Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, how...Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods： A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging exalnination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH. Results： NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects （0.725%） and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinesepeople aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females （1.02% vs. 0.51%, x^2 = 24.997, P 〈 0.001 ）. Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents （0.85% vs. 0.61%,x^2= 5.847, P = 0.016）. Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels oftriglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-H DL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH. Conclusions： Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significantpublic health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk 展开更多
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a malignant epithelial tumor originating in the nasopharynx and has a high incidence in Southeast Asia and North Africa.To develop these comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and m...Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a malignant epithelial tumor originating in the nasopharynx and has a high incidence in Southeast Asia and North Africa.To develop these comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of NPC,the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO)arranged a multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts from all sub-specialties of NPC to write,discuss,and revise the guidelines.Based on the findings of evidencebased medicine in China and abroad,domestic experts have iteratively developed these guidelines to provide proper management of NPC.Overall,the guidelines describe the screening,clinical and pathological diagnosis,staging and risk assessment,therapies,and follow-up of NPC,which aim to improve the management of NPC.展开更多
Objective To study the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral infarction (CI). Methods Between November 2008 and March 2009,147 CI patients (CI group) and 48 patients with non-cerebrovascular diseas...Objective To study the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral infarction (CI). Methods Between November 2008 and March 2009,147 CI patients (CI group) and 48 patients with non-cerebrovascular diseases (control group) were enrolled from inpatients of Neurology Department of our hospital. The diagnostic criterion of thickened carotid intima was set as 1.0 mm≤intima-media thickness (IMT) <1.5 mm and that of carotid plaque was as IMT≥1.5 mm. Carotid atherosclerosis was divided into three levels: normal intima,thickened intima,and plaque formation. The color Doppler ultrasonography data of carotid arteries in all patients were analyzed and the severity of carotid atherosclerosis was compared between the two groups. Results In the CI group,36 (24.5%) patients had normal carotid intima,22 (15.0%) had thickened carotid intima,and 89 (60.5%) had carotid plaque. In the control group,22 (45.8%) patients had normal carotid intima,4 (8.3%) had thickened carotid intima,and 22 (45.8%) had carotid plaque. The severity of carotid atherosclerosis in the CI group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.022). There was significant difference in the constitution of carotid plaque between the two groups (P=0.001); the CI group mainly had the soft plaque (55/89,61.8%),whereas the control group mainly had the hard plaque (17/22,77.3%). The first three common locations of carotid plaque in both groups were carotid bifurcation (CI group: 73.7%; control group: 64.1%),common carotid artery (CI group: 20.4%; control group: 25.6%),and internal carotid artery (CI group: 5.9%; control group: 10.3%). The location of carotid plaque between the two groups was not significantly different (P=0.438). There was no difference in the carotid inner diameter or resistance index between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Carotid atherosclerosis is to some extent able to reveal the atherosclerotic condition of cerebral arteries and act as an important predictor for the risk of CI. The color Doppler ultrasonography of carotid 展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of...AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are as展开更多
Electroacupuncture is known as an effective adjuvant therapy in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Studies suggest that autophagy, which is essential for cell survival...Electroacupuncture is known as an effective adjuvant therapy in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Studies suggest that autophagy, which is essential for cell survival and cell death, is involved in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and might be modulate by electroacupuncture therapy in key ways. This paper aims to provide novel insights into a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury from the perspective of autophagy. Here we review recent studies on electroacupuncture regulation of autophagy-related markers such as UNC-51-like kinase-1 complex, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3, p62, and autophagosomes for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results of these studies show that electroacupuncture may affect the initiation of autophagy, vesicle nucleation, expansion and maturation of autophagosomes, as well as fusion and degradation of autophagolysosomes. Moreover, studies indicate that electroacupuncture probably modulates autophagy by activating the mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway.This review thus indicates that autophagy is a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture treatment against ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.展开更多
