AIM: To assess the safety of bismuth used in Helicobacter pylori (H pylorl) eradication therapy regimens. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (up to Octob...AIM: To assess the safety of bismuth used in Helicobacter pylori (H pylorl) eradication therapy regimens. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (up to October 2007) to identify randomised controlled tri- als comparing bismuth with placebo or no treatment, or bismuth salts in combination with antibiotics as part of eradication therapy with the same dose and duration of antibiotics alone or, in combination, with acid suppresion. Total numbers of adverse events were recorded. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI).RESULTS: We identified 35 randomised controlled trials containing 4763 patients. There were no serious adverse events occurring with bismuth therapy. There was no statistically significant difference detected in total adverse events with bismuth rrelative risk (RR) = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.16], specific individual adverse events, with the exception of dark stools (RR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.59-16.12), or adverse events leading to withdrawal of therapy (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.54-1.37). CONCLUSION: Bismuth for the treatment of H py/ori is safe and well-tolerated. The only adverse event occurring significantly more commonly was dark stools.展开更多
AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 2...AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 21 females) with malignant biliary obstruction who received self-expandable metallic stent implantation were reviewed retrospectively. The stents were inserted by an endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic method. We tried to place two stents in the biliary system in T or Y configuration in cases of hilar tumors with bilateral hepatic duct obstruction. The end points of the study were stent occlusion or patient death. RESULTS: The mean time of stent patency was 421 ± 67 d in the group of proximal stricture( group Ⅰ) and 168 ± 18 d in the group of distal stricture (group Ⅱ). The difference was significant in borderline between the two groups (P = 0.0567). The mean survival time was 574 ± 76 d in group I and 182 ± 25 d in group II. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: EMS implantation is a feasible, palliative method for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The clinical efficacy of EMS in patients with proximal hilar tumors is better than that in patients with distal tumors.展开更多
AIM:To investigate thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)in liver transplantion,because TMA is an infrequent but life-threatening complication in the transplantation field. METHODS:A total of 206 patients who underwent livi...AIM:To investigate thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)in liver transplantion,because TMA is an infrequent but life-threatening complication in the transplantation field. METHODS:A total of 206 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) were evaluated,and the TMA-like disorder (TMALD) occurred in seven recipients. RESULTS:These TMALD recipients showed poor outcomes in comparison with other 199 recipients. Although two TMALD recipients successfully recovered,the other five recipients finally died despite intensive treatments including repeated plasma exchange (PE) and re-transplantation. Histopathological analysis of liver biopsies after LDLT revealed obvious differences according to the outcomes. Qualitative analysis of antibodies against a disintegrin-like domain and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs (ADAMTS-13) were negative in all patients. The fragmentation of red cells,the microhemorrhagic macules and the platelet counts were early markers for the suspicion of TMALD after LDLT. Although the absolute values of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and ADAMTS-13 did not necessarily reflect TMALD,the vWF/ADAMTS-13 ratio had a clear diagnostic value in all cases. The establishment of adequate treatments for TMALD,such as PE for ADAMTS-13 replenishment or treatments against inhibitory antibodies,must be decided according to each case. CONCLUSION:The optimal induction of adequate therapies based on early recognition of TMALD by the reliable markers may confer a large advantage for TMALD after LDLT.展开更多
AIM: To investigate their expression and activity in the rat ileum after exposure to ionizing radiation along with that of the cellular effectors and molecular mediators involved in the regulation of MMPs. METHODS: ...AIM: To investigate their expression and activity in the rat ileum after exposure to ionizing radiation along with that of the cellular effectors and molecular mediators involved in the regulation of MMPs. METHODS: Rats were exposed to a single 10-Gy dose of X-rays delivered to the abdomen. A combination of methods, such as zymography, immunohistochemistry and real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, were used to localize and quantify MMPs and the molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (plasmin/ plasminogen, TIMPs), CD^8+, as well as inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-s, TNF-α) and fibrogenic mediators (transforming growth factor- β1-3) within ileal tissue at 1, 3, and 7 d after irradiation. RESULTS: A marked