Effect of Composite Xinyi Aerosol(复方辛夷雾化剂)on Asthma Related Cytokines in Serum and Sputum of Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of composite Xinyi aerosol (复方辛夷雾化剂,XYA) in treating asthma and its influence on asthma related cytokines in serum and sputum of patientswith mild or moderate bronchial asthma. Methods: Sixty patients were divided randomly into the treatedgroup and the control group, 30 in each group. They were treated with XYA and Salbutamol aerosol (SA)respectively by spray inhalation once a day for seven days as one therapeutic course to observe the antiasth-matic effect of the treatment. Changes of lung function and the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α),interleukine-2 receptor (IL-2R) and interleukine-8 (IL-8) in serum and sputum were observed before andafter treatment using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of TNF-α, IL-2R andIL-8 inthe sputum of part of the patients in the treatment group were also observed. Results: In the treated group,6 patients had the asthma clinically controlled after treatment, 12 were markedly alleviated, 9 alleviatedand 3 remained unchanged, while in the control group, the respective numbers were 4, 6, 15 and 5. Thecontrolled-markedly effective rate of XYA was 60.0%, which was significantly better than that of SA (33.3 %, P＜0.05). The one second forced expiratory volume percent (FEV1 %) and peek expiratory flow rate(PEFR) improved significantly and the levels of TNF-α, IL-2R and IL-8 in serum decreased noticeably inboth groups after treatment (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), but the improvement in the treated group was moresignificant as compared with those in the control group (P＜0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-2R and IL-8in sputum considerably lowered also after XYA treatment (P＜0.01). Conclusion: XYA could regulate therelated cytokines in patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma, and reduce the releasing of inflam-matory factors, which is consistent with the improvement of lung functions, so as to ease the airway in-flammation chiefly exhibited as cell infiltration in bronchi.     

Modulation of transforming growth factor β to platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α of human osteoblasts

Objective To investigate the mechanism and the significance of TGFβ in modulating the expression of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-α (PDGFR-α) in human osteoblasts. Methods The osteoblasts were isolated from human fetal calvaria. The percentage of cell increase (PCI) in every 4 hours was calculated to demonstrate the proliferation of osteoblasts affected by PDGF-AA and TGFβ. The osteoblasts were cultured with TGFβ for 24 hours and with PDGF-AA for another 24 hours, and the cells proliferation was shown by PCI too. The osteoblasts were cultured with TGFβ for 24 h, and the PDGFR-α of the cells were measured by immunofluorescent analysis.Results PCI was increased by 48.2% and 22.4% after PDGF-AA and TGFβ were added into the medium for 24 hours respectively (P<0.05), and PCI decreased after the removal of the two cytokines. Preincubated with TGFβ for 24 hours and then stimulated with PDGF-AA, PCI grew slowly. TGFβ downregulated the expression of the PDGFR-α.Conclusion TGFβ can downregulate the mitogenesis of PDGF-AA by lowering the number of PDG     

Effects on the Tumor Specific Growth Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Rats' Precancerous Lesion of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Direct Moxibustion at Ganshu(BL 18) Acupoint

Objective: To investigate the effect of direct moxibustion at Ganshu(BL18) on the serum concentrations of tumor specific growth factor(TSGF) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) in a rat model with precancerous lesion of primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion underlying improvement of HCC. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10), model group(n=20), prevention group 1(n=15) and prevention group 2(n=15). The normal rats were injected with physiological saline as blank control. At the same time, the rats of other three groups were injected with diethylnitrosamine to establish the HCC model. Direct moxibustion with grain-sized moxa was applied to bilateral Ganshu acupoint of the rats in the prevention group 1(1 treatment course, 20 days) and prevention group 2(2 treatment courses, 40 days), 5 doses for each acupoint, 0.5 mg/dose, once every other day. At each time point(before model establishment, the end of 1st course prevention, the end of 2nd course prevention and the end of model establishment), serum levels of TSGF and TNF-α were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the control group, there was a remarkably increase of serum TSGF and TNF-α contents in the model group at the end of the experiment(P0.05). At the end of the 1st course of direct moxibustion, the contents of serum TSGF and TNF-α of rats in the prevention group 1 were significantly increased compared with that of the model group(P0.05). At the end of the 2nd course of direct moxibustion, serum TSGF and TNF-α levels of rats in the model group were higher than the normal group with significantly difference(P0.05), and the levels of TSGF and TNF-α in the prevention group 2 were significantly reduced in comparison with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: It was possible that direct moxibustion could inhibit precancerous lesion and postpone hepatocarcinogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of two courses were better than one course.     