AIM: To explore the mechanism of the Sijunzi decoction and another Chinese herbal recipe (SRRS) based mainly on the Sijunzi decoction in treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS: A human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SG...AIM: To explore the mechanism of the Sijunzi decoction and another Chinese herbal recipe (SRRS) based mainly on the Sijunzi decoction in treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS: A human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC7901 grafted onto nude mouse was used as the animal model. The mice were divided into 3 groups, one control and the two representative experimental conditions. Ahimals in the two experimental groups received either Sijunzi decoction or SRRS over a 40-day period starting at 1st day after grafting. Control animals received saline on an identical schedule. Animals were killed 41 days after being grafted.The effect of therapy was assessed by two ways: (1)tumor size was periodically measured during the life of the animals; (2) tumor weight was determined by a electron balance immediately after the animals killed. For detection of apoptotic cells, apoptotic indices(AI) were examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuddine tdphosphate fluorescence nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.Morphological alterations were observed with electron microscopy. S-P immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 in xenografts. Expression of bcl-2 and p53 was semiquantitatively detected using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)technique.RESULTS: When compared with controls, tumor growth (size and weight) was significantly inhibited by treatment with the Sijunzi decoction (P＜0.05) or SRRS (P＜0.01). The tumor inhibitory rate in the Sijunzi decoction group was 34.33 % and SRRS group 46.53 %. AI of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice was significantly increased to 16.24±3.21% using TUNEL method and 11.38±6.46 % by FACScan in the Sijunzi decoction group compared with the controls (TUNEL: 2.63±1.03 %, P＜0.01; FACScan: 7.15± 1.32 %, P＜0.05). SRRS group was also found a significantly increased AI by using TUNEL method and flow cytometry analysis compared with the controls (TUNEL: 13.18±3.05 %,P＜0.05; FACScan: 11.58±5.71% (P＜0.05). Unde展开更多
Objective To investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between putative risk factors and PAD. Methods In total 1 397 type 2 ...Objective To investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between putative risk factors and PAD. Methods In total 1 397 type 2 diabetic patients aged 50 years and older were enrolled and determined ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 15 Class III Grade A hospitals in 7 major cities of China. Results Mean patient age was 63.7±8.2 years and mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 9.39±7.4 years. Two hundreds and seventy-two (19.47%) patients were diagnosed as PAD by ABI <0.9, 122 (18.37%) in male and 150 (20.46%) in female. PAD patients had a significantly longer duration of diabetes mellitus, higher hemoglobin Alc, and a significantly lower mean body mass index than non-PAD ones. Aging, smoking, and systolic blood pressure were found to be positively related with the prevalence of PAD. In terms of lipid profiles, no variable was found to relate with PAD. Notably, baPWV showed as the same significant guiding index for PAD, almost matched with ABI. Conclusions PAD is a common complication in China type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for diabetic patients with high risk factors.展开更多
In deep mineral exploration, the acquisition of audio magnetotelluric （AMT） data is severely affected by ambient noise near the observation sites; This near-field noise restricts investigation depths. Mathematical m...In deep mineral exploration, the acquisition of audio magnetotelluric （AMT） data is severely affected by ambient noise near the observation sites; This near-field noise restricts investigation depths. Mathematical morphological filtering （MMF） proved effective in suppressing large-scale strong and variably shaped noise, typically low-frequency noise, but can not deal with pulse noise of AMT data. We combine compressive sensing and MMF. First we use MMF to suppress the large-scale strong ambient noise; second, we use the improved orthogonal match pursuit （IOMP） algorithm to remove the residual pulse noise. To remove the noise and protect the useful AMT signal, a redundant dictionary that matches with spikes and is insensitive to the useful signal is designed. Synthetic and field data from the Luzong field suggest that the proposed method suppresses the near-source noise and preserves the signal well; thus, better results are obtained that improve the output of either MMF or IOMP.展开更多
BACKGROUND： The various combination of multiphase enhancement multislice spiral CT （MSCT） makes the diagno- sis of a small hepatocellular carcinoma （sHCC） on the back- ground of liver cirrhosis possible. This stu...BACKGROUND： The various combination of multiphase enhancement multislice spiral CT （MSCT） makes the diagno- sis of a small hepatocellular carcinoma （sHCC） on the back- ground of liver cirrhosis possible. This study was to explore whether the combination of MSCT enhancement scan and alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） level ficiency for sHCC. could increase the diagnostic ef- METHODS： This study included 35 sHCC patients and 52 cir- rhotic patients without image evidence of HCC as a control group. The diagnoses were made by three radiologists em- ploying a 5-point rating scale, with postoperative pathologic results as the gold standard. Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diag- nostic value of the three MSCT combination modes （arterial phase＋portal-venous phase, arterial phase＋delayed phase, arterial phase＋portal-venous phase＋delayed phase） and AFP levels for sHCC on the background of liver cirrhosis. RESULTS： The area under ROC curve （AUC）, sensitivity, and specificity of the combination of arterial phase＋portal- venous phase＋delayed phase were 0.93, 93%, and 82%, respectively. The average AUC of the arterial phase＋portal- venous phase＋delayed phase combination was significantly greater than that of the arterial phase＋portal-venous phase （AUC=0.84, P=0.01） and arterial phase＋delayed phase （AUC=0.85, P=0.03）. Arterial phase＋portal-venous phase had a smaller AUC （0.84） than arterial phase＋delayed phase （0.85）, but the difference was insignificant （P=0.15）. After combining MSCT enhancement scan with AFP, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.95, 94%, and 83%, respectively, indicating a greatly increased diagnostic efficiency for sHCC. CONCLUSIONS： The combination of AFP and 3 phases MSCT enhancement scan could increase the diagnostic efficiency for sHCC on the background of liver cirrhosis. The application of ROC curve analysis has provided a new method and reference in HCC diagnosis.展开更多
