Changes of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury before and after hyperbaric oxygenation： A randomly controlled study BACKGROUND： Plasma inflammatory factor, such as C-reactive prot...Changes of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury before and after hyperbaric oxygenation： A randomly controlled study BACKGROUND： Plasma inflammatory factor, such as C-reactive protein, whose content is regarded as a sensitively pathological marked protein and quantitative indexes of central nervous system injury, has been paid more and more attention in clinic. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects and clinical significance of C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury after hyperbaric oxygenation. DESIGN： Randomized controlled study. SETTING： Departments of Neurosurgery, Laboratory and Hyperbaric Oxygen, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Shantou University. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 60 patients with craniocerebral injury were selected from Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Shantou University from October 2006 to April 2007. There were 37 males and 23 females and the mean age was 26 years. All subjects were certainly diagnosed as history of craniocerebral injury. Patients hospitalized at 24 hours after injury, Glasgow Coma Score ranged from 3 to 12 points, and all patients were certainly diagnosed with CT or MR scanning. Patients and their relatives provided confirmed consent. All the subjects were randomly divided into hyperbaric oxygenation group and control group with 30 in each group. METHODS： Patients in the control group were treated with routinely neurosurgical therapy after hospitalization; however, based the same basic treatment in the control group, patients in the hyperbaric oxygenation group received hyperbaric oxygenation by using iced-wheel four-door 2-cabin air-compression chamber （made in Yantai） from 24 hours to 10 days after operation or injury. After entering the cabin, patients who had a clear consciousness breathed the oxygen by using face mask; contrarily, patients directly breathed the oxygen. Therapeutic project： Expression was increased for about 15–20 minutes, maintained for about 70–80 minutes, and decreased for 20 minutes. Otherwise, pressure was maintained from 0.2 to 0.25 MPa. Hyperbaric oxygenation took an hour for once a day and 10 times were regarded as a course. Venous blood was collected before treatment and on the next day of the first course end. Content of C-reactive protein in plasma was measured with immune turbidimetry in hyperbaric oxygenation group; in addition, content of C-reactive protein in plasma was directly measured with the same method at the corresponding time in the control group. If the content was less or equal to 8 mg/L, it was regarded as normal value. Effects of the two groups were evaluated based on Glasgow Coma Score before and after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Content of plasma C-reactive protein and Glasgow Coma Score in the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS： All 60 patients were involved in the final analysis. ① Content of plasma C-reactive protein： The two contents were obviously higher than normal value after craniocerebral injury. There was no significant difference in the two groups before treatment （P 〉 0.05）, but both contents were decreased after treatment, and there was significant difference between HBOT group and control group after treatment （t =4.756, P 〈 0.01）. In addition, there was significant difference in hyperbaric oxygen therapy group before and after treatment （t =5.236, P 〈 0.01）. ② Glasgow Coma Score： There was no significant difference in the two groups before treatment （P 〉 0.05）, but scores were increased in both groups after treatment （t =9.92, 2.51, P 〈 0.01, 0.05）; on the other hand, therefore, there was significant difference between the two groupsafter treatment （t =9.21, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Hyperbaric oxygenation can remarkably decrease content of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury at the phase of stress.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Rifampicin inhibits the formation of a-synuclein multimer and protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyritine （MPTP）-induced PC12 cell apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To compare the effect of rif...BACKGROUND： Rifampicin inhibits the formation of a-synuclein multimer and protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyritine （MPTP）-induced PC12 cell apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To compare the effect of rifampicin pre- and post-treatment on tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression in substantia nigra pars compacta in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SE＇B＇ING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Experimental Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University North Campus （China） from November 2006 to October 2008. MATERIALS： Rifampicin was purchased from MD, USA; rotenone was purchased from Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat α-synuclein monoclonal antibody was purchased from B＆D, USA; and rabbit anti-rat tyrosine hydroxylase monoclonal antibody was purchased from Chemicon, USA. METHODS： A total of 72 male, Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly assigned to 5 groups： blank control （n = 12）, rifampicin （n = 12）, rotenone （n = 16）, rifampicin pre-treatment （n = 16）, and rifampicin post-treatment （n = 16）. Parkinson＇s disease model rats were established via a subcutaneous injection of rotenone （1.5 mg/kg per day） in the three treatment groups, once a day for 3 successive weeks. Rifampicin （30 mg/kg per day） was intragastrically administered in the rifampicin pre-treatment group 3 days prior to rotenone induction and in the rifampicin post-treatment group 7 days after rotenone induction. Rats were treated with a subcutaneous injection of 1 mL/kg per day sunflower oil in the blank control group and an intragastric injection of 30 mg/kg per day rifampicin in the rifampicin group, once a day for 3 successive weeks in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Prior to treatment and in the end of the 3^rd week after treatment, the rats were evaluated using the modified neurological severity score. The substantia nigra from the rats was extracted for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot analysis was performed to determine tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression. RESULTS： Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed a significant reduction in the number of substantia nigral neurons in the rotenone group, in addition to neurodegradation, hypopigmentation, and pyknosis. In the rifampicin pre-treatment and post-treatment groups, the number of dopaminergic neurons was significantly increased compared with the rotenone group （P 〈 0.01）, with slight neuronal damage. Compared with the rotenone group, substantia nigral tyrosine hydroxylase expression was significantly increased in the rifampicin pre-treatment and post-treatment groups （P 〈 0.01）, but α-synuclein expression and modified neurological severity scores were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. In addition, the effect of rifampicin in the pre-treatment group was superior to the post-treatment group. There was no significant difference in tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression, or in the modified neurological severity scores, between the blank control and rifampicin groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Rifampicin significantly attenuated neuropathological and behavioral motor deficits induced by rotenone. Moreover, rifampicin enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression, but inhibited α-synuclein expression. The effect of rifampicin pre-treatment was superior to rifampicin post-treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Long-term anti-depression treatment can promote the regeneration of hippocampal regeneration. Up-regulation of hippocampal regeneration can reverse or prevent against the injury of stress to cerebrum, esp...BACKGROUND： Long-term anti-depression treatment can promote the regeneration of hippocampal regeneration. Up-regulation of hippocampal regeneration can reverse or prevent against the injury of stress to cerebrum, especially to hippocampal structure and function. Therefore, promoting hippocampal neuronal regeneration may be a new strategy for treating depression and anxiety, OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture at Du channel and meridian of foot-Taiyang on hippocampal neurons from model rats of depression. DESIGN： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING： Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： Twenty-four Wistar rats, of either gender, aged 2 months old, weighing 200 - 220 g, were provided by the Animal Experimental Center, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Clinical Molecular Biochemical Laboratory, Shenzhen Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2006 and April 2007. ①The involved rats were randomized into 4 groups according to body mass： blank control group, model group, electroacupuncture A group and electroacupuncture B group, with 6 in each. Rats in the blank control group were free to access to water, and were not given any intervention. Rats in the latter 3 groups were developed into rat depression models by chronic stress combined with feeding alone, and received 21-day unpredictable various stresses. Rats in the model group were euthanized at 14 days after modeling, and their brain tissues were harvested. Rats in the electroacupuncture A group were modeled, then points ＂Baihui＂ and ＂Shenting＂ were chosen, and given electroacupuncture, once a day, 20 minutes once. Rats in the electroacupuncture B group were modeled, then points ＂Baihui＂, ＂Shenting＂, ＂Xinshu＂and ＂Ganshu＂ were chosen, and frequency and therapeutic time were the same as those of electroacupuncture A group. Rats in the latter 2 groups were also given electroacupuncture, and their brain tissues were harvested 14 days later. ②Index evaluation： Neurons in hippocampal CA 1 and CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus [neuron specific enolase （NSE）-positive cells] were counted by immunofluorescent technique. Each rat was weighted on the day of grouping and before execution at 35 days, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuron amount in each hippocampal region and body mass of rats in each group. RESULTS： Twenty-four rats were involved in the final analysis.