High Density Lipoprotein Phospholipids as a Marker of Coronary Heart Disease of Shen-Yang Deficiency Syndrome

Objective: To seek a new biochemical index for diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) of shen-Yang deficiency syndrom (CHD-SYD). Methods: Sixty-one patients with CHD were divided into 3 groups according to their TCM Syndrome type, 10 patients in the group without Xin-Qi deficiency (Group A), 25 in the group with Xin-Qi deficiency but without Shen-Yang deficiency (Group B) and 26 in the group both with Xin-Qi deficiency and Shen-Yang deficiency (Group C). Levels of 17-hydroxy-corticoste-roid in urine (urinary 17-OHCS) per 24 hrs, and serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high density lipoprotein phospholipid (HDL-PL) in them were determined in synchrostep and compared with those in the control group of 23 healthy aged persons, urinary 17-OHCS per 24 hrs was taken as the diagnostic standard to screen a new index for diagnosis of Shen-Yang deficiency Syndrome, and preliminary appraisal to the index was made. Results: Serum HDL-PL in the CHD-SYD patients( Group C) was 616+157 mg     

Effect of Lichong Decoction on expression of IGF-I and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA in rat model of uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of Lichong Decoction(Lichong Decoction for strengthening anti-pathogenic Qi and eliminating blood stasis) on the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) mRNA in a rat model of uterine leiomyoma.METHODS:Fifty female Wistar rats were randomized into a normal control group,model group,Lichong Decoction group,Guizhifuling Capsule(Capsule containing Cassia Twig and Poria) group,and Mifepristone group.The uterine leiomyoma model was established by peritoneal injections of exogenous estrogen and progesterone hormone.The ultrastructural changes in cells of rat uterine tissues were observed with transmission electron microscopy,and the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.RESULTS:Following treatment,cells in the Lichong Decoction group appeared to be arranged normally,the cellular morphology were almost in a normal state,hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the chondriosome was reduced,collagen fibers were arranged in a regular manner,without obvious hyperplasia,and the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA was significantly decreased compared with the model group(P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS:The effect of Lichong Decoction on uterine leiomyoma is related to its function in reducing the expression of IGF-I and PCNA mRNA.     

Clinical efficacy and safety of Gubitong Recipe (骨痹通方) in treating osteoarthritis of knee joint

Objective:To observe the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Gubitong Recipe(骨痹通方,GBT) in treating osteoarthritis(OA) of knee joint.Methods:Ninety patients with knee osteoarthritis were equally assigned, according to a randomizing digital table,to the treatment group and the control group.The treatment group was treated with GBT Decoction one dose every day and the control group with glucosamine sulfate 500 mg thrice a day,respectively,for eight successive weeks.Besides,diclofenac sodium could be given as...     

Effect of ginkgo leaf extract on vascular endothelial function in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To explore the effect of ginkgo leaf extract(GLE) on vascular endothelial function(VEF) in patients with early stage diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods:Sixty-four patients were randomized equally by a randomzing digital table into two groups,the treated group and the control group.They were all treated for 8 weeks with conventional therapy for diabetes,but GLE tablets were given to the treated group additionally. Changes in VEF were estimated before and after treatment by ultrasonic examination o...     