Background Photodynamic therapy （PDT） with 5-aminolevulinic acid （ALA） is an emerging technique for the treatment of genital human papillomavirus （HPV）-induced benign and premalignant lesions. We report here in ...Background Photodynamic therapy （PDT） with 5-aminolevulinic acid （ALA） is an emerging technique for the treatment of genital human papillomavirus （HPV）-induced benign and premalignant lesions. We report here in a case series of condyloma acuminata （CA） in pregnancy successfully treated with ALA-PDT. Methods Five pregnant patients with CA received three to four times treatment respectively. Patients were followed up for 6-23 months after treatment. Results The clearance rate of genital warts was 100%. No recurrence was found during the follow-up period. Major adverse events reported were mild erosion, pain, and local edema. All pregnancies resulted in healthy live births without delivery complications. Conclusions PDT with topical ALA seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of CA in pregnancy. It demonstrated high clearance rate of warts, was well-tolerated by patients, and showed no adverse effects on mothers or fetuses. ALA-PDT may be an ideal strategy of treatment for pregnant women with CA.展开更多
AIM: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.METHODS: Male Spra...AIM: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, 4 d, 2 wk, 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups, and the model rats were fed with a mixture of alcohol by gastric infusion at the designed time, respectively, then decollated and their livers were harvested for the examination of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by immunohistochemistry, zymograghy and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Normal rats had moderate expression of MMP-2,which was decreased in the model rats except in the 11 wk group, where MMP-2 expression slightly increased. MMP-3 had the similar changing pattern to MMP-2 despite weaker expression. MMP-9 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, rose in the 4 wk group, decreased again in the 9 wk group and returned to normal levels in the 11 wk group.MMP-13 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups,and returned to normal levels in the 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups. TIMP-1 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, but sharply increased in the 4 wk group and sustained at a high level even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk. In normal rats TIMP-2 expression was strong. However, it decreased as soon as modeling began, and then gradually rose, but remained to a level lower than that in normal rats even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk.CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may not always expresses at a high level during hepatic fibrosis. MMP-13 and MMP-3 are acutely affected by TIMP-1. In this model TIMP-1 is the most powerful factor imposed on capillarization and peri-sinusoidal fibrosis. TIMP-2 is the most effective regulator on the metabolism of type Ⅳ collagen located in the basement of sinus.展开更多
Esophageal cancer is a common cancer worldwide and has a poor prognosis. The incidence of esophageal squamous cell cancer has been decreasing, whereas the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has been increasing rap...Esophageal cancer is a common cancer worldwide and has a poor prognosis. The incidence of esophageal squamous cell cancer has been decreasing, whereas the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has been increasing rapidly, particularly in Western men. Squamous cell cancer continues to be the major type of esophageal cancer in Asia, and the main risk factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, hot beverage drinking, and poor nutrition. In contrast, esophageal adenocarcinoma predominately affects the whites, and the risk factors include smoking, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In addition, Asians and Caucasians may have different susceptibilities to esophageal cancer due to different heritage backgrounds. However, comparison studies between these two populations are limited and need to be addressed in the near future. Ethnic differences should be taken into account in preventive and clinical practices.展开更多
Cultivated soybeans may lose some useful genetic loci during domestication. Introgression of genes from wild soybeans could broaden the genetic background and improve soybean agronomic traits. In this study, through w...Cultivated soybeans may lose some useful genetic loci during domestication. Introgression of genes from wild soybeans could broaden the genetic background and improve soybean agronomic traits. In this study, through whole-genome sequencing of a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between a wild soybean ZYD7 and a cultivated soybean HN44, and mapping of quantitative trait loci for seed weight, we discovered that a phosphatase 2C-1 （PP2C-1） allele from wild soybean ZYD7 contributes to the increase in seed weight/size. PP2C-1 may achieve this function by enhancing cell size of integument and activating a subset of seed trait-related genes. We found that PP2C-1 is associ- ated with GmBZR1, a soybean ortholog of Arabidopsis BZR1, one of key transcription factors in brassi- nosteroid （BR） signaling, and facilitate accumulation of dephosphorylated GmBZR1. In contrast, the PP2C-2 allele with variations of a few amino acids at the N-terminus did not exhibit this function. More- over, we showed that GmBZR1 could promote seed weight/size in transgenic plants. Through analysis of cultivated soybean accessions, we found that 40% of the examined accessions do not have the PP2C-1 allele, suggesting that these accessions can be improved by introduction of this allele. Taken together, our study identifies an elite allele PP2C-1, which can enhance seed weight and/or size in soybean, and pinpoints that manipulation of this allele by molecular-assisted breeding may increase production in soybean and other legumes/crops.展开更多