①Neuronal amount in each region of hippocampus： Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus of rats in the model group were significantly less than those in the blank control group （P 〈 0.01）. Neurons in hippocampal CAland CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus of rats in the electroacupuncture A and B groups were more than those in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. ② Change in body mass of rats： Body mass increase of rats in the model group was less than that in the blank control group （P 〈 0.05）, and body mass increase of electroacupuncture A and B groups was significantly more than that in the model group, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Electroacupuncture at Du channel and meridian of foot-Taiyang alleviates hippocampal neuronal injury of rats, and thereby, improves depression and promotes the increase of body mass of rats.展开更多
The present study established a rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia （CIH） to simulate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. CIH rats were evaluated for cognitive function using the Morris water maze, and neuronal ...The present study established a rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia （CIH） to simulate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. CIH rats were evaluated for cognitive function using the Morris water maze, and neuronal pathology in the hippocampus was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. In addition, hippocampal choline acetyl transferase （CHAT） and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （nAChR） expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed necrotic hippocampal neurons, decreased ChAT and nAChR expression, as well as cognitive impairment in CIH rats. These results suggest that hippocampal neuronal necrosis and decreased cholinerqic activity may be involved in CIH-induced cognitive impairment in rats.展开更多
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） from rats were transfected with Rn-siRNA-caveolin-1 and differentiated into neuron-like cells using fasudil hydrochloride. Membrane ultrastructural changes in MSCs were obse...Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） from rats were transfected with Rn-siRNA-caveolin-1 and differentiated into neuron-like cells using fasudil hydrochloride. Membrane ultrastructural changes in MSCs were observed under atomic force microscopy. Caveolin-l-transfected rat MSCs exhibited weak nuclear refraction, dense caveolae and long finger-like cellular processes prior to fasudil hydrochloride treatment. MSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells exhibited weak nuclear refraction and large cellular processes without caveolae. We hypothesize that caveolin-1 plays an important role in the regulation of bone marrow MSC differentiating into neuron-like cells.展开更多
Hippocampal neurons of neonatal rats were cultured in serum-free culture medium for 5 days in vitro, and treated with the Rho-kinase inducer lysophosphatidic acid. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the numbers of ...Hippocampal neurons of neonatal rats were cultured in serum-free culture medium for 5 days in vitro, and treated with the Rho-kinase inducer lysophosphatidic acid. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the numbers of level-1, -2 and -3 neurites protruding from rat hippocampal neurons was significantly reduced. After treatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632, a significant increase in the numbers of these neurites was observed. Our experimental findings indicate that the Rho-kinase pathway is closely associated with the neurites of hippocampal neurons.展开更多
In the present study, olfactory ensheathing cells were transplanted into the cortices of infarcted （infarct transplantation group）, normal （normal transplantation group）, and bilateral hemispheres （bilateral tran...In the present study, olfactory ensheathing cells were transplanted into the cortices of infarcted （infarct transplantation group）, normal （normal transplantation group）, and bilateral hemispheres （bilateral transplantation group）. Olfactory ensheathing cells migrated to the infarct focus. The number of growth associated protein 43-positive cells and nerve fibers was slightly increased in the infarct area. These changes were more evident in the bilateral cortical transplantation group. Results demonstrated that transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells can migrate in rats with cerebra infarction. The olfactory ensheathing cells on the normal side can also promote neurological function. Bilateral cortical transplantation exhibited superior effects over unilateral transplantation.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells is a commonly pathological characteristic of various eye diseases, while caspase-3 is an important regulating gene and plays a key role in apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： T...BACKGROUND： Apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells is a commonly pathological characteristic of various eye diseases, while caspase-3 is an important regulating gene and plays a key role in apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To measure the expression of caspase-3 mRNA in rats with apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells by using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compare with those of the normal rats. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Zhongshan Ophthalmological Center of Sun Yat-sen University. MATERIALS： A total of 36 female SD rats of 50 days old and clean grade and weighing （150±10） g were provided by Experimental Animal Center of Northern Area of Sun Yat-sen University. All rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n =6） and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea （MNU） group （n =30）, and they were observed at 12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after model establishment, with 6 rats at each time point. METHODS： The experiment was carried out at Zhongshan Ophthalmological Center, Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology by State Ministry of Education from March to December 2004. Rats in the normal control group were intraperitoneally injected with saline and rats in the MNU group were intraperitoneally injected with 40 mg/kg MNU. And then, retinal photoreceptor injured models were established. At 12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after model establishment, the rats were sacrificed for enucleating right eyeballs, isolating retina immediately and extracting total RNA. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA in retina was measured with real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of caspase-3 mRNA in retina of rats in the two groups. RESULTS： A total of 36 SD rats were involved in the final analysis. The expressions of caspase-3 mRNA in the rat retina of both groups at the five time points （12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days） after model establishment were 1.52×105, 18.35×105, 25.14×105, 29.25×105, 13.72×105 and 12.24×105, respectively. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA in the MNU group increased after 12 hours of intraperitoneal injection, and rose to the top on the 2nd day, which was 19 times as many as that of the normal control group. Then, it decreased gradually and was still 8 times as many as that of the normal control group on the 5th day. CONCLUSION： The expression of caspase-3 mRNA is related to apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, while caspase-3 plays an important role in occurrence and development of apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells.展开更多
EphB2 affects neuronal cells by altering the dendritic spines. The present study analyzed the neu-roprotective effects of gastrodine by measuring EphB2 expression in rat neural cells cultured in vitro and injured by k...EphB2 affects neuronal cells by altering the dendritic spines. The present study analyzed the neu-roprotective effects of gastrodine by measuring EphB2 expression in rat neural cells cultured in vitro and injured by kainic acid. Gastrodine （12.5, 25, and 50 mg/L） improved morphology in kainic acid-injured neurons, reduced lactate dehydrogenase leakage, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and increased EphB2 expression in neuronal cells. A moderate dose of 25 mg/L gastrodine resulted in the most significant effects. These results suggested that gastrodine suppressed the neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids and provided neuroprotection by remodeling neuronal dendritic spines.展开更多