Time-dependent Expression of PEDF and VEGF in Blood Serum and Retina of Rats with Oxygen-induced Retinopathy

The effects of the balance changes of pigment epithelium growth factor(PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in whole-body and retinal tissue on rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy were investigated. Forty-eight neonatal SD rats at the age of 7 days were randomly divided into 4 groups. The neonatal rats in experimental groups were exposed to 75% to 80% oxygen for 5 days and then to normal air, and those in control groups were kept feeding in normal air. At the age of 17 and 22 days, all the neonatal rats received retina angiography with FITC-dextran and the pathological changes of retinal vessels and perfusion were observed. HE staining of the tissue section and the number counting of endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were performed to evaluate the endothelial proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of PEDF and VEGF in retinal tissue, and ELISA to detect their expression in serum. A hypoxic-ischemic proliferation of retina and more endothelial cells extending beyond the inner limiting membrane were found in the neonatal rats in both experimental groups of 17-day old and 22-day old as compared with those in control group with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.01). VEGF staining of the rats in the 17-day old experimental group was significantly stronger, with an increasing positive rate, than that of the rats in the 17-day old control group(P<0.01). PEDF staining of the rats of 22 days old was weaker than that of the rats of 17 days old in the experimental groups(P<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum VEGF concentration among all groups(P>0.05). The serum PEDF concentration in the rats of 17 days old in experimental group was decreased significantly as compared with that in the rats of 17 days old in control group(P<0.01), and in experimental groups, the serum PEDF concentration of the rats of 22 days old was increased as compared with that of the rats of 17 days old(P<0.01). In conclusion, the obviously decreased serum PEDF concentration and the abnormal enhanced expression of VEGF density in local retinal tissue broke down the balance of PEDF/VEGF in whole-body or local tissues, which might play an important role in retinal vascular proliferation.     

Clinical Observation on Quality of Life in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients Treated According to Syndrome Differentiation of TCM

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect and quality of life (QOL) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients treated according to syndrome differentiation of TCM. Methods: Eighty-two CABG patients were allocated in the control group (n = 39) treated with conventional method of western medicine, and the TCM-treated group (n     

Neuroprotective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in a focal cerebral ischemic rat model with hyperlipidemia

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in rat model with focal cerebral ischemia through anti-apoptotic pathways and by promoting proliferation of neural stem cells. In the present study, we examined the neuroprotective effect of G-CSF in an acute focal cerebral ischemia rat model with lipid metabolism disorder. Eighty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal diet control group (NC group) and high-fat diet group (HFD group) (n = 40 in each). In HFD group, rats were fed on high fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. After 29 days, 4 rats from each group were sacrificed to evaluate the effects of different diets, and the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed in the rest of the rats. MCAO rats received either G-CSF (50 μg·kg-1·mL-1) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection through the external jugular vein for 5 days, which was followed by 5-bromo-deoxy uridine (BrdU, i.p., 50 mg/kg) injection for another 7 days. To evaluate the effects of G-CSF treatment on neurological function, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was calculated. The vascular distribution, ischemic cells proliferation, cell apoptosis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured to determine the effects of G-CSF treatment. Our results showed that G-CSF-treated rats had a lower mNSS than PBS-treated rats in both NC group and HFD group. G-CSF injection promoted endothelial cell proliferation and vascular regeneration, and inhibited cell apoptosis. The serum and tissue levels of VEGF were significantly increased after G-CSF treatment. It is concluded that G-CSF exerts its neuroprotective effect in focal cerebral ischemia rats with hyperlipidemia by enhancing angiogenesis, promoting cells proliferation, decreasing cell apoptosis, and increasing local VEGF expression.     

Cohort Study on the Effect of a Combined Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine on the Relapse and Metastasis of 222 Patients with Stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ Colorectal Cancer after Radical Operation