AIM: To investigate effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on the liver endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system during ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into s...AIM: To investigate effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on the liver endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system during ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (Sham), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischemic pre-conditioning plus ischemia/reperfusion (IPC) groups. Serum ALT, AST and hyaluronic acid levels were assayed and pathologic alterations observed. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) contents,endogenous antioxidant enzymes, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gultathionine peroxidase (GSH-Px)activities, neutrophils accumulation marker, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured respectively.RESULTS: Compared with I/R group, sinusoidal endothelial cells as well as hepatocytes damages, as assessed biochemically and histochemically, were improved significantly in IPC group; neutrophils infiltration was also markedly reduced. In IPC group, liver peroxidation, as measured by MDA contents, was significantly decreased when compared with I/R group; endogenous antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were markedly higher than that in I/R group.CONCLUSION: Ischemic pre-conditioning exerts protective effects on both hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes during liver I/R injury. Its mechanisms may involve dimunition of neutrophils infiltration and modulation of the imbalance of endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system in the organism.展开更多
AIM To study the molecular mechanisms ofretinoic acid(RA)on proliferation andexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors(CKI),i.e.p16,p21 and p27 in cultured rathepatic stellate cells(HSC)stimulated withtransform...AIM To study the molecular mechanisms ofretinoic acid(RA)on proliferation andexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors(CKI),i.e.p16,p21 and p27 in cultured rathepatic stellate cells(HSC)stimulated withtransforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1).METHODS HSC were isolated from healthy ratlivers and cultured.After stimulated with1 mg/L TGF-β1,subcultured HSC were treatedwith or without 1 nmol/L RA.MTT assay,immunocytochemistry(ICC)for p16,p21,p27and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein,insitu hybridization(ISH)for retinoic acidreceptor beta 2(RAR-β2)and p16,p21 and p27mRNA and quantitative image analysis(partially)were performed.RESULTS RA inhibited HSC proliferation(41.50%,P【0.05),decreased the protein levelof α-SMA(55.09%,P【0.05),and induced HSCto express RAR-β2 mRNA.In addition,RAincreased the protein level of p16(218.75%,P【0.05)and induced p21 protein expression;meanwhile,p27 was undetectable by ICC in bothcontrol and RA-treated HSC.However,RA hadno influence on the mRNA levels of p16,p21 orp27 as determined by ISH.CONCLISION Up-regulation of p16 and p21 on post-transcriptional level may contribule, in part to RA inhibition of TGF-β1-initiated rat HSC activation in vitro.展开更多
Objectives:To develop a new Chinese medicine(CM)-based drug and to evaluate its safety and effect for suppressing acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)in COVID-19 patients.Methods:A putative ARDS-suppressing drug ...Objectives:To develop a new Chinese medicine(CM)-based drug and to evaluate its safety and effect for suppressing acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)in COVID-19 patients.Methods:A putative ARDS-suppressing drug Keguan-1 was first developed and then evaluated by a randomized,controlled two-arm trial.The two arms of the trial consist of a control therapy(alpha interferon inhalation,50(x g twice daily;and lopinavir/ritonavir,400 and 100 mg twice daily,respectively)and a testing therapy(control therapy plus Keguan-119.4 g twice daily)by random number table at 1:1 ratio with 24 cases each group.After 2-week treatment,adverse events,time to fever resolution,ARDS development,and lung injury on newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients were assessed.Results:An analysis of the data from the first 30 participants showed that the control arm and the testing arm did not exhibit any significant differences in terms of adverse events.Based on this result,the study was expanded to include a total of 48 participants(24 cases each arm).The results show that compared with the control arm,the testing arm exhibited a significant improvement in time to fever resolution(P=0.035),and a significant reduction in the development of ARDS(P=0.048).Conclusions:Keguan-1-based integrative therapy was safe and superior to the standard therapy in suppressing the development of ARDS in COVID-19 patients.(Trial registration No.NCT 04251871 at www.clinicaltrials.gov).展开更多