The development of the 6-layered cerebral neocortex is one of the most important events during nervous system development, and disturbances could result in various malformations, causing clinically intractable disease...The development of the 6-layered cerebral neocortex is one of the most important events during nervous system development, and disturbances could result in various malformations, causing clinically intractable diseases, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Pre-plate splitting is the first developmental step of the cortical plate formation. Without correct pre-plate splitting, normal cerebral cortex structures are disturbed. The Reelin-Dabl molecular pathway plays a critical role during cerebral cortex development, and deficiencies in this pathway result in failed pre-plate splitting and an inverted cortical plate. This paper summarizes findings involving Reelin and pre-plate splitting and further explores the precise role of Reelin during pre-plate splitting.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Previous studies have reported that statins are less toxic to the human body and have greater antitumor activity; however, few studies have addressed the antitumor effect of statins combined with tumor ne...BACKGROUND： Previous studies have reported that statins are less toxic to the human body and have greater antitumor activity; however, few studies have addressed the antitumor effect of statins combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand （TRAIL）. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effect of TRAIL combined with mevastatin on the proliferation and apoptotic cell death of a human glioma cell line SWO-38, and to study its mechanism of action. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro control experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of the Third Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, between January and April 2009. MATERIALS： The human SWO-38 cell line was provided by Cell Research, Department of Animal Experimental Center of Sun Yat-sen University; human recombinant soluble TRAIL by R＆D, USA; and mevastatin by Sigma, USA. METHODS： SWO-38 cells were separately incubated in TRAIL （100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 tJg/L） and mevastatin （5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 pmol/L） for 72 hours. In addition, SWO-38 cells were incubated in TRAIL （300 μg/L）, mevastatin （30 μmol/L）, and a solution containing both TRAIL and mevastatin for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell proliferation was detected using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay; cell apoptosis was observed using Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy and was measured using Annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry; TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 protein expressions levels were measured using indirect immunofluorescence staining combined with flow cytometry in the recombinant soluble TRAIL （rsTRAIL, 300 tJg/L）, mevastatin （30 IJmol/L） and combination groups; TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 mRNA expression was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： rsTRAIL, mevastatin and their combination inhibited tumor proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The proliferation inhibitory rate and apoptosis rate of human SWO-38 cells in the combined group were significantly greater than the rsTRAIL or mevastatin alone group （P 〈 0.01）. TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 protein and mRNA expressions were increased in the combination group compared with mevastatin or rsTRAIL alone after 72 hours （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Both rsTRAIL and mevastatin inhibit the proliferation and apoptosis of the human glioma cell line SWO-38, while their combination enhances the anti-tumor effect. The mechanism of action possibly correlates to the upregulation of TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 mRNA expression by mevastatin, thereby enhancing the cell sensitivity to rsTRAIL.展开更多
Animal models of intracerebral hemorrhage were established by injection of autologous blood into the caudate nucleus in rats. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining of the p75 n...Animal models of intracerebral hemorrhage were established by injection of autologous blood into the caudate nucleus in rats. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining of the p75 neurotrophin receptor. p75 neurotrophin receptor protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. p75 neurotrophin receptor mRNA was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. At 24 hours after modeling, cellular apoptosis occured around hematoma with upregulation of p75 neurotrophin receptor protein and mRNA was observed, which directly correlated to apoptosis. This observation indicated that p75 neurotrophin receptor upregulation was associated with cell apoptosis around hematomas after intracerebral hemorrhage.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin （PA-MSHA） parenteral injection is used as a broad-spectrum immunomodulator. It remains unclear whether PA-MSHA exhibits inhibitory effects on tumor...BACKGROUND： Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin （PA-MSHA） parenteral injection is used as a broad-spectrum immunomodulator. It remains unclear whether PA-MSHA exhibits inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth. OBJECTIVE： To investigate inhibitory mechanisms of PA-MSHA-induced proliferation in rat C6 glioma cells in vitro. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Comparative observation and in vitro experiments were performed at the Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Kunming Medical College, China from July 2008 to April 2009. MATERIALS： Rat C6 glioma cell line （Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China） and PA-MSHA parenteral injection （Beijing Wanteer Bio-Pharmaceutical, China） were used in the present study. METHODS： Rat C6 glioma cells in logarithmic growth phase were harvested in vitro. Adherent monolayer cells were respectively treated with PA-MSHA at final colony-forming units （cfu） of 1 ×10^8 cfu/mL, 2 × 10^8 cfu/mL, 4 × 10^8 cfu/mL, 6 × 10^8 cfu/mL, and 8 ×10^8 cfu/mL following 24 hours of conventional culture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： MTT colorimetric assay was utilized to determine the inhibitory rate of C6 glioma cells following treatment with various concentrations of PA-MSHA at different times. Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescent microscopy following Hoechst 33258 staining. Flow cytometry was used to measure PA-MSHA effects on C6 cell cycle. RESULTS： Inhibitory rate of C6 glioma cells increased with prolonged time and increased dose. Hoechst 33258 staining revealed obvious morphological changes in apoptotic C6 glioma cells. Flow cytometry revealed hypodiploid peaks, Le., apoptotic peak, and the apoptotic rate in cells during S-phase significantly increased with increased concentrations in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION： With in vitro experiments, PA-MSHA preparations inhibited C6 glioma cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These mechanisms are likely associated with cell apoptosis induction and inhibition of the S phase.展开更多
Residents aged 55 years or older from 27 communities and two settlements in Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia were selected for participation in an Alzheimer＇s disease epidemiological investigation from June 2008 to ...Residents aged 55 years or older from 27 communities and two settlements in Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia were selected for participation in an Alzheimer＇s disease epidemiological investigation from June 2008 to June 2009, including 3 259 Mongolians and 5 887 Han Chinese. The Mongolian subjects in the Alzheimer＇s disease group were at age of 55 years or older （on average）, and more of them were male, illiterate and/or had a history of coronary artery disease and/or diabetes compared with the Mongolian subjects in the non-Alzheimer＇s disease group. The Han Chinese subjects in the AIzheimer＇s disease group were at age of 55 years or older （on average） and more of them were women, illiterate and/or had a history of coronary artery disease, and less of them had a history of alcohol consumption compared with the non-Alzheimefs disease group. Non-conditional multivariate stepwise logistic regression identified that male gender, increasing age and having a history of diabetes and/or coronary heart disease were associated with higher odds of Alzheimer＇s disease among Mongolians while having an educational background was associated with lower odds （OR = 0.259, 95%C/0.174-0.386）. Among the Han Chinese subjects, male gender, increasing age and having a history of coronary heart disease and/or hypertension was associated with higher odds of Alzheimer＇s disease, while having an educational background was associated lower odds （OR = 0.271, 95%C/0.192-0.381）. The results also indicated that extremely heavy smoking may be a risk factor for Alzheimer＇s disease in Mongolian males aged over 55 years. There was no significant difference in smoking habits between the Mongolian and Han Chinese subjects with Alzheimer＇s disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Carpal tunnel syndrome （CTS） is diagnosed mainly according to clinical symptoms, physical sign and neurodiagnostic laboratory examination. The therapeutic effect of conservative management and surgical ...BACKGROUND： Carpal tunnel syndrome （CTS） is diagnosed mainly according to clinical symptoms, physical sign and neurodiagnostic laboratory examination. The therapeutic effect of conservative management and surgical operation in treating CTS need to be further observed and evaluated. OBJECTIVE： To analyze the clinical characteristics, neurophysiological grade and outcome in patients with CTS. DESIGN： Retrospective case-analysis. SETTING： Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi＇an Jiaotong University. PARTICIPANTS： Totally 161 patients with suspected CTS from National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore referred to the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory for the confirmatory testing between January and September 2002. The involved patients, 137 male and 24 female, were aged 21 - 85 years. METHODS： ①The condition of diabetes mellitus complicated by abnormal thyroid function was observed.