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive therapy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in reducing the relapse and metastasis of stageⅡandⅢcolorectal cancer based on conventional Western medicine(WM)therapy.Methods:Two hundred and twenty-two patients in total, diagnosed as stageⅡandⅢcolorectal cancer from February 2000 to March 2006,were recruited from Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and the General Hospital of Beijing Military Area.They were followed-up once every 3-6 months.Twenty cases dropped out from the cohort.The remaining 202 patients were all treated with routine WM treatment [including R0 radical operation,or chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy according to national comprehensive cancer network(NCCN)clinical guidelines].These patients were assigned to two groups based on whether or not they were additionally treated with TCM comprehensive therapy(orally administered with a decoction according to syndrome differentiation,combined with a traditional patent drug over one year).Ninety-eight patients from Xiyuan Hospital were treated with WM and TCM(combined group),and 104 patients from the General Hospital of Beijing Military Area were treated with WM alone(WM group).The demographic data at baseline were comparable,including the operation times,age,sex,TNM staging,and pathological types.The patients were followed-up for one to five years.Up to now,there are 98,98,77,64,and 47 patients with 1,2,3, 4,and 5 years of follow-up in the combined group,respectively;and 104,104,97,81,and 55 patients in the WM group,respectively.The results of the 5-year follow-up of all the patients will be available in 2011. Results:The relapse/metastasis rate of 1-,2-,3-,4-,and 5-year were 0(0/98),2.04%(2/98),11.69% (9/77),14.06%(9/64),and 21.28%,(10/47)in the combined group,and were 4.80%(5/104),16.35% (17/104),21.65%(21/97),25.93%(21/81),and 38.18%(21/55)in the WM group,respectively.A significant difference was found in the second year between the two groups(χ~2=12.117,P = 0.000).Median relapse/ metastasis time was 26.5 months in the combined group and 16.0 months in the WM group.Conclusion: The combined therapy of TCM and WM may have great clinical value and a potential for decreasing the relapse or metastasis rate in stageⅡandⅢcolorectal cancer after conventional WM therapy.     

Recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates wound healing in patients with burns, donor sites and chronic dermal ulcers

Objective To evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF) on accelerating healing of burn wounds, donor sites and chronic dermal ulcers in multicenters. Methods One thousand and twenty-four patients with burns, donor sites and chronic dermal ulcers were recruited for this prospective and multicenter clinical trial and another 641 patients with the similar wounds were used as controls. All patients were divided into three groups: burn group, donor site group, and chronic dermal ulcer group. In the burn group, 654 patients with superficial second-degree burns( superficial Ⅱ(0)) or deep second-degree burns( deep Ⅱ(0)) were treated topically with either recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF plus vehicle, rbFGF 150 AU/cm(2)/day, 330 patients) or placebo (vehicle without rbFGF, 324 patients). In the donor site group, 509 patients were treated with rbFGF and 317 patients with placebo in a similar way as described elsewhere. In the chronic dermal ulcer group, 185 patients were treated with rbFGF and the controls were themselves. Photography, histological evaluation and clinical examination were used to evaluate the results of wound healing. Results All of superficial second-degree burns, deep second-degree burns and the donor sites treated with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor had an accelerated rate of granulation tissue formation and epidermal regeneration as compared with that in the controls. Superficial second-degree burns and deep second-degree burns treated with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor healed in 9.89±2.45 and 17.04±4.56 days, respectively, whereas the average healing time in those receiving placebo was 12.35±2.74 and 21.21±4.88 days. The donor sites treated with rbFGF or placebo healed in 10.68±4.55 and 14.74±6.46 days, respectively. All chronic dermal ulcers except 12 patients treated with rbFGF healed within 6 weeks. Histological evaluation of punch-biopsy specimens from the burn wounds, donor sites and chronic dermal ulcers seven days after treatment supported the impression of accelerated wound healing after rbFGF treatment. Conclusions rbFGF is effective in shortening the wound healing time and improving the wound healing quality. Accelerating wound healing is of clinical benefit in reducing the length of hospitalization, costs and emotional burden of the patient.     

Diagnosis and treatment of penetrating wounds through the anorectum and urinary bladder or posterior urethra

Penetrating wound of the anal canal is relatively rare, which is often complicated with injuries of the rectum, urinary bladder or posterior urethra. Misdiagnosis and improper treatments of the disease may lead to pelvic abscess, anal stenosis, fecal incontinence, or rectovesical fistula. From 1985 to 2004, 16 patients with penetrating wounds through the anorectum and urinary bladder or posterior urethra were treated in our hospital. CLINICAL DATA Patients The 16 patients were all men, ag…     