Several studies have demonstrated that the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Blume can protect against amyloid beta-peptide （Ap）-induced cell death. To investigate the possible therapeutic effects of Gastrodia elata Blum...Several studies have demonstrated that the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Blume can protect against amyloid beta-peptide （Ap）-induced cell death. To investigate the possible therapeutic effects of Gastrodia elata Blume on Alzheimer＇s disease, we established a rat model of AIzheimer＇s disease by injecting A325-35 into bilateral hippocampi. These rats were intragastrically administered 500 or 1 000 mg/kg Gastrodia elata Blume per day for 52 consecutive days. Morris water maze tests showed that Gastrodia elata Blume treatment significantly improved the spatial memory of Alzheimer＇s disease rats. Congo red staining revealed that Gastrodia elata Blume significantly reduced the number of amyloid deposits in the hippocampus of these rats. Western blot analysis showed that choline acetyltransferase expression in the medial septum and hippocampus was significantly increased by the treatment of Gastrodia elata Blume, while EIIman method showed significant decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in all three regions （prefrontal cortex, medial septum and hippocampus）. These findings suggest that long-term administration of Gastrodia elata Blume has therapeutic potential for Alzheimer＇s disease.展开更多
文摘Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods： A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging exalnination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH. Results： NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects （0.725%） and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinesepeople aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females （1.02% vs. 0.51%, x^2 = 24.997, P 〈 0.001 ）. Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents （0.85% vs. 0.61%,x^2= 5.847, P = 0.016）. Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels oftriglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-H DL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH. Conclusions： Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significantpublic health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk
文摘Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a malignant epithelial tumor originating in the nasopharynx and has a high incidence in Southeast Asia and North Africa.To develop these comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of NPC,the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO)arranged a multi-disciplinary team comprising of experts from all sub-specialties of NPC to write,discuss,and revise the guidelines.Based on the findings of evidencebased medicine in China and abroad,domestic experts have iteratively developed these guidelines to provide proper management of NPC.Overall,the guidelines describe the screening,clinical and pathological diagnosis,staging and risk assessment,therapies,and follow-up of NPC,which aim to improve the management of NPC.
文摘Objective To study the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral infarction (CI). Methods Between November 2008 and March 2009,147 CI patients (CI group) and 48 patients with non-cerebrovascular diseases (control group) were enrolled from inpatients of Neurology Department of our hospital. The diagnostic criterion of thickened carotid intima was set as 1.0 mm≤intima-media thickness (IMT) <1.5 mm and that of carotid plaque was as IMT≥1.5 mm. Carotid atherosclerosis was divided into three levels: normal intima,thickened intima,and plaque formation. The color Doppler ultrasonography data of carotid arteries in all patients were analyzed and the severity of carotid atherosclerosis was compared between the two groups. Results In the CI group,36 (24.5%) patients had normal carotid intima,22 (15.0%) had thickened carotid intima,and 89 (60.5%) had carotid plaque. In the control group,22 (45.8%) patients had normal carotid intima,4 (8.3%) had thickened carotid intima,and 22 (45.8%) had carotid plaque. The severity of carotid atherosclerosis in the CI group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.022). There was significant difference in the constitution of carotid plaque between the two groups (P=0.001); the CI group mainly had the soft plaque (55/89,61.8%),whereas the control group mainly had the hard plaque (17/22,77.3%). The first three common locations of carotid plaque in both groups were carotid bifurcation (CI group: 73.7%; control group: 64.1%),common carotid artery (CI group: 20.4%; control group: 25.6%),and internal carotid artery (CI group: 5.9%; control group: 10.3%). The location of carotid plaque between the two groups was not significantly different (P=0.438). There was no difference in the carotid inner diameter or resistance index between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Carotid atherosclerosis is to some extent able to reveal the atherosclerotic condition of cerebral arteries and act as an important predictor for the risk of CI. The color Doppler ultrasonography of carotid
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81001549National Basic Research Program of China (973 program), No. 2009CB522900+1 种基金Shanghai Health System of Outstanding Young Talent Cultivation Program, No. XYQ2011068Shanghai Rising-Star Program, No. 10QA1406100
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are as
文摘Electroacupuncture is known as an effective adjuvant therapy in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Studies suggest that autophagy, which is essential for cell survival and cell death, is involved in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and might be modulate by electroacupuncture therapy in key ways. This paper aims to provide novel insights into a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury from the perspective of autophagy. Here we review recent studies on electroacupuncture regulation of autophagy-related markers such as UNC-51-like kinase-1 complex, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3, p62, and autophagosomes for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The results of these studies show that electroacupuncture may affect the initiation of autophagy, vesicle nucleation, expansion and maturation of autophagosomes, as well as fusion and degradation of autophagolysosomes. Moreover, studies indicate that electroacupuncture probably modulates autophagy by activating the mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway.This review thus indicates that autophagy is a therapeutic target of electroacupuncture treatment against ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.