② The effect on predominant hand, and paraesthesia were observed. ③Neuroelectrophysiological studies were performed and the results were graded into mild, moderate and severe CTS according to the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine （AAEM） criteria.④ Conservative management and surgical intervention were followed up 3 months later, and symptoms and physical sign basically disappeared, and function was basically recovered, which indicated that disease condition improved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①Condition of CTS complicated by metabolic disease; ②Effects on predominant hand and paraesthesia; ③Electrophysiological grading; ④Prognosis. RESULTS： Totally 161 patients participated in the final analysis. ①Condition of CTS complicated by metabolic disease： Among 161 patients, 17.4% （28/161） were documented to have diabetes mellitus and 7（4.3%） had hypothyroidism. ②Effects on predominant hand and paraesthesia： Dominant hand involvement was present in 134 patients （83.2%） and more than 75% had onset of symptoms in the dominant hand. Sensory symptoms like numbness and paresthesias were the predominant symptoms, accounting for 89.1% （134/161）, this discomfort was felt in all 5 digits of the hand in 47.6%, and lateral three and half digits in 21.4%. The noctural symptoms were present in 30.4% （49/161） patients. ③Electrophysiological typing： The most frequent abnormality was that of the prolonged mid-palm median and ulnar latency difference in 146（54.7%） hands; 103（38.6%） hands had prolonged median motor distal latency. Absent response from thenar muscle was present in 35 （13.1%） hands. Nerve conduction study showed bilateral CTS in 105 （65.2%） patients and unilateral CTS in 56 （34.8%） patients. Sixteen patients with bilateral CTS had symptoms in one hand only. Overall, 36.8% had mild, 49.2 % had moderate and 13.9 % had severe CTS, with median duration of symptoms of 6, 9 and 14 months, respectively. ④Delay in diagnosis： 37（22.9%） patients delayed in diagnosis from 1-4 months, 16（43.2%） were misdiagnosed as cervical spondylosis; 6（16.2%） were ignored due to their condition by busy work; 15（40.5%） were unware of their symptoms. ⑤Prognosis： Follow up data was available for only 72.7% （117/161） patients. Conservative management was conducted in 73.5% （86/117）. Clinical symptoms were resolved or improved in 65.1% （56/86） patients with 17 mild CTS, 29 moderate CTS, and 10 severe CTS. 26.5% （31/117） patients underwent surgery for CTS release, and clinical symptoms were improved in 12（38.7%） with moderate CTS and 2 （6.5%） with severe CTS at 3 months of follow up. CONCLUSION： ①Sensory symptoms in CTS are more in severe and common in dominant hand. ②Conservative management showed resolution or improvement for mild and moderate CTS. Surgical intervention shows either resolution or improvement in clinical symptoms in moderate CTS. ③The common reasons for delay in diagnosis were due to misdiagnosis as cervical spondylosis and lack of awareness of the condition.④Assessment on severity of CTS by electrophysiological grade is of important significance for determining therapeutic mean.展开更多
A neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage was designed and implemented in this study. Rats were subjected to hypothermia at 31℃ immediately following hypoxia-ischemia for either 3, 6 or 15 hours. TdT-medi...A neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage was designed and implemented in this study. Rats were subjected to hypothermia at 31℃ immediately following hypoxia-ischemia for either 3, 6 or 15 hours. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling demonstrated that the number of apoptotic cells was reduced in the rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus and periventricular white matter following hypothermia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Bcl-2 and p16 expression were decreased. Inhibition of apoptosis was greatest with the 3 hour hypothermic treatment, followed by hypothermia for 6 hours. In contrast, hypothermia for 15 hours led to a decrease in neuronal number in the cerebral cortex. The results demonstrate that hypothermic intervention at 31℃ protects brain tissue against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage by inhibiting apoptosis, and that the optimal length of treatment is 3 hours.展开更多
BACKGROUND： The electrophysiological test was mainly achieved by the reaction of nerve fiber to electrical stimulus, usually expressed by the amplitude and latency. Blink reflex and electroneurography （ENOG） are wi...BACKGROUND： The electrophysiological test was mainly achieved by the reaction of nerve fiber to electrical stimulus, usually expressed by the amplitude and latency. Blink reflex and electroneurography （ENOG） are widely applied in facial paralysis, the amplitude would step down, and the latency would prolong when the facial nerve was injured. OBJECTIVE： To compare the value of blink reflex and ENOG in the diagnosis of facial paralysis （Bell＇s palsy）. DESIGN： A controlled trial. SETTINGS： Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; West China Hospital of Sichuan University; Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Sichuan People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： The patients who had finished the tests of blink reflex （n =207） and ENOG （n =205） were selected from the Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; West China Hospital of Sichuan University; Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Sichuan People＇s Hospital from September 2001 to July 2003. After treatment for 4 weeks, the patients finished tests of blink reflex （n =207） and ENOG （n =205） were randomly divided into primary treatment group （n =68, 69）, acupuncture group （n =71, 66） and comprehensive treatment group （n =68, 70）, respectively. Approval was obtained from the ethic committee of hospital. METHODS： Patients in the primary treatment group and acupuncture group were treated with western medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion alone respectively, and those in the comprehensive treatment group were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion based on western medicine. The whole period of treatment was 4 weeks. The tests of blink reflex and ENOG were carried out using Japanese light and electricity MEB-2200 electromyogram/induced potential instrument for once before and after treatment respectively. The normal value of the latency period of wave RI was within 13 ms, and the difference was 1 - 1.2 ms between the left and right sides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The latency of wave RI of blink reflect and the latency and wave amplitude of ENOG on the affected and healthy sides before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS： Totally 207 and 205 patients received tests of blink reflex and ENOG, but 17 and 16 cases respectively did not finish the second measurement, finally 190 and 189 cases were involved in the analysis of results. The latencies of wave R 1 on the affected side after treatment were significantly longer than those before treatment （t = - 6.253, P 〈 0.01）; The latencies of wave RI on the normal side were in the normal range before and after treatment; The latencies of wave RI before treatment on the affected side was significantly longer than that on the normal side （t =- 5.896, P 〈 0.01）, but there were no significant differences between the affected and normal sides after treatment （P 〉 0.05）. It was indicated that the latencies of wave RI on the affected side had restored normally, and the blink reflex was improved obviously after treatment. The latency of ENOG on the affected side before treatment was significantly prolonged as compared with that on the normal side （t =2.247, P 〈 0.01）; After treatment, the difference between the affected and normal side became smaller, but remarkable significance still existed （t =10.810, P 〈 0.01）. In spite of the obvious improvement of affected side before and after treatment, there were still significant differences （t =- 8.110, P 〈 0.05）. The wave amplitude on the affected side was decreased after treatment, which was not significantly different from that before treatment （P 〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： After treatment of facial paralysis, blink reflect was greatly improved, there was an obvious hysteresis in the latency of ENOG. Therefore, blink reflect was better than ENOG in the early diagnosis, while ENOG was suitable for evaluating the prognosis. The ENOG examination was better than blink reflex at middle and late period.展开更多
Anti-β2 glycoprotein I （anti-β2GP I） antibodies are important contributors to thrombosis, especially in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome （APS）. However, the mechanism by which anti-β2GP I antibodies are ...Anti-β2 glycoprotein I （anti-β2GP I） antibodies are important contributors to thrombosis, especially in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome （APS）. However, the mechanism by which anti-β2GP I antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of thrombosis is not fully understood. In this report, we investigated the role of anti- β2GP I antibodies in complexes with β2GP I as mediators of platelet activation, which can serve as a potential source contributing to thrombosis. We examined the involvement of the apolipoprotein E receptor 2＇ （apoER2＇） and glycoprotein I ba （GP I bα） in platelet activation induced by the anti-β2GP I/β2GP I complex. The interaction between the anti-β2GP I/β2GP I complex and platelets was examined using in vitro methods, in which the Fc portion of the antibody was immobilized using protein A coated onto a microtiter plate. Platelet activation was assessed by measuring GP II b/III a activation and F-selectin expression and thromboxane B2 production as well as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Our results revealed that the anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex was able to activate platelets, and this activation was inhibited by either the anti-GP I bα antibody or the apoER2＇ inhibitor. Results showed that the anti-β2GPI/β2GPl complex induced platelet activation via GP I bα and apoER2＇, which may then contribute to the prothrombotic tendency in APS patients.展开更多