Effect of Quyu Chencuo Formula(去菀陈莝方)on Renal Fibrosis in Obstructive Nephropathy Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of Quyu Chencuo Formula(去菀陈莝方, QCF) on renal fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy. Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups, 4 for sham operation as the control group, 10 for unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO) model group, and the rest 10 for QCF treating UUO model group. All rats were sacrificed under 3% pentobarbital(50 mg/kg) anesthesia on the 14 th day after surgery, then the right kidney samples of rats were harvested for hematoxylin eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining to observe the renal pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was employed to examine the expressions of TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and E-cadherin mRNA. Results: HE and Masson staining showed that the renal interstitial of the rats in the control group had no significant fibrotic lesion; in the model group, there were obvious interstitial fibrosis; for the QCF group, there were epithelial cell necrosis, infiltration of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells, aggravated interstitial fibrosis in varied degrees, but the pathological changes were less in the QCF group than in the model group. The immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that the TGF-β1 expression was increased significantly in the model group, while decreased significantly in the QCF group(P0.05); RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 increased significantly in the model group, while both were significantly decreased in the QCF group compared with the model group(P0.05). The mRNA expression of E-cadherin was decreased significantly in the model group, and it was significantly increased in the QCF group as compared with the model group(P0.05). Conclusion: QCF may improve renal fibrosis by regulating the expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA and E-cadherin, and prevent the progress of kidney fibrosis.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lacrimal Passage Obstruction by Lacrimal Endoscope

The diagnosis and treatment of the lacrimal passage obstruction with lacrimal endoscope was investigated and its subsidiary surgical procedures were evaluated.Ninety-three patients(109 eyes) with lacrimal passage obstruction,including presaccal canalicular obstruction(PSCO) and nasolacrimal duct obstruction(NLDO),were examined under a lacrimal endoscope,and the obstructions were treated with laser or micro-drill.All patients were followed up after the operation for 3-6 months.The difference between the laser and the micro-drill treatment was observed.During the period of follow-up,the curative rate was 82.57%.The healing rate in PSCO group and NLDO was 80.36% and 84.91% respectively(P>0.05).After treatment with the laser,the healing rate was 93.33% in the PSCO group and 66.67% in the NLDO group respectively(P<0.05).After treatment with the micro-drill,the healing rate in PSCO and NLDO groups was 65.39% and 94.28% respectively(P<0.01).The lacrimal passage obstruction can be observed and treated directly through the lacrimal endoscope.Choosing different surgical procedures in operation according to the locations of the obstruction is helpful to improve the effectiveness.     

Effect of Weikangfu Granule (胃康复冲剂) on the Physiopathologic Figure of Precancerosis of Gastric Mucosa in Patients of Chronic Gastritis with Pi-Deficiency Syndrome

Objective: To study the physiopathologic basis of Weikangfu Granule ( 胃康复冲剂, WKFG)in treating precancerosis of gastric mucosa in patients of chronic gastritis with Pi-deficiency syndrome (CG-PDS). Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients of CG-PDS who suffered from intestinal metaplasia (IM)and atypical hyperplasia (ATHP) of gastric mucosa, were divided into two groups. The treated group (n =61 ) was treated by WKFG with its ingredients modified according to the syndrome type of patients. The constructural changes were detected by optical microscope, screening electronic microscope, transmission electronic microscope and histochemical staining; the nuclear and mitochondrial ultrastructure of gastric mucosa were analyzed with energy dispersion X-ray analyser and image analysis system. And the changes of cAMP,lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) before and after treatment in the treated group were measured and compared with those of the health control group consisting of 15 volunteers. Results: The symptomatic and pathological therapeutic effect in the treated group were significantly superior to those in the control group (P＜0.05). The contents of Zn, Cu, cAMP, SOD and 3H-TdR LCT in gastric mucosa of the treated group before treatment were all lower than those of the healthy control group, yet all these indexes markedly increased after treatment, while serum LPO level, which increased before treatment was lowered after treatment. All the changes showed statistical significance (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: WKFG can reverse IM and ATHP in patients of CG-PDS, and the effect may be realized by way of increasing the level of Zn, Cu, cAMP and SOD in gastric mucosa, promoting cell differentiation, enhancing cellular immunity and reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation.     