基金Shanghai High-Education Bureau Research Fund,No.98QN72
文摘AIM: To explore the mechanism of the Sijunzi decoction and another Chinese herbal recipe (SRRS) based mainly on the Sijunzi decoction in treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS: A human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC7901 grafted onto nude mouse was used as the animal model. The mice were divided into 3 groups, one control and the two representative experimental conditions. Ahimals in the two experimental groups received either Sijunzi decoction or SRRS over a 40-day period starting at 1st day after grafting. Control animals received saline on an identical schedule. Animals were killed 41 days after being grafted.The effect of therapy was assessed by two ways: (1)tumor size was periodically measured during the life of the animals; (2) tumor weight was determined by a electron balance immediately after the animals killed. For detection of apoptotic cells, apoptotic indices(AI) were examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuddine tdphosphate fluorescence nick end labeling (TUNEL) method.Morphological alterations were observed with electron microscopy. S-P immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 in xenografts. Expression of bcl-2 and p53 was semiquantitatively detected using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)technique.RESULTS: When compared with controls, tumor growth (size and weight) was significantly inhibited by treatment with the Sijunzi decoction (P＜0.05) or SRRS (P＜0.01). The tumor inhibitory rate in the Sijunzi decoction group was 34.33 % and SRRS group 46.53 %. AI of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice was significantly increased to 16.24±3.21% using TUNEL method and 11.38±6.46 % by FACScan in the Sijunzi decoction group compared with the controls (TUNEL: 2.63±1.03 %, P＜0.01; FACScan: 7.15± 1.32 %, P＜0.05). SRRS group was also found a significantly increased AI by using TUNEL method and flow cytometry analysis compared with the controls (TUNEL: 13.18±3.05 %,P＜0.05; FACScan: 11.58±5.71% (P＜0.05). Unde
文摘Objective To investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between putative risk factors and PAD. Methods In total 1 397 type 2 diabetic patients aged 50 years and older were enrolled and determined ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 15 Class III Grade A hospitals in 7 major cities of China. Results Mean patient age was 63.7±8.2 years and mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 9.39±7.4 years. Two hundreds and seventy-two (19.47%) patients were diagnosed as PAD by ABI <0.9, 122 (18.37%) in male and 150 (20.46%) in female. PAD patients had a significantly longer duration of diabetes mellitus, higher hemoglobin Alc, and a significantly lower mean body mass index than non-PAD ones. Aging, smoking, and systolic blood pressure were found to be positively related with the prevalence of PAD. In terms of lipid profiles, no variable was found to relate with PAD. Notably, baPWV showed as the same significant guiding index for PAD, almost matched with ABI. Conclusions PAD is a common complication in China type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for diabetic patients with high risk factors.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(No.2014AA06A602)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41404111)Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(No.2015JJ3088)
文摘In deep mineral exploration, the acquisition of audio magnetotelluric （AMT） data is severely affected by ambient noise near the observation sites; This near-field noise restricts investigation depths. Mathematical morphological filtering （MMF） proved effective in suppressing large-scale strong and variably shaped noise, typically low-frequency noise, but can not deal with pulse noise of AMT data. We combine compressive sensing and MMF. First we use MMF to suppress the large-scale strong ambient noise; second, we use the improved orthogonal match pursuit （IOMP） algorithm to remove the residual pulse noise. To remove the noise and protect the useful AMT signal, a redundant dictionary that matches with spikes and is insensitive to the useful signal is designed. Synthetic and field data from the Luzong field suggest that the proposed method suppresses the near-source noise and preserves the signal well; thus, better results are obtained that improve the output of either MMF or IOMP.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81301275,81471736 and 81671760)the National Science and Technology Pillar Program during the Twelfth Five-Year Plan Period(2015BAI01B09)Heilongjiang Province Foundation for Returness(LC2013C38)
文摘BACKGROUND： The various combination of multiphase enhancement multislice spiral CT （MSCT） makes the diagno- sis of a small hepatocellular carcinoma （sHCC） on the back- ground of liver cirrhosis possible. This study was to explore whether the combination of MSCT enhancement scan and alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） level ficiency for sHCC. could increase the diagnostic ef- METHODS： This study included 35 sHCC patients and 52 cir- rhotic patients without image evidence of HCC as a control group. The diagnoses were made by three radiologists em- ploying a 5-point rating scale, with postoperative pathologic results as the gold standard. Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diag- nostic value of the three MSCT combination modes （arterial phase＋portal-venous phase, arterial phase＋delayed phase, arterial phase＋portal-venous phase＋delayed phase） and AFP levels for sHCC on the background of liver cirrhosis. RESULTS： The area under ROC curve （AUC）, sensitivity, and specificity of the combination of arterial phase＋portal- venous phase＋delayed phase were 0.93, 93%, and 82%, respectively. The average AUC of the arterial phase＋portal- venous phase＋delayed phase combination was significantly greater than that of the arterial phase＋portal-venous phase （AUC=0.84, P=0.01） and arterial phase＋delayed phase （AUC=0.85, P=0.03）. Arterial phase＋portal-venous phase had a smaller AUC （0.84） than arterial phase＋delayed phase （0.85）, but the difference was insignificant （P=0.15）. After combining MSCT enhancement scan with AFP, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.95, 94%, and 83%, respectively, indicating a greatly increased diagnostic efficiency for sHCC. CONCLUSIONS： The combination of AFP and 3 phases MSCT enhancement scan could increase the diagnostic efficiency for sHCC on the background of liver cirrhosis. The application of ROC curve analysis has provided a new method and reference in HCC diagnosis.