Photodynamic therapy （PDT）, which is a procedure that uses photosensitizing drug to apply therapy selectively to target sites, has been proven to be a safe treatment for cancers and conditions that may develop into ...Photodynamic therapy （PDT）, which is a procedure that uses photosensitizing drug to apply therapy selectively to target sites, has been proven to be a safe treatment for cancers and conditions that may develop into cancers. Nano-sized TiO2 has been regarded as potential photosensitizer for UV light driven PDT. In this study, four types of TiO2 nanofibers were prepared from proton tri-titanate （H2T3O7） nanofiber. The as-obtained nanofibers were demonstrated as efficient photosensitizers for PDT killing of HeLa cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry （FCM） were carried out to evaluate the biocompatibility, percentage of apoptotic cells, and cell viability. The non-cytotoxicity of the as-prepared TiO2 nanofibers in the absence of UV irradiation has also been demonstrated. Under UV light irradiation, the TiO2 nanofibers, particularly the mixed phase nanofibers, displayed much higher cell-killing efficiency than Pirarubicin （THP）, which is a common drug to induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells. We ascribe the high cell- killing efficiency of the mixed phase nanofibers to the bandgap edge match and stable interface between TiO2（B） and anatase phases in a single nanofiber, which can inhibit the recombination of the photogenerated electrons and holes. This promotes the charge separation and transfer processes and can produce more reactive oxygen species （ROS） that are responsible for the killing of HeLa cells.展开更多
文摘Changes of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury before and after hyperbaric oxygenation： A randomly controlled study BACKGROUND： Plasma inflammatory factor, such as C-reactive protein, whose content is regarded as a sensitively pathological marked protein and quantitative indexes of central nervous system injury, has been paid more and more attention in clinic. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects and clinical significance of C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury after hyperbaric oxygenation. DESIGN： Randomized controlled study. SETTING： Departments of Neurosurgery, Laboratory and Hyperbaric Oxygen, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Shantou University. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 60 patients with craniocerebral injury were selected from Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Shantou University from October 2006 to April 2007. There were 37 males and 23 females and the mean age was 26 years. All subjects were certainly diagnosed as history of craniocerebral injury. Patients hospitalized at 24 hours after injury, Glasgow Coma Score ranged from 3 to 12 points, and all patients were certainly diagnosed with CT or MR scanning. Patients and their relatives provided confirmed consent. All the subjects were randomly divided into hyperbaric oxygenation group and control group with 30 in each group. METHODS： Patients in the control group were treated with routinely neurosurgical therapy after hospitalization; however, based the same basic treatment in the control group, patients in the hyperbaric oxygenation group received hyperbaric oxygenation by using iced-wheel four-door 2-cabin air-compression chamber （made in Yantai） from 24 hours to 10 days after operation or injury. After entering the cabin, patients who had a clear consciousness breathed the oxygen by using face mask; contrarily, patients directly breathed the oxygen. Therapeutic project： Expression was increased for about 15–20 minutes, maintained for about 70–80 minutes, and decreased for 20 minutes. Otherwise, pressure was maintained from 0.2 to 0.25 MPa. Hyperbaric oxygenation took an hour for once a day and 10 times were regarded as a course. Venous blood was collected before treatment and on the next day of the first course end. Content of C-reactive protein in plasma was measured with immune turbidimetry in hyperbaric oxygenation group; in addition, content of C-reactive protein in plasma was directly measured with the same method at the corresponding time in the control group. If the content was less or equal to 8 mg/L, it was regarded as normal value. Effects of the two groups were evaluated based on Glasgow Coma Score before and after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Content of plasma C-reactive protein and Glasgow Coma Score in the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS： All 60 patients were involved in the final analysis. ① Content of plasma C-reactive protein： The two contents were obviously higher than normal value after craniocerebral injury. There was no significant difference in the two groups before treatment （P 〉 0.05）, but both contents were decreased after treatment, and there was significant difference between HBOT group and control group after treatment （t =4.756, P 〈 0.01）. In addition, there was significant difference in hyperbaric oxygen therapy group before and after treatment （t =5.236, P 〈 0.01）. ② Glasgow Coma Score： There was no significant difference in the two groups before treatment （P 〉 0.05）, but scores were increased in both groups after treatment （t =9.92, 2.51, P 〈 0.01, 0.05）; on the other hand, therefore, there was significant difference between the two groupsafter treatment （t =9.21, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Hyperbaric oxygenation can remarkably decrease content of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with craniocerebral injury at the phase of stress.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.04009355Science and Technology Planning Project of Guandong Province,China,05B33801003
文摘BACKGROUND： Rifampicin inhibits the formation of a-synuclein multimer and protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyritine （MPTP）-induced PC12 cell apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To compare the effect of rifampicin pre- and post-treatment on tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression in substantia nigra pars compacta in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SE＇B＇ING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Experimental Animal Center of Sun Yat-sen University North Campus （China） from November 2006 to October 2008. MATERIALS： Rifampicin was purchased from MD, USA; rotenone was purchased from Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat α-synuclein monoclonal antibody was purchased from B＆D, USA; and rabbit anti-rat tyrosine hydroxylase monoclonal antibody was purchased from Chemicon, USA. METHODS： A total of 72 male, Sprague Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly assigned to 5 groups： blank control （n = 12）, rifampicin （n = 12）, rotenone （n = 16）, rifampicin pre-treatment （n = 16）, and rifampicin post-treatment （n = 16）. Parkinson＇s disease model rats were established via a subcutaneous injection of rotenone （1.5 mg/kg per day） in the three treatment groups, once a day for 3 successive weeks. Rifampicin （30 mg/kg per day） was intragastrically administered in the rifampicin pre-treatment group 3 days prior to rotenone induction and in the rifampicin post-treatment group 7 days after rotenone induction. Rats were treated with a subcutaneous injection of 1 mL/kg per day sunflower oil in the blank control group and an intragastric injection of 30 mg/kg per day rifampicin in the rifampicin group, once a day for 3 successive weeks in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Prior to treatment and in the end of the 3^rd week after treatment, the rats were evaluated using the modified neurological severity score. The substantia nigra from the rats was extracted for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot analysis was performed to determine tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression. RESULTS： Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed a significant reduction in the number of substantia nigral neurons in the rotenone group, in addition to neurodegradation, hypopigmentation, and pyknosis. In the rifampicin pre-treatment and post-treatment groups, the number of dopaminergic neurons was significantly increased compared with the rotenone group （P 〈 0.01）, with slight neuronal damage. Compared with the rotenone group, substantia nigral tyrosine hydroxylase expression was significantly increased in the rifampicin pre-treatment and post-treatment groups （P 〈 0.01）, but α-synuclein expression and modified neurological severity scores were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. In addition, the effect of rifampicin in the pre-treatment group was superior to the post-treatment group. There was no significant difference in tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein expression, or in the modified neurological severity scores, between the blank control and rifampicin groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Rifampicin significantly attenuated neuropathological and behavioral motor deficits induced by rotenone. Moreover, rifampicin enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase expression, but inhibited α-synuclein expression. The effect of rifampicin pre-treatment was superior to rifampicin post-treatment.