increase in MMP-2 and -14 mRNA and protein levels associated with an increased activity of MMP-2 was observed in irradiated ileal tissue. MMP-2 and -14 expression was mainly observed in inflammatory, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells, whereas a slight increase in MMP-3 expression was detected in the few infiltrating macrophages at d i after irradiation. Conversely, MMP-1, -7, and -9 mRNA levels were not found to be affected by abdominal irradiation. Irradiation was found to induce disappearance of CD^8+ cells. Furthermore, we have observed that TNF-α and IL-1β protein levels increased 6 h after irradiation, whereas those of IL-8 only increased after 3 d and was concomitant with neutrophil infiltration. In addition, the expressions of molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (urokinase-type plasminogen activator andtissue-type plasminogen activator; TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and plasminogen activator-inhibitor-i) were found to be increased after abdominal irradiation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that abdominal irradiation induces an acute remodeling of the ileum associated with an increased expression of MMPs and TIMPs that do not involve CD^8+ T cells but involve mesenchymal and epithelial cells, although to a lesser extent, and probably even soluble inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric canc...AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric cancer. METHODS: Expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues and ≥5 cm adjacent normal tissues from 67 cases of gastric cancer was studied using RT-PCR and Northern blot respectively.Survival analyses were done using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The expression rates of MMP-2 mRNA,uPA and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues (31%,41%,and 51%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in ≥5 cm adjacent tissues (19%, 11%, and 9%; X2=4.59,43.58, and 53.24 respectively, P<0.05,0.0001,and 0.0001, respectively). Expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (metastasis: 61.9%, no metastasis: 39.1%, X2= 7.61, P<0.05),Lauren's classification of diffuse/mixed types:54.2%,intestinal type: 26.3%,X2 = 4.25, P<0.05, expression of uPA and uPA-R mRNA (uPA+: 55.1%, uPA-: 22.2% and uPA-R+: 54.9%, uPA-R-: 18.8%, X2=5.72 and 6.40 respectively, P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of MMP-2 mRNA expression did not show significant difference in all 67 cases, but revealed an association of the expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA with worse prognosis (P= 0.0083, 0.0160, and 0.0094, respectively). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.展开更多
AIM:The effects of cobalt,copper,cadmium and barium ions on the cysts of Entamoeba histolyt/ca (E,histolytica), an amebic dysentery agent,cultured in Robinson medium were investigated. METHODS:E.histolytica cysts and ...AIM:The effects of cobalt,copper,cadmium and barium ions on the cysts of Entamoeba histolyt/ca (E,histolytica), an amebic dysentery agent,cultured in Robinson medium were investigated. METHODS:E.histolytica cysts and trophozoites isolated from a patient with amebiasis were cultivated in the medium, incubated at 37℃ for a period of 4 days and 40×10~4/ml amebic cysts were then transferred to a fresh medium.At the second stage,0.05,0.1 and 0.2 mM of selected metal ions were added to the medium,and the effects of these ions on parasitic reproduction compared with the control group were observed. RESULTS:It was determined that the number of living parasites in all the groups containing metal ions decreased significantly starting from 30 minutes (P<0.01).CuCl_2 showed the highest lethal effect on E.histolytica cysts,whereas the lowest lethal effect was observed with CoCl_2.It was also seen that the number of living cells was decreased as the ion concentration and exposure time were increased,and that there were no living parasites in the medium at the end of 24 h (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:It may be stated that the effect of ever- increasing contamination of the environment with metal waste materials on parasites should be investigated further.展开更多
AIM: To understand the interactions between iron and zinc during absorption in iron- and zinc-deficient rats, and their consequences on intestinal oxidant-antioxidant balance. METHODS: Twenty-four weanling Wistar-Ky...AIM: To understand the interactions between iron and zinc during absorption in iron- and zinc-deficient rats, and their consequences on intestinal oxidant-antioxidant balance. METHODS: Twenty-four weanling Wistar-Kyoto rats fed an iron- and zinc-deficient diet (〈 6.5 mg Fe and 4.0 mg Zn/kg diet) for 4 wk were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8, each) and orally gavaged with 4 mg iron, 3.3 mg zinc, or 4 mg iron + 3.3 mg zinc for 2 wk. At the last day of repletion, 3 h before the animals were sacrificed, they received either 37 mBq of SSFe or ^65Zn, to study their localization in the intestine, using microautoradiography. Hemoglobin, iron and zinc content in plasma and liver were measured as indicators of iron and zinc status. Duodenal sections were used for immunochemical staining of ferritin and metallothionein. Duodenal homogenates (mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions), were used to assess aconitase activity, oxidative