文摘Background Photodynamic therapy （PDT） with 5-aminolevulinic acid （ALA） is an emerging technique for the treatment of genital human papillomavirus （HPV）-induced benign and premalignant lesions. We report here in a case series of condyloma acuminata （CA） in pregnancy successfully treated with ALA-PDT. Methods Five pregnant patients with CA received three to four times treatment respectively. Patients were followed up for 6-23 months after treatment. Results The clearance rate of genital warts was 100%. No recurrence was found during the follow-up period. Major adverse events reported were mild erosion, pain, and local edema. All pregnancies resulted in healthy live births without delivery complications. Conclusions PDT with topical ALA seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of CA in pregnancy. It demonstrated high clearance rate of warts, was well-tolerated by patients, and showed no adverse effects on mothers or fetuses. ALA-PDT may be an ideal strategy of treatment for pregnant women with CA.
文摘AIM: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, 4 d, 2 wk, 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups, and the model rats were fed with a mixture of alcohol by gastric infusion at the designed time, respectively, then decollated and their livers were harvested for the examination of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by immunohistochemistry, zymograghy and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Normal rats had moderate expression of MMP-2,which was decreased in the model rats except in the 11 wk group, where MMP-2 expression slightly increased. MMP-3 had the similar changing pattern to MMP-2 despite weaker expression. MMP-9 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, rose in the 4 wk group, decreased again in the 9 wk group and returned to normal levels in the 11 wk group.MMP-13 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups,and returned to normal levels in the 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups. TIMP-1 expression decreased in the 4 d and 2 wk groups, but sharply increased in the 4 wk group and sustained at a high level even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk. In normal rats TIMP-2 expression was strong. However, it decreased as soon as modeling began, and then gradually rose, but remained to a level lower than that in normal rats even after modeling was stopped for 2 wk.CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may not always expresses at a high level during hepatic fibrosis. MMP-13 and MMP-3 are acutely affected by TIMP-1. In this model TIMP-1 is the most powerful factor imposed on capillarization and peri-sinusoidal fibrosis. TIMP-2 is the most effective regulator on the metabolism of type Ⅳ collagen located in the basement of sinus.
文摘Esophageal cancer is a common cancer worldwide and has a poor prognosis. The incidence of esophageal squamous cell cancer has been decreasing, whereas the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has been increasing rapidly, particularly in Western men. Squamous cell cancer continues to be the major type of esophageal cancer in Asia, and the main risk factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, hot beverage drinking, and poor nutrition. In contrast, esophageal adenocarcinoma predominately affects the whites, and the risk factors include smoking, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In addition, Asians and Caucasians may have different susceptibilities to esophageal cancer due to different heritage backgrounds. However, comparison studies between these two populations are limited and need to be addressed in the near future. Ethnic differences should be taken into account in preventive and clinical practices.
文摘Cultivated soybeans may lose some useful genetic loci during domestication. Introgression of genes from wild soybeans could broaden the genetic background and improve soybean agronomic traits. In this study, through whole-genome sequencing of a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between a wild soybean ZYD7 and a cultivated soybean HN44, and mapping of quantitative trait loci for seed weight, we discovered that a phosphatase 2C-1 （PP2C-1） allele from wild soybean ZYD7 contributes to the increase in seed weight/size. PP2C-1 may achieve this function by enhancing cell size of integument and activating a subset of seed trait-related genes. We found that PP2C-1 is associ- ated with GmBZR1, a soybean ortholog of Arabidopsis BZR1, one of key transcription factors in brassi- nosteroid （BR） signaling, and facilitate accumulation of dephosphorylated GmBZR1. In contrast, the PP2C-2 allele with variations of a few amino acids at the N-terminus did not exhibit this function. More- over, we showed that GmBZR1 could promote seed weight/size in transgenic plants. Through analysis of cultivated soybean accessions, we found that 40% of the examined accessions do not have the PP2C-1 allele, suggesting that these accessions can be improved by introduction of this allele. Taken together, our study identifies an elite allele PP2C-1, which can enhance seed weight and/or size in soybean, and pinpoints that manipulation of this allele by molecular-assisted breeding may increase production in soybean and other legumes/crops.