基金the grant from the Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Province, No. 2060154
文摘BACKGROUND： Long-term anti-depression treatment can promote the regeneration of hippocampal regeneration. Up-regulation of hippocampal regeneration can reverse or prevent against the injury of stress to cerebrum, especially to hippocampal structure and function. Therefore, promoting hippocampal neuronal regeneration may be a new strategy for treating depression and anxiety, OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture at Du channel and meridian of foot-Taiyang on hippocampal neurons from model rats of depression. DESIGN： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING： Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： Twenty-four Wistar rats, of either gender, aged 2 months old, weighing 200 - 220 g, were provided by the Animal Experimental Center, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS： This experiment was carried out in the Clinical Molecular Biochemical Laboratory, Shenzhen Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2006 and April 2007. ①The involved rats were randomized into 4 groups according to body mass： blank control group, model group, electroacupuncture A group and electroacupuncture B group, with 6 in each. Rats in the blank control group were free to access to water, and were not given any intervention. Rats in the latter 3 groups were developed into rat depression models by chronic stress combined with feeding alone, and received 21-day unpredictable various stresses. Rats in the model group were euthanized at 14 days after modeling, and their brain tissues were harvested. Rats in the electroacupuncture A group were modeled, then points ＂Baihui＂ and ＂Shenting＂ were chosen, and given electroacupuncture, once a day, 20 minutes once. Rats in the electroacupuncture B group were modeled, then points ＂Baihui＂, ＂Shenting＂, ＂Xinshu＂and ＂Ganshu＂ were chosen, and frequency and therapeutic time were the same as those of electroacupuncture A group. Rats in the latter 2 groups were also given electroacupuncture, and their brain tissues were harvested 14 days later. ②Index evaluation： Neurons in hippocampal CA 1 and CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus [neuron specific enolase （NSE）-positive cells] were counted by immunofluorescent technique. Each rat was weighted on the day of grouping and before execution at 35 days, MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuron amount in each hippocampal region and body mass of rats in each group. RESULTS： Twenty-four rats were involved in the final analysis.①Neuronal amount in each region of hippocampus： Neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus of rats in the model group were significantly less than those in the blank control group （P 〈 0.01）. Neurons in hippocampal CAland CA3 regions as well as dentate gyrus of rats in the electroacupuncture A and B groups were more than those in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. ② Change in body mass of rats： Body mass increase of rats in the model group was less than that in the blank control group （P 〈 0.05）, and body mass increase of electroacupuncture A and B groups was significantly more than that in the model group, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Electroacupuncture at Du channel and meridian of foot-Taiyang alleviates hippocampal neuronal injury of rats, and thereby, improves depression and promotes the increase of body mass of rats.
文摘The present study established a rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia （CIH） to simulate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. CIH rats were evaluated for cognitive function using the Morris water maze, and neuronal pathology in the hippocampus was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. In addition, hippocampal choline acetyl transferase （CHAT） and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （nAChR） expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed necrotic hippocampal neurons, decreased ChAT and nAChR expression, as well as cognitive impairment in CIH rats. These results suggest that hippocampal neuronal necrosis and decreased cholinerqic activity may be involved in CIH-induced cognitive impairment in rats.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770758the Natural Science Research Program of Henan Provincial Department of Education, No. 2008A320032
文摘Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） from rats were transfected with Rn-siRNA-caveolin-1 and differentiated into neuron-like cells using fasudil hydrochloride. Membrane ultrastructural changes in MSCs were observed under atomic force microscopy. Caveolin-l-transfected rat MSCs exhibited weak nuclear refraction, dense caveolae and long finger-like cellular processes prior to fasudil hydrochloride treatment. MSCs differentiating into neuron-like cells exhibited weak nuclear refraction and large cellular processes without caveolae. We hypothesize that caveolin-1 plays an important role in the regulation of bone marrow MSC differentiating into neuron-like cells.
文摘Hippocampal neurons of neonatal rats were cultured in serum-free culture medium for 5 days in vitro, and treated with the Rho-kinase inducer lysophosphatidic acid. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the numbers of level-1, -2 and -3 neurites protruding from rat hippocampal neurons was significantly reduced. After treatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632, a significant increase in the numbers of these neurites was observed. Our experimental findings indicate that the Rho-kinase pathway is closely associated with the neurites of hippocampal neurons.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39700048, 30271378a grant from Education Bureau of Guangzhou,No.61092a grant from Science and Technology Department of Guangdong Province,No. 2009B030801354
文摘In the present study, olfactory ensheathing cells were transplanted into the cortices of infarcted （infarct transplantation group）, normal （normal transplantation group）, and bilateral hemispheres （bilateral transplantation group）. Olfactory ensheathing cells migrated to the infarct focus. The number of growth associated protein 43-positive cells and nerve fibers was slightly increased in the infarct area. These changes were more evident in the bilateral cortical transplantation group. Results demonstrated that transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells can migrate in rats with cerebra infarction. The olfactory ensheathing cells on the normal side can also promote neurological function. Bilateral cortical transplantation exhibited superior effects over unilateral transplantation.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30300467
文摘BACKGROUND： Apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells is a commonly pathological characteristic of various eye diseases, while caspase-3 is an important regulating gene and plays a key role in apoptosis. OBJECTIVE： To measure the expression of caspase-3 mRNA in rats with apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells by using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compare with those of the normal rats. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Zhongshan Ophthalmological Center of Sun Yat-sen University. MATERIALS： A total of 36 female SD rats of 50 days old and clean grade and weighing （150±10） g were provided by Experimental Animal Center of Northern Area of Sun Yat-sen University. All rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n =6） and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea （MNU） group （n =30）, and they were observed at 12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after model establishment, with 6 rats at each time point. METHODS： The experiment was carried out at Zhongshan Ophthalmological Center, Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology by State Ministry of Education from March to December 2004. Rats in the normal control group were intraperitoneally injected with saline and rats in the MNU group were intraperitoneally injected with 40 mg/kg MNU. And then, retinal photoreceptor injured models were established. At 12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after model establishment, the rats were sacrificed for enucleating right eyeballs, isolating retina immediately and extracting total RNA. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA in retina was measured with real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of caspase-3 mRNA in retina of rats in the two groups. RESULTS： A total of 36 SD rats were involved in the final analysis. The expressions of caspase-3 mRNA in the rat retina of both groups at the five time points （12 hours, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days） after model establishment were 1.52×105, 18.35×105, 25.14×105, 29.25×105, 13.72×105 and 12.24×105, respectively. The expression of caspase-3 mRNA in the MNU group increased after 12 hours of intraperitoneal injection, and rose to the top on the 2nd day, which was 19 times as many as that of the normal control group. Then, it decreased gradually and was still 8 times as many as that of the normal control group on the 5th day. CONCLUSION： The expression of caspase-3 mRNA is related to apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, while caspase-3 plays an important role in occurrence and development of apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells.
文摘EphB2 affects neuronal cells by altering the dendritic spines. The present study analyzed the neu-roprotective effects of gastrodine by measuring EphB2 expression in rat neural cells cultured in vitro and injured by kainic acid. Gastrodine （12.5, 25, and 50 mg/L） improved morphology in kainic acid-injured neurons, reduced lactate dehydrogenase leakage, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and increased EphB2 expression in neuronal cells. A moderate dose of 25 mg/L gastrodine resulted in the most significant effects. These results suggested that gastrodine suppressed the neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids and provided neuroprotection by remodeling neuronal dendritic spines.
基金the Project of Abroad Researcher Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,No.LC07C17
文摘The development of the 6-layered cerebral neocortex is one of the most important events during nervous system development, and disturbances could result in various malformations, causing clinically intractable diseases, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Pre-plate splitting is the first developmental step of the cortical plate formation. Without correct pre-plate splitting, normal cerebral cortex structures are disturbed. The Reelin-Dabl molecular pathway plays a critical role during cerebral cortex development, and deficiencies in this pathway result in failed pre-plate splitting and an inverted cortical plate. This paper summarizes findings involving Reelin and pre-plate splitting and further explores the precise role of Reelin during pre-plate splitting.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30772537
文摘BACKGROUND： Previous studies have reported that statins are less toxic to the human body and have greater antitumor activity; however, few studies have addressed the antitumor effect of statins combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand （TRAIL）. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effect of TRAIL combined with mevastatin on the proliferation and apoptotic cell death of a human glioma cell line SWO-38, and to study its mechanism of action. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro control experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of the Third Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, between January and April 2009. MATERIALS： The human SWO-38 cell line was provided by Cell Research, Department of Animal Experimental Center of Sun Yat-sen University; human recombinant soluble TRAIL by R＆D, USA; and mevastatin by Sigma, USA. METHODS： SWO-38 cells were separately incubated in TRAIL （100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 tJg/L） and mevastatin （5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 pmol/L） for 72 hours. In addition, SWO-38 cells were incubated in TRAIL （300 μg/L）, mevastatin （30 μmol/L）, and a solution containing both TRAIL and mevastatin for 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell proliferation was detected using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay; cell apoptosis was observed using Hoechst 33258 staining and fluorescence microscopy and was measured using Annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry; TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 protein expressions levels were measured using indirect immunofluorescence staining combined with flow cytometry in the recombinant soluble TRAIL （rsTRAIL, 300 tJg/L）, mevastatin （30 IJmol/L） and combination groups; TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 mRNA expression was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： rsTRAIL, mevastatin and their combination inhibited tumor proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The proliferation inhibitory rate and apoptosis rate of human SWO-38 cells in the combined group were significantly greater than the rsTRAIL or mevastatin alone group （P 〈 0.01）. TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 protein and mRNA expressions were increased in the combination group compared with mevastatin or rsTRAIL alone after 72 hours （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Both rsTRAIL and mevastatin inhibit the proliferation and apoptosis of the human glioma cell line SWO-38, while their combination enhances the anti-tumor effect. The mechanism of action possibly correlates to the upregulation of TRAIL R1/DR4 and TRAIL R2/DR5 mRNA expression by mevastatin, thereby enhancing the cell sensitivity to rsTRAIL.