stress, functional integrity and the response of antioxidant enzymes. RESULTS: Concurrent repletion of iron- and zinc-deficient rats showed reduced localization of these minerals compared to rats that were teated with iron or zinc alone; these data provide evidence for antagonistic interactions. This resulted in reduced formation of lipid and protein oxidation products and better functional integrity of the intestinal mucosa. Further, combined repletion lowered iron-associated aconitase activity and ferritin expression, but significantly elevated metallothionein and glutathione levels in the intestinal mucosa. The mechanism of interactions during combined supplementation and its subsequent effects appeared to be due to through modulation of cytosolic aconitase, which in turn influenced the labile iron pool and metallothionein levels, and hence reduced intestinal oxidative damage.CONCLUSION: Concurrent administration of iron and zinc corrects iron and zinc deficiency, and also reduces the intestinal oxidative damage associated with iron supplementation.展开更多
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary prevention of CVD is dependent upon the ability to identify high-risk individuals long before the development of overt...Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary prevention of CVD is dependent upon the ability to identify high-risk individuals long before the development of overt events. This highlights the need for accurate risk strati- fication. An increasing number of novel biomarkers have been identified to predict cardiovascular events. Biomarkers play a critical role in the definition, prognostication, and decision-making regarding the management of cardiovascular events. This review focuses on a variety of promising biomarkers that provide diagnostic and prognostic information. The myocardial tissue-specific biomarker cardiac troponin, high- sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin, and heart-type fatty acid binding proteinall help diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) in the early hours following symptoms. Inflammatory markers such as growth differentiation factor-15, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and uric acid predict MI and death. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinases predict the risk of acute cor- onary syndrome. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and secretory phospholipase A2 predict incident and recurrent cardiovascular events. Finally, elevated natriuretic peptides, ST2, endothelin-1, mid-regional-pro-adrenomedullin, copeptin, and galectin-3 have all been well validated to predict death and heart failure following a MI and provide risk stratification information for heart failure. Rapidly develop- ing new areas, such as assessment ofmicro-RNA, are also explored. All the biomarkers reflect different aspects of the development ofather- osclerosis.展开更多
Objective : To evaluate the changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (romp-9) in patients of incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease and to analyze the factors associated with homocy...Objective : To evaluate the changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (romp-9) in patients of incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease and to analyze the factors associated with homocysteine(hcy), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), HbAlc and lipid profile in those patients in order to know whether this marker or other factors are more important to induce diabetic macrovascular disease. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) subjects with incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease were selected for participation and divided into 2 groups. The patients in group 1 (n= 38) used insulin, and patients in group 2 (n=34) were treated with an oral antidiabetic drug. Then serum mmp-9, hey, IL-6 and TNF-α in these patients were measured, and compared to the healthy subjects as control (n= 16). The results were analyzed by SPSS13. Results: Serum romp-9 and hcy of the patients having incipient diabetic nephropathy with macrovascular disease were higher than that of patients without macrovascular disease (P〈0.01). For insulin-injected patients, whether they accompanied with macrovascular diseases or not, the serum levels of romp-9, hcy, IL-6 and TNF-α were all lower, but no significant statistics compared with non-insulin used patients or the healthy subjects. The serum level of romp-9 was more correlated with the serum hcy in antidiabetic drug used patients. (P〈0. 000) Conclusion: The serum level of romp-9 plays an important role of pathogenesis in the macrovascular disease in the incipient diabetic patients, and the serum level of hcy also can reflect the severely degree of macrovascular disease in these patients, insulin can reduce these markers.