文摘AIM: To investigate effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on the liver endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system during ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (Sham), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischemic pre-conditioning plus ischemia/reperfusion (IPC) groups. Serum ALT, AST and hyaluronic acid levels were assayed and pathologic alterations observed. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) contents,endogenous antioxidant enzymes, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gultathionine peroxidase (GSH-Px)activities, neutrophils accumulation marker, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured respectively.RESULTS: Compared with I/R group, sinusoidal endothelial cells as well as hepatocytes damages, as assessed biochemically and histochemically, were improved significantly in IPC group; neutrophils infiltration was also markedly reduced. In IPC group, liver peroxidation, as measured by MDA contents, was significantly decreased when compared with I/R group; endogenous antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were markedly higher than that in I/R group.CONCLUSION: Ischemic pre-conditioning exerts protective effects on both hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes during liver I/R injury. Its mechanisms may involve dimunition of neutrophils infiltration and modulation of the imbalance of endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system in the organism.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39670287the Scientific Research Foundation for Doctorate Education,State Education Commission.No.96026530
文摘AIM To study the molecular mechanisms ofretinoic acid(RA)on proliferation andexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors(CKI),i.e.p16,p21 and p27 in cultured rathepatic stellate cells(HSC)stimulated withtransforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1).METHODS HSC were isolated from healthy ratlivers and cultured.After stimulated with1 mg/L TGF-β1,subcultured HSC were treatedwith or without 1 nmol/L RA.MTT assay,immunocytochemistry(ICC)for p16,p21,p27and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein,insitu hybridization(ISH)for retinoic acidreceptor beta 2(RAR-β2)and p16,p21 and p27mRNA and quantitative image analysis(partially)were performed.RESULTS RA inhibited HSC proliferation(41.50%,P【0.05),decreased the protein levelof α-SMA(55.09%,P【0.05),and induced HSCto express RAR-β2 mRNA.In addition,RAincreased the protein level of p16(218.75%,P【0.05)and induced p21 protein expression;meanwhile,p27 was undetectable by ICC in bothcontrol and RA-treated HSC.However,RA hadno influence on the mRNA levels of p16,p21 orp27 as determined by ISH.CONCLISION Up-regulation of p16 and p21 on post-transcriptional level may contribule, in part to RA inhibition of TGF-β1-initiated rat HSC activation in vitro.
基金the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Project(No.2020ZYLCYJ05-1)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81630100,81721002,81930110)+2 种基金China PLA Biosecurity Project(No.19SWAQ13)China PLA Emergency Project(BWS20J006)the Beijing Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Project(Nos.YJ2020-03,SYFY202011)。
文摘Objectives:To develop a new Chinese medicine(CM)-based drug and to evaluate its safety and effect for suppressing acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)in COVID-19 patients.Methods:A putative ARDS-suppressing drug Keguan-1 was first developed and then evaluated by a randomized,controlled two-arm trial.The two arms of the trial consist of a control therapy(alpha interferon inhalation,50(x g twice daily;and lopinavir/ritonavir,400 and 100 mg twice daily,respectively)and a testing therapy(control therapy plus Keguan-119.4 g twice daily)by random number table at 1:1 ratio with 24 cases each group.After 2-week treatment,adverse events,time to fever resolution,ARDS development,and lung injury on newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients were assessed.Results:An analysis of the data from the first 30 participants showed that the control arm and the testing arm did not exhibit any significant differences in terms of adverse events.Based on this result,the study was expanded to include a total of 48 participants(24 cases each arm).The results show that compared with the control arm,the testing arm exhibited a significant improvement in time to fever resolution(P=0.035),and a significant reduction in the development of ARDS(P=0.048).Conclusions:Keguan-1-based integrative therapy was safe and superior to the standard therapy in suppressing the development of ARDS in COVID-19 patients.(Trial registration No.NCT 04251871 at www.clinicaltrials.gov).
基金funded by Muju Tianma Native Local Industrial Center,Korea
文摘Several studies have demonstrated that the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Blume can protect against amyloid beta-peptide （Ap）-induced cell death. To investigate the possible therapeutic effects of Gastrodia elata Blume on Alzheimer＇s disease, we established a rat model of AIzheimer＇s disease by injecting A325-35 into bilateral hippocampi. These rats were intragastrically administered 500 or 1 000 mg/kg Gastrodia elata Blume per day for 52 consecutive days. Morris water maze tests showed that Gastrodia elata Blume treatment significantly improved the spatial memory of Alzheimer＇s disease rats. Congo red staining revealed that Gastrodia elata Blume significantly reduced the number of amyloid deposits in the hippocampus of these rats. Western blot analysis showed that choline acetyltransferase expression in the medial septum and hippocampus was significantly increased by the treatment of Gastrodia elata Blume, while EIIman method showed significant decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in all three regions （prefrontal cortex, medial septum and hippocampus）. These findings suggest that long-term administration of Gastrodia elata Blume has therapeutic potential for Alzheimer＇s disease.