文摘Animal models of intracerebral hemorrhage were established by injection of autologous blood into the caudate nucleus in rats. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining of the p75 neurotrophin receptor. p75 neurotrophin receptor protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. p75 neurotrophin receptor mRNA was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. At 24 hours after modeling, cellular apoptosis occured around hematoma with upregulation of p75 neurotrophin receptor protein and mRNA was observed, which directly correlated to apoptosis. This observation indicated that p75 neurotrophin receptor upregulation was associated with cell apoptosis around hematomas after intracerebral hemorrhage.
文摘BACKGROUND： Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin （PA-MSHA） parenteral injection is used as a broad-spectrum immunomodulator. It remains unclear whether PA-MSHA exhibits inhibitory effects on tumor cell growth. OBJECTIVE： To investigate inhibitory mechanisms of PA-MSHA-induced proliferation in rat C6 glioma cells in vitro. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Comparative observation and in vitro experiments were performed at the Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, Kunming Medical College, China from July 2008 to April 2009. MATERIALS： Rat C6 glioma cell line （Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China） and PA-MSHA parenteral injection （Beijing Wanteer Bio-Pharmaceutical, China） were used in the present study. METHODS： Rat C6 glioma cells in logarithmic growth phase were harvested in vitro. Adherent monolayer cells were respectively treated with PA-MSHA at final colony-forming units （cfu） of 1 ×10^8 cfu/mL, 2 × 10^8 cfu/mL, 4 × 10^8 cfu/mL, 6 × 10^8 cfu/mL, and 8 ×10^8 cfu/mL following 24 hours of conventional culture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： MTT colorimetric assay was utilized to determine the inhibitory rate of C6 glioma cells following treatment with various concentrations of PA-MSHA at different times. Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescent microscopy following Hoechst 33258 staining. Flow cytometry was used to measure PA-MSHA effects on C6 cell cycle. RESULTS： Inhibitory rate of C6 glioma cells increased with prolonged time and increased dose. Hoechst 33258 staining revealed obvious morphological changes in apoptotic C6 glioma cells. Flow cytometry revealed hypodiploid peaks, Le., apoptotic peak, and the apoptotic rate in cells during S-phase significantly increased with increased concentrations in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION： With in vitro experiments, PA-MSHA preparations inhibited C6 glioma cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These mechanisms are likely associated with cell apoptosis induction and inhibition of the S phase.
基金supported by grants from the Science and Technology Research Project at University of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,No.NJ09116Important Project of Inner Mongolia Medical College Affiliated Hospital,No.NYFY ZD 2006001+2 种基金Social Development of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,No.KJT10JHNthe Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,No. 2010MS1121the Program of Higher-Level Talents of InnerMongolia University,No.SPH-IMU,Z200901002
文摘Residents aged 55 years or older from 27 communities and two settlements in Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia were selected for participation in an Alzheimer＇s disease epidemiological investigation from June 2008 to June 2009, including 3 259 Mongolians and 5 887 Han Chinese. The Mongolian subjects in the Alzheimer＇s disease group were at age of 55 years or older （on average）, and more of them were male, illiterate and/or had a history of coronary artery disease and/or diabetes compared with the Mongolian subjects in the non-Alzheimer＇s disease group. The Han Chinese subjects in the AIzheimer＇s disease group were at age of 55 years or older （on average） and more of them were women, illiterate and/or had a history of coronary artery disease, and less of them had a history of alcohol consumption compared with the non-Alzheimefs disease group. Non-conditional multivariate stepwise logistic regression identified that male gender, increasing age and having a history of diabetes and/or coronary heart disease were associated with higher odds of Alzheimer＇s disease among Mongolians while having an educational background was associated with lower odds （OR = 0.259, 95%C/0.174-0.386）. Among the Han Chinese subjects, male gender, increasing age and having a history of coronary heart disease and/or hypertension was associated with higher odds of Alzheimer＇s disease, while having an educational background was associated lower odds （OR = 0.271, 95%C/0.192-0.381）. The results also indicated that extremely heavy smoking may be a risk factor for Alzheimer＇s disease in Mongolian males aged over 55 years. There was no significant difference in smoking habits between the Mongolian and Han Chinese subjects with Alzheimer＇s disease.
文摘BACKGROUND： Carpal tunnel syndrome （CTS） is diagnosed mainly according to clinical symptoms, physical sign and neurodiagnostic laboratory examination. The therapeutic effect of conservative management and surgical operation in treating CTS need to be further observed and evaluated. OBJECTIVE： To analyze the clinical characteristics, neurophysiological grade and outcome in patients with CTS. DESIGN： Retrospective case-analysis. SETTING： Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi＇an Jiaotong University. PARTICIPANTS： Totally 161 patients with suspected CTS from National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore referred to the Neurodiagnostic Laboratory for the confirmatory testing between January and September 2002. The involved patients, 137 male and 24 female, were aged 21 - 85 years. METHODS： ①The condition of diabetes mellitus complicated by abnormal thyroid function was observed.② The effect on predominant hand, and paraesthesia were observed. ③Neuroelectrophysiological studies were performed and the results were graded into mild, moderate and severe CTS according to the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine （AAEM） criteria.④ Conservative management and surgical intervention were followed up 3 months later, and symptoms and physical sign basically disappeared, and function was basically recovered, which indicated that disease condition improved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ①Condition of CTS complicated by metabolic disease; ②Effects on predominant hand and paraesthesia; ③Electrophysiological grading; ④Prognosis. RESULTS： Totally 161 patients participated in the final analysis. ①Condition of CTS complicated by metabolic disease： Among 161 patients, 17.4% （28/161） were documented to have diabetes mellitus and 7（4.3%） had hypothyroidism. ②Effects on predominant hand and paraesthesia： Dominant hand involvement was present in 134 patients （83.2%） and more than 75% had onset of symptoms in the dominant hand. Sensory symptoms like numbness and paresthesias were the predominant symptoms, accounting for 89.1% （134/161）, this discomfort was felt in all 5 digits of the hand in 47.6%, and lateral three and half digits in 21.4%. The noctural symptoms were present in 30.4% （49/161） patients. ③Electrophysiological typing： The most frequent abnormality was that of the prolonged mid-palm median and ulnar latency difference in 146（54.7%） hands; 103（38.6%） hands had prolonged median motor distal latency. Absent response from thenar muscle was present in 35 （13.1%） hands. Nerve conduction study showed bilateral CTS in 105 （65.2%） patients and unilateral CTS in 56 （34.8%） patients. Sixteen patients with bilateral CTS had symptoms in one hand only. Overall, 36.8% had mild, 49.2 % had moderate and 13.9 % had severe CTS, with median duration of symptoms of 6, 9 and 14 months, respectively. ④Delay in diagnosis： 37（22.9%） patients delayed in diagnosis from 1-4 months, 16（43.2%） were misdiagnosed as cervical spondylosis; 6（16.2%） were ignored due to their condition by busy work; 15（40.5%） were unware of their symptoms. ⑤Prognosis： Follow up data was available for only 72.7% （117/161） patients. Conservative management was conducted in 73.5% （86/117）. Clinical symptoms were resolved or improved in 65.1% （56/86） patients with 17 mild CTS, 29 moderate CTS, and 10 severe CTS. 26.5% （31/117） patients underwent surgery for CTS release, and clinical symptoms were improved in 12（38.7%） with moderate CTS and 2 （6.5%） with severe CTS at 3 months of follow up. CONCLUSION： ①Sensory symptoms in CTS are more in severe and common in dominant hand. ②Conservative management showed resolution or improvement for mild and moderate CTS. Surgical intervention shows either resolution or improvement in clinical symptoms in moderate CTS. ③The common reasons for delay in diagnosis were due to misdiagnosis as cervical spondylosis and lack of awareness of the condition.④Assessment on severity of CTS by electrophysiological grade is of important significance for determining therapeutic mean.