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic effects of aloe vera in patients with liver fibrosis.METHODS:Aloe vera high molecular weight fractions(AHM) were processed by patented hyper-dry system in combin...AIM:To investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic effects of aloe vera in patients with liver fibrosis.METHODS:Aloe vera high molecular weight fractions(AHM) were processed by patented hyper-dry system in combination of freeze-dry technique with microwave and far infrared-ray radiation.Fifteen healthy volunteers as the control group and 40 patients were included.The patients were randomly subdivided into two equal groups:the conventional group was treated with placebo(starch),and AHM group was treated with 0.15 gm/d AHM,both for 12 consecutive weeks.The patients were investigated before and after treatment.Serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),hyaluronic acid(HA),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and matrixmetalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) were determined.The reduced glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels in liver were assayed and the expression of hepatic α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was identified by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:At the start of the study,the hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed fibro-proliferated bile ductules,thick fibrous septa and dense inflammatory cellular infiltration in the patients before treatment.The use of AHM for 12 wk significantly ameliorated the fibrosis,inhibited the inflammation,and resulted in minimal infiltration and minimal fibrosis compared to the conventional group.The enzyme activities of the liver(ALT,AST and ALP) were attenuated after treatment in both groups,and the decrease in the AHM group was more significant as compared with the conventional group.Similar to the AST,the MDA levels were significantly higher before treatment,and were attenuated after treatment in both groups.In contrast,the hepatic glutathione content in the patients were decreased significantly in the AHM group compared to the controls.The serum levels of the fibrosis markers(HA,TGF-β and MMP-2) were also reduced significantly after treatment.The expression of α-SMA was modified in patients before and after treatment as compared with the normal controls.In the conventional group,there was only thin and incomplete parenchymal α-SMA positive septum joining the thickened centrilobular veins,while in the AHM group,few α-SMA positive cells were present in sinusoid and lobule after treatment.CONCLUSION:Oral supplementation with AHM could be helpful in alleviating the fibrosis and inflammation of hepatic fibrosis patients.展开更多
We accidentally found an unusual case of a middle aged Tibetan woman who had eight metallic foreign bodies (eight needles) in her head, chest and abdomen. These needles were not related to any surgical intervention ...We accidentally found an unusual case of a middle aged Tibetan woman who had eight metallic foreign bodies (eight needles) in her head, chest and abdomen. These needles were not related to any surgical intervention or trauma. The diagnosis "metallic foreign bodies" cannot usually be made in an acute setting. Some patients may present chronic symptoms, such as infection or pain. However, in some cases, the patients do not have any symptoms.展开更多
Gunshot injuries are rather serious but uncommon type of trauma in India. A 45-year-old male was presented with gunshot (pellets) embedded in the maxillofacial area for 22 years. There is no consensus in the literat...Gunshot injuries are rather serious but uncommon type of trauma in India. A 45-year-old male was presented with gunshot (pellets) embedded in the maxillofacial area for 22 years. There is no consensus in the literature whether to attempt their removal or leave them in situ. Our patient had no long-term sequela like infection, fistula formation, carcinogenesis or metal poisoning to date except for chill feeling on cold days. Management of this patient presented a dilemma in treatment in view of the effects of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial area.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of mycotoxin moniliformin (MON) on the metabolism of aggrecan and type 11 collagen in human chondrocytes in vitro and the relationship between MON and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD...Objective: To investigate the effects of mycotoxin moniliformin (MON) on the metabolism of aggrecan and type 11 collagen in human chondrocytes in vitro and the relationship between MON and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Methods: Human chondrocytes were isolated and cultured on bone matrix gelatin to form an artificial cartilage model in vitro with or without MON toxin. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in the cartilage was determined using immunocytochemical staining. Results: MON toxin inhibited chondrocyte viability in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. MON reduced aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen syntheses in the tissue-engineered cartilage. MON also increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, BC4 epitopes, and CD44 in cartilages. However, the expression of 3B3(-) epitopes in cartilages was inhibited by MON. Selenium partially alleviated the damage of aggrecan induced by MON toxin. Conclusion: MON toxin promoted the catabolism of aggrecan and type II collagen in human chondrocytes.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Qiguiyish- en decoction (QGYS) on the severity of nephropa- thy. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divid- ed into four groups ( Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ, IV) according to the random...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Qiguiyish- en decoction (QGYS) on the severity of nephropa- thy. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divid- ed into four groups ( Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ, IV) according to the random number table. Group I as control group did not establish nephropathy model. Groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and IV were intravenously administered Adria- mycin (7.5 mg/kg) through the tail vein to establish nephropathy model. QGYS was prepared with the extracts of Huangqi (RadixAstragali Mongolici), Dan- ggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Niuxi (Radix Achyran-this Bidentatae), and Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanx- iong). Group IV was administered QGYS (2 mL. kg^-1· d^-1), groupⅢ was administered benazepril (10 mL. kg^-1·d^-1), and group ⅠⅡ was administered water (2 mL. kg·^-1. d^-1) once daily for eight weeks. RESULTS: QGYS reduced the excretion of urinary protein and N-acetyH3-D-glucosaminidase and alle- viated the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in renal tissue. Additionally, QGYS effectively regulated the levels of transforming growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, and matrix metalloproteinases in the kidney of the rats. CONCLUSION-" QGYS may reduce the accumulation of ECM in the kidneys of rats with Adriamycin-in- duced nephropathy.展开更多
文摘AIM: To assess the safety of bismuth used in Helicobacter pylori (H pylorl) eradication therapy regimens. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (up to October 2007) to identify randomised controlled tri- als comparing bismuth with placebo or no treatment, or bismuth salts in combination with antibiotics as part of eradication therapy with the same dose and duration of antibiotics alone or, in combination, with acid suppresion. Total numbers of adverse events were recorded. Data were pooled and expressed as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI).RESULTS: We identified 35 randomised controlled trials containing 4763 patients. There were no serious adverse events occurring with bismuth therapy. There was no statistically significant difference detected in total adverse events with bismuth rrelative risk (RR) = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87-1.16], specific individual adverse events, with the exception of dark stools (RR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.59-16.12), or adverse events leading to withdrawal of therapy (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.54-1.37). CONCLUSION: Bismuth for the treatment of H py/ori is safe and well-tolerated. The only adverse event occurring significantly more commonly was dark stools.
文摘AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 21 females) with malignant biliary obstruction who received self-expandable metallic stent implantation were reviewed retrospectively. The stents were inserted by an endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic method. We tried to place two stents in the biliary system in T or Y configuration in cases of hilar tumors with bilateral hepatic duct obstruction. The end points of the study were stent occlusion or patient death. RESULTS: The mean time of stent patency was 421 ± 67 d in the group of proximal stricture( group Ⅰ) and 168 ± 18 d in the group of distal stricture (group Ⅱ). The difference was significant in borderline between the two groups (P = 0.0567). The mean survival time was 574 ± 76 d in group I and 182 ± 25 d in group II. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: EMS implantation is a feasible, palliative method for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The clinical efficacy of EMS in patients with proximal hilar tumors is better than that in patients with distal tumors.
基金Supported by the Grant from Uehara Memorial Foundation, No. 200940051, Tokyo, 171-0033, Japan
文摘AIM:To investigate thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)in liver transplantion,because TMA is an infrequent but life-threatening complication in the transplantation field. METHODS:A total of 206 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) were evaluated,and the TMA-like disorder (TMALD) occurred in seven recipients. RESULTS:These TMALD recipients showed poor outcomes in comparison with other 199 recipients. Although two TMALD recipients successfully recovered,the other five recipients finally died despite intensive treatments including repeated plasma exchange (PE) and re-transplantation. Histopathological analysis of liver biopsies after LDLT revealed obvious differences according to the outcomes. Qualitative analysis of antibodies against a disintegrin-like domain and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs (ADAMTS-13) were negative in all patients. The fragmentation of red cells,the microhemorrhagic macules and the platelet counts were early markers for the suspicion of TMALD after LDLT. Although the absolute values of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and ADAMTS-13 did not necessarily reflect TMALD,the vWF/ADAMTS-13 ratio had a clear diagnostic value in all cases. The establishment of adequate treatments for TMALD,such as PE for ADAMTS-13 replenishment or treatments against inhibitory antibodies,must be decided according to each case. CONCLUSION:The optimal induction of adequate therapies based on early recognition of TMALD by the reliable markers may confer a large advantage for TMALD after LDLT.
