorrhagic shock was established in 21 Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats. The rats were randomly divided into the sham group, normal saline resuscitation （NS） group, and hypertonic saline resuscitation （HTS） group, with 7 in each group. We detected and compared the apoptosis in small intestinal mucosa of rats after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling （TUNEL）, FITC （fluorescein-iso-thiocyanate）-Annexin V/PI （propidium iodide） double staining method, and flow cytometry. Results： In the early stage of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation, marked apoptosis of small intestinal mucosa in the rats of both NS and HTS groups was observed. The numbers of apoptotic cells in these two groups were significantly greater than that in the sham group （P〈0.01）. In the HTS group, the apoptic cells significantly decreased, compared with the NS group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： In this rat model of severe hemorrhagic shock, the HTS resuscitation of small volume is more effective than the NS resuscitation in reducing apoptosis of intestinal mucosa in rats, which may improve the prognosis of trauma.     

OMOM capsule endoscopy in diagnosis of small bowel disease

Objective： To assess the diagnostic efficiency of OMOM capsule endoscopy （CE） in a group of patients with different indications. Methods： Data from 89 consecutive patients （49 males, 40 females） with suspected small bowel disease who underwent OMOM CE （Jinshan Science and Technology Company, review. The patients＇ indications of the disease consisted of the Chongqing, China） examination were obtained by retrospective following： obscure gastrointestinal bleeding （OGIB）, abdominal pain or diarrhea, partial intestinal obstruction, suspected inflammatory bowel disease, tumor of unknown origin, hypoproteinemia, constipation, weight loss, and elevated tumor markers. Results： CE failed in one patient. Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 75.0%. Capsules were naturally excreted by all patients. The detection rate of abnormalities was 70.5% for patients with suspected small bowel disease, and the diagnostic yield for patients with OGIB was higher than that for patients with abdominal pain or diarrhea （85.7% vs 53.3%, P〈0.005）. Angiodysplasia was the most common small bowel finding. Active bleeding sites were noted in the small intestine in 11 cases. Conclusion： OMOM CE is a useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of variably suspected small bowel disease, whose diagnostic efficiency is similar to that of the Pillcam SB （small bowel） CE （Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel）.     

BSD2000深部热疗联合化疗治疗局部晚期胰腺癌患者的

 为探讨BSD2000 深部相控阵聚能热疗系统(BSD2000)联合化疗治疗局部晚期胰腺癌患者的近期疗效、疼痛及生活质量改善和不良反应, 收集2009 年10 月至2014 年10 月在北京医院肿瘤内科确诊的30 例局部晚期胰腺癌患者, 给予化疗同时联合局部热疗的治疗方法(联合组), 同时选取同期住院治疗30 例局部晚期胰腺癌患者, 仅给予单纯化疗作为对照组(化疗组), 评估两组治疗效果及不良反应, 观察两组在生活质量及疼痛改善方面有无差异。结果显示, 联合组和化疗组的有效率和疾病控制率分别为10%、6.7%和83%、76%, 两组相比无统计学差异(P＞0.05), 联合组治疗后疼痛及生活质量的改善均明显优于化疗组, 差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。骨髓抑制和胃肠道反应是最常见的不良反应, 两组相比发生率无明显差异(P＞0.05), 热疗与化疗联合并不增加毒副反应,两组均无严重不良反应发生。结果表明, 在化疗基础上联合热疗可以明显减轻疼痛症状, 提高患者的生活质量, 且治疗简单, 副作用较小, 临床可操作性好, 值得推广。