文摘A neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage was designed and implemented in this study. Rats were subjected to hypothermia at 31℃ immediately following hypoxia-ischemia for either 3, 6 or 15 hours. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling demonstrated that the number of apoptotic cells was reduced in the rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus and periventricular white matter following hypothermia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Bcl-2 and p16 expression were decreased. Inhibition of apoptosis was greatest with the 3 hour hypothermic treatment, followed by hypothermia for 6 hours. In contrast, hypothermia for 15 hours led to a decrease in neuronal number in the cerebral cortex. The results demonstrate that hypothermic intervention at 31℃ protects brain tissue against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage by inhibiting apoptosis, and that the optimal length of treatment is 3 hours.
基金the Clinical Research Topic Fund in 2000–2001 from the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.00-01LP50
文摘BACKGROUND： The electrophysiological test was mainly achieved by the reaction of nerve fiber to electrical stimulus, usually expressed by the amplitude and latency. Blink reflex and electroneurography （ENOG） are widely applied in facial paralysis, the amplitude would step down, and the latency would prolong when the facial nerve was injured. OBJECTIVE： To compare the value of blink reflex and ENOG in the diagnosis of facial paralysis （Bell＇s palsy）. DESIGN： A controlled trial. SETTINGS： Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; West China Hospital of Sichuan University; Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Sichuan People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： The patients who had finished the tests of blink reflex （n =207） and ENOG （n =205） were selected from the Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; West China Hospital of Sichuan University; Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Sichuan People＇s Hospital from September 2001 to July 2003. After treatment for 4 weeks, the patients finished tests of blink reflex （n =207） and ENOG （n =205） were randomly divided into primary treatment group （n =68, 69）, acupuncture group （n =71, 66） and comprehensive treatment group （n =68, 70）, respectively. Approval was obtained from the ethic committee of hospital. METHODS： Patients in the primary treatment group and acupuncture group were treated with western medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion alone respectively, and those in the comprehensive treatment group were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion based on western medicine. The whole period of treatment was 4 weeks. The tests of blink reflex and ENOG were carried out using Japanese light and electricity MEB-2200 electromyogram/induced potential instrument for once before and after treatment respectively. The normal value of the latency period of wave RI was within 13 ms, and the difference was 1 - 1.2 ms between the left and right sides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The latency of wave RI of blink reflect and the latency and wave amplitude of ENOG on the affected and healthy sides before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS： Totally 207 and 205 patients received tests of blink reflex and ENOG, but 17 and 16 cases respectively did not finish the second measurement, finally 190 and 189 cases were involved in the analysis of results. The latencies of wave R 1 on the affected side after treatment were significantly longer than those before treatment （t = - 6.253, P 〈 0.01）; The latencies of wave RI on the normal side were in the normal range before and after treatment; The latencies of wave RI before treatment on the affected side was significantly longer than that on the normal side （t =- 5.896, P 〈 0.01）, but there were no significant differences between the affected and normal sides after treatment （P 〉 0.05）. It was indicated that the latencies of wave RI on the affected side had restored normally, and the blink reflex was improved obviously after treatment. The latency of ENOG on the affected side before treatment was significantly prolonged as compared with that on the normal side （t =2.247, P 〈 0.01）; After treatment, the difference between the affected and normal side became smaller, but remarkable significance still existed （t =10.810, P 〈 0.01）. In spite of the obvious improvement of affected side before and after treatment, there were still significant differences （t =- 8.110, P 〈 0.05）. The wave amplitude on the affected side was decreased after treatment, which was not significantly different from that before treatment （P 〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： After treatment of facial paralysis, blink reflect was greatly improved, there was an obvious hysteresis in the latency of ENOG. Therefore, blink reflect was better than ENOG in the early diagnosis, while ENOG was suitable for evaluating the prognosis. The ENOG examination was better than blink reflex at middle and late period.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81270394） to Yanhong Liu. The authors would like to thank Xing Liu for providing expert technical assistance.
文摘Anti-β2 glycoprotein I （anti-β2GP I） antibodies are important contributors to thrombosis, especially in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome （APS）. However, the mechanism by which anti-β2GP I antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of thrombosis is not fully understood. In this report, we investigated the role of anti- β2GP I antibodies in complexes with β2GP I as mediators of platelet activation, which can serve as a potential source contributing to thrombosis. We examined the involvement of the apolipoprotein E receptor 2＇ （apoER2＇） and glycoprotein I ba （GP I bα） in platelet activation induced by the anti-β2GP I/β2GP I complex. The interaction between the anti-β2GP I/β2GP I complex and platelets was examined using in vitro methods, in which the Fc portion of the antibody was immobilized using protein A coated onto a microtiter plate. Platelet activation was assessed by measuring GP II b/III a activation and F-selectin expression and thromboxane B2 production as well as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Our results revealed that the anti-β2GPI/β2GPI complex was able to activate platelets, and this activation was inhibited by either the anti-GP I bα antibody or the apoER2＇ inhibitor. Results showed that the anti-β2GPI/β2GPl complex induced platelet activation via GP I bα and apoER2＇, which may then contribute to the prothrombotic tendency in APS patients.
文摘Photodynamic therapy （PDT）, which is a procedure that uses photosensitizing drug to apply therapy selectively to target sites, has been proven to be a safe treatment for cancers and conditions that may develop into cancers. Nano-sized TiO2 has been regarded as potential photosensitizer for UV light driven PDT. In this study, four types of TiO2 nanofibers were prepared from proton tri-titanate （H2T3O7） nanofiber. The as-obtained nanofibers were demonstrated as efficient photosensitizers for PDT killing of HeLa cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry （FCM） were carried out to evaluate the biocompatibility, percentage of apoptotic cells, and cell viability. The non-cytotoxicity of the as-prepared TiO2 nanofibers in the absence of UV irradiation has also been demonstrated. Under UV light irradiation, the TiO2 nanofibers, particularly the mixed phase nanofibers, displayed much higher cell-killing efficiency than Pirarubicin （THP）, which is a common drug to induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells. We ascribe the high cell- killing efficiency of the mixed phase nanofibers to the bandgap edge match and stable interface between TiO2（B） and anatase phases in a single nanofiber, which can inhibit the recombination of the photogenerated electrons and holes. This promotes the charge separation and transfer processes and can produce more reactive oxygen species （ROS） that are responsible for the killing of HeLa cells.