文摘AIM: To investigate their expression and activity in the rat ileum after exposure to ionizing radiation along with that of the cellular effectors and molecular mediators involved in the regulation of MMPs. METHODS: Rats were exposed to a single 10-Gy dose of X-rays delivered to the abdomen. A combination of methods, such as zymography, immunohistochemistry and real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, were used to localize and quantify MMPs and the molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (plasmin/ plasminogen, TIMPs), CD^8+, as well as inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-s, TNF-α) and fibrogenic mediators (transforming growth factor- β1-3) within ileal tissue at 1, 3, and 7 d after irradiation. RESULTS: A marked increase in MMP-2 and -14 mRNA and protein levels associated with an increased activity of MMP-2 was observed in irradiated ileal tissue. MMP-2 and -14 expression was mainly observed in inflammatory, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells, whereas a slight increase in MMP-3 expression was detected in the few infiltrating macrophages at d i after irradiation. Conversely, MMP-1, -7, and -9 mRNA levels were not found to be affected by abdominal irradiation. Irradiation was found to induce disappearance of CD^8+ cells. Furthermore, we have observed that TNF-α and IL-1β protein levels increased 6 h after irradiation, whereas those of IL-8 only increased after 3 d and was concomitant with neutrophil infiltration. In addition, the expressions of molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (urokinase-type plasminogen activator andtissue-type plasminogen activator; TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and plasminogen activator-inhibitor-i) were found to be increased after abdominal irradiation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that abdominal irradiation induces an acute remodeling of the ileum associated with an increased expression of MMPs and TIMPs that do not involve CD^8+ T cells but involve mesenchymal and epithelial cells, although to a lesser extent, and probably even soluble inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators.
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA expression and clinicopathologic and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system parameter and prognosis in human gastric cancer. METHODS: Expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues and ≥5 cm adjacent normal tissues from 67 cases of gastric cancer was studied using RT-PCR and Northern blot respectively.Survival analyses were done using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The expression rates of MMP-2 mRNA,uPA and uPA-R mRNA in tumor tissues (31%,41%,and 51%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in ≥5 cm adjacent tissues (19%, 11%, and 9%; X2=4.59,43.58, and 53.24 respectively, P<0.05,0.0001,and 0.0001, respectively). Expression of MMP-2 mRNA was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (metastasis: 61.9%, no metastasis: 39.1%, X2= 7.61, P<0.05),Lauren's classification of diffuse/mixed types:54.2%,intestinal type: 26.3%,X2 = 4.25, P<0.05, expression of uPA and uPA-R mRNA (uPA+: 55.1%, uPA-: 22.2% and uPA-R+: 54.9%, uPA-R-: 18.8%, X2=5.72 and 6.40 respectively, P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of MMP-2 mRNA expression did not show significant difference in all 67 cases, but revealed an association of the expression of MMP-2 mRNA, uPA, and uPA-R mRNA with worse prognosis (P= 0.0083, 0.0160, and 0.0094, respectively). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may play an important role in the development of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.
文摘AIM:The effects of cobalt,copper,cadmium and barium ions on the cysts of Entamoeba histolyt/ca (E,histolytica), an amebic dysentery agent,cultured in Robinson medium were investigated. METHODS:E.histolytica cysts and trophozoites isolated from a patient with amebiasis were cultivated in the medium, incubated at 37℃ for a period of 4 days and 40×10~4/ml amebic cysts were then transferred to a fresh medium.At the second stage,0.05,0.1 and 0.2 mM of selected metal ions were added to the medium,and the effects of these ions on parasitic reproduction compared with the control group were observed. RESULTS:It was determined that the number of living parasites in all the groups containing metal ions decreased significantly starting from 30 minutes (P<0.01).CuCl_2 showed the highest lethal effect on E.histolytica cysts,whereas the lowest lethal effect was observed with CoCl_2.It was also seen that the number of living cells was decreased as the ion concentration and exposure time were increased,and that there were no living parasites in the medium at the end of 24 h (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:It may be stated that the effect of ever- increasing contamination of the environment with metal waste materials on parasites should be investigated further.