Efficacy and Safety of Quxie Capsule (祛邪胶囊) in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

Objective:To verify the efficacy and safety of Quxie Capsule(祛邪胶囊) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mC RC).Methods:The present study was a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial.Sixty patients with mC RC were randomized into two groups at a 1:1 ratio by sealed envelope.The treatment group received conventional therapy combined with Quxie Capsule for 3 months.The control group was treated with conventional therapy combined with placebo for 3 months.Main outcome measures were overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS).Subgroup analysis was performed according to age,right or left-sided disease,and second-line therapy to determine the differences in PFS and OS between the two groups.Patients were followed up every 3 months until Dec 31 st 2016.Results:The median OS was 23 months in the treatment group [95% confidence interval(CI):15–not calculated] vs.14 months in the control group(95% CI:11–22,P=0.060).The OS of the treatment group tended to be longer than that of the control group(P0.05).In the subgroups of patients 65 years old,left-sided colon,and 2 nd-line therapy,the treatment group showed a significant survival benefit compared with the control group(P=0.006,0.038,0.013,respectively).There were no significant differences between the two groups in PFS(P0.05).Safety analysis showed no severe hematological toxicity or liver and renal function injury in the treatment group.Conclusions:Quxie Capsule showed good safety and efficacy,and could prolong the OS of patients with mC RC.     

Effect of glucocorticoid treatment on insulin like growth factor-Ⅰ and its binding proteins in children with nephrotic syndrome

Objective To identify the changes in serum insulin like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and the effect of glucocorticoid on serum IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBPs. Methods We measured serum IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBPs levels by radioimmune assay and immune radiomagnetic assay in 36 children with NS, consisting of an active stage group (ANS, n=12), a remission stage group (RE, n=12), an active stage group with glucocorticoid treatment (GNS, n=12), and a normal control group (NC, n=10). Results 1) Compared to NC, serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBP-3 were decreased (P&lt;0.01); serum levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were increased (P&lt;0.01) in the ANS group. 2) Serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBP-3 were higher and IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were lower in the RE Group than in theANS Group (P&lt;0.01). 3) Compared to the ANS group, serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBP-3 were increased (P&lt;0.01) and serum levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were decreased (P&lt;0.01) in the GNS group. 4) A correlation was found between serum levels of IGFBP-3 and albumin in the active stage group (r=0.76 P&lt;0.01). There was also a correlation between serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBP-3 and an inverse correlation between the serum level of IGF-Ⅰ and serum levels of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 in the ANS group. No other correlations were observed.Conclusions The serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBPs are altered in children in the active stage of NS, but return to normal in the remission stage. GC treatment may influence serum IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBPs in children with NS. Changes in IGF-Ⅰ and IGFBPs levels may play a role in the growth retardation of NS children.     

Protective Effect of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Injury of Small Intestine in Rats with Sepsis and Its Mechanism

Objective:To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinoneⅡA sulfonate(STS) on small intestine injury in rats with sepsis and its possible mechanism.Methods:According to a random number table, 24 Tats were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham operation group(sham group),sepsis model group(model group) and STS treatment group(STS group),with 8 Tats in each group.A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) for 5 h.STS(1 mg/kg) was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP.The histopathologic changes in the intestine tissue were observed under a light microscope,and the intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoddyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) method.The expressions of Bcl-2,Bax and nuclear factorκB(NF-κB) p65 in the intestinal tissue was determined by Western blot.The levels of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in the intestinal tissue were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay(ELISA). Results:Obvious injuries were observed in the intestinal tissue in the CLP group compared with the sham group. The expression of NF-κB p65 and the levels of TNF-αand IL-6 were up-regulated after CLP,the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was increased after CLP,and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was decreased.STS posttreatment could attenuate the injury on the intestinal tissue induced by CLP,decrease the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and the levels of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-6,and increase the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax.Conclusion: STS can protect the small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of intestinal epithelial apoptosis and the reduction of activation of inflammatory cytokines.