文摘AIM: To understand the interactions between iron and zinc during absorption in iron- and zinc-deficient rats, and their consequences on intestinal oxidant-antioxidant balance. METHODS: Twenty-four weanling Wistar-Kyoto rats fed an iron- and zinc-deficient diet (〈 6.5 mg Fe and 4.0 mg Zn/kg diet) for 4 wk were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8, each) and orally gavaged with 4 mg iron, 3.3 mg zinc, or 4 mg iron + 3.3 mg zinc for 2 wk. At the last day of repletion, 3 h before the animals were sacrificed, they received either 37 mBq of SSFe or ^65Zn, to study their localization in the intestine, using microautoradiography. Hemoglobin, iron and zinc content in plasma and liver were measured as indicators of iron and zinc status. Duodenal sections were used for immunochemical staining of ferritin and metallothionein. Duodenal homogenates (mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions), were used to assess aconitase activity, oxidative stress, functional integrity and the response of antioxidant enzymes. RESULTS: Concurrent repletion of iron- and zinc-deficient rats showed reduced localization of these minerals compared to rats that were teated with iron or zinc alone; these data provide evidence for antagonistic interactions. This resulted in reduced formation of lipid and protein oxidation products and better functional integrity of the intestinal mucosa. Further, combined repletion lowered iron-associated aconitase activity and ferritin expression, but significantly elevated metallothionein and glutathione levels in the intestinal mucosa. The mechanism of interactions during combined supplementation and its subsequent effects appeared to be due to through modulation of cytosolic aconitase, which in turn influenced the labile iron pool and metallothionein levels, and hence reduced intestinal oxidative damage.CONCLUSION: Concurrent administration of iron and zinc corrects iron and zinc deficiency, and also reduces the intestinal oxidative damage associated with iron supplementation.
文摘Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary prevention of CVD is dependent upon the ability to identify high-risk individuals long before the development of overt events. This highlights the need for accurate risk strati- fication. An increasing number of novel biomarkers have been identified to predict cardiovascular events. Biomarkers play a critical role in the definition, prognostication, and decision-making regarding the management of cardiovascular events. This review focuses on a variety of promising biomarkers that provide diagnostic and prognostic information. The myocardial tissue-specific biomarker cardiac troponin, high- sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin, and heart-type fatty acid binding proteinall help diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) in the early hours following symptoms. Inflammatory markers such as growth differentiation factor-15, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and uric acid predict MI and death. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinases predict the risk of acute cor- onary syndrome. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and secretory phospholipase A2 predict incident and recurrent cardiovascular events. Finally, elevated natriuretic peptides, ST2, endothelin-1, mid-regional-pro-adrenomedullin, copeptin, and galectin-3 have all been well validated to predict death and heart failure following a MI and provide risk stratification information for heart failure. Rapidly develop- ing new areas, such as assessment ofmicro-RNA, are also explored. All the biomarkers reflect different aspects of the development ofather- osclerosis.
文摘Objective : To evaluate the changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (romp-9) in patients of incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease and to analyze the factors associated with homocysteine(hcy), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), HbAlc and lipid profile in those patients in order to know whether this marker or other factors are more important to induce diabetic macrovascular disease. Methods: Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) subjects with incipient diabetic nephropathy with or without macrovascular disease were selected for participation and divided into 2 groups. The patients in group 1 (n= 38) used insulin, and patients in group 2 (n=34) were treated with an oral antidiabetic drug. Then serum mmp-9, hey, IL-6 and TNF-α in these patients were measured, and compared to the healthy subjects as control (n= 16). The results were analyzed by SPSS13. Results: Serum romp-9 and hcy of the patients having incipient diabetic nephropathy with macrovascular disease were higher than that of patients without macrovascular disease (P〈0.01). For insulin-injected patients, whether they accompanied with macrovascular diseases or not, the serum levels of romp-9, hcy, IL-6 and TNF-α were all lower, but no significant statistics compared with non-insulin used patients or the healthy subjects. The serum level of romp-9 was more correlated with the serum hcy in antidiabetic drug used patients. (P〈0. 000) Conclusion: The serum level of romp-9 plays an important role of pathogenesis in the macrovascular disease in the incipient diabetic patients, and the serum level of hcy also can reflect the severely degree of macrovascular disease in these patients, insulin can reduce these markers.
文摘AIM:To investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic effects of aloe vera in patients with liver fibrosis.METHODS:Aloe vera high molecular weight fractions(AHM) were processed by patented hyper-dry system in combination of freeze-dry technique with microwave and far infrared-ray radiation.Fifteen healthy volunteers as the control group and 40 patients were included.The patients were randomly subdivided into two equal groups:the conventional group was treated with placebo(starch),and AHM group was treated with 0.15 gm/d AHM,both for 12 consecutive weeks.The patients were investigated before and after treatment.Serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),hyaluronic acid(HA),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and matrixmetalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) were determined.The reduced glutathione(GSH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels in liver were assayed and the expression of hepatic α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was identified by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:At the start of the study,the hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed fibro-proliferated bile ductules,thick fibrous septa and dense inflammatory cellular infiltration in the patients before treatment.The use of AHM for 12 wk significantly ameliorated the fibrosis,inhibited the inflammation,and resulted in minimal infiltration and minimal fibrosis compared to the conventional group.The enzyme activities of the liver(ALT,AST and ALP) were attenuated after treatment in both groups,and the decrease in the AHM group was more significant as compared with the conventional group.Similar to the AST,the MDA levels were significantly higher before treatment,and were attenuated after treatment in both groups.In contrast,the hepatic glutathione content in the patients were decreased significantly in the AHM group compared to the controls.The serum levels of the fibrosis markers(HA,TGF-β and MMP-2) were also reduced significantly after treatment.The expression of α-SMA was modified in patients before and after treatment as compared with the normal controls.In the conventional group,there was only thin and incomplete parenchymal α-SMA positive septum joining the thickened centrilobular veins,while in the AHM group,few α-SMA positive cells were present in sinusoid and lobule after treatment.CONCLUSION:Oral supplementation with AHM could be helpful in alleviating the fibrosis and inflammation of hepatic fibrosis patients.
文摘We accidentally found an unusual case of a middle aged Tibetan woman who had eight metallic foreign bodies (eight needles) in her head, chest and abdomen. These needles were not related to any surgical intervention or trauma. The diagnosis "metallic foreign bodies" cannot usually be made in an acute setting. Some patients may present chronic symptoms, such as infection or pain. However, in some cases, the patients do not have any symptoms.
文摘Gunshot injuries are rather serious but uncommon type of trauma in India. A 45-year-old male was presented with gunshot (pellets) embedded in the maxillofacial area for 22 years. There is no consensus in the literature whether to attempt their removal or leave them in situ. Our patient had no long-term sequela like infection, fistula formation, carcinogenesis or metal poisoning to date except for chill feeling on cold days. Management of this patient presented a dilemma in treatment in view of the effects of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial area.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.30872187,30471499,and 30170831)the Ministry of Education of China (No.Key 03152)the Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China (No.2004KW-20)
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of mycotoxin moniliformin (MON) on the metabolism of aggrecan and type 11 collagen in human chondrocytes in vitro and the relationship between MON and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Methods: Human chondrocytes were isolated and cultured on bone matrix gelatin to form an artificial cartilage model in vitro with or without MON toxin. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in the cartilage was determined using immunocytochemical staining. Results: MON toxin inhibited chondrocyte viability in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. MON reduced aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen syntheses in the tissue-engineered cartilage. MON also increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, BC4 epitopes, and CD44 in cartilages. However, the expression of 3B3(-) epitopes in cartilages was inhibited by MON. Selenium partially alleviated the damage of aggrecan induced by MON toxin. Conclusion: MON toxin promoted the catabolism of aggrecan and type II collagen in human chondrocytes.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China,Through Cell Signaling Pathway to Treat Chronic Kidney Disease by Chinese Herbs Modified Jiaweidangguibuxue Decottion(No.81273723)Jiangsu Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.LZ13235)the Natural Science Foundation of Bureau of Science and Technology of Suzhou(No.SYS201016)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Qiguiyish- en decoction (QGYS) on the severity of nephropa- thy. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divid- ed into four groups ( Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ, IV) according to the random number table. Group I as control group did not establish nephropathy model. Groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and IV were intravenously administered Adria- mycin (7.5 mg/kg) through the tail vein to establish nephropathy model. QGYS was prepared with the extracts of Huangqi (RadixAstragali Mongolici), Dan- ggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Niuxi (Radix Achyran-this Bidentatae), and Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanx- iong). Group IV was administered QGYS (2 mL. kg^-1· d^-1), groupⅢ was administered benazepril (10 mL. kg^-1·d^-1), and group ⅠⅡ was administered water (2 mL. kg·^-1. d^-1) once daily for eight weeks. RESULTS: QGYS reduced the excretion of urinary protein and N-acetyH3-D-glucosaminidase and alle- viated the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in renal tissue. Additionally, QGYS effectively regulated the levels of transforming growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, and matrix metalloproteinases in the kidney of the rats. CONCLUSION-" QGYS may reduce the accumulation of ECM in the kidneys of rats with Adriamycin-in- duced nephropathy.