Anti-diabetic effects of cinnamaldehyde and berberine and their impacts on retinol-binding protein 4 expression in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Retinol binding protein 4 （RBP4）, as an adipocyte secreted cytokine, was recently found to be inversely correlated with expression of glucose transporter 4 （GLUT4） in insulin resistance （IR） state and to have an intimate relationship with IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic efficacy of cinnamaldehyde （Cin）, berberine （Ber）, and metformin （Met） as well as their impacts on the RBP4-GLUT4 system.
Methods Rat models of T2DM were established by combination of intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin and high fat diet induction. Rats were divided into five groups： the control group, the diabetes group, the diabetes＋Ber group, the diabetes＋Cin group, and the diabetes＋Met group. Western blotting was used to detect the serum or tissue RBP4 and GLUT4 protein levels.
Results After treatment for four weeks, both Cin and Ber displayed significant hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and insulin sensitizing functions （P 〈0.01） compared with the control group. Their effects on lowering fasting plasma glucose （FPG）, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol （LDL-C） and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） seem even better than that of Met. Cin and Ber markedly lowered serum RBP4 levels and up-regulated the expression of tissue GLUT4 protein, and Cin seemed more notable in affecting these two proteins.
Conclusions Both Cin and Ber display an exciting anti-diabetic efficacy in this study and may be of great value for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Their mechanisms involve the RBP4-GLUT4 system, during which the serum RBP4 levels are lowered and the expression of tissue GLUT4 protein is up-regulated.     

Inflammation markers as mediators of vasculo-endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the metabolic syndrome

The prevalence of both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome is increasing exponentially all over the world because of global changes in obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and the aging of the population.1 The metabolic syndrome consists of a constellation of risk factors including obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Both metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes occur in the setting of insulin resistance and confer an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease （CVD）. The possible role of inflanunatory cytokines and atherogenic markers in this process is still being elucidated.[第一段]     

Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 in Maintaining Nutrient Homeostasis and Disease

<正>Fibroblast growth factor 19(FGF19)is a kind of gut-derived postprandial hormone.As an atypical member of the FGF family,FGF19 functions as an endocrine hormone except regulating cell growth and differentiation.FGF19 plays a key role in coordination of liver bile acid biosynthesis and gallbladder motility,and acts as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis,including strengthening     

Effect of insulin lispro on glycaemic control in Chinese diabetic patients receiving twice-daily regimens of insulin

Insulin lispro is an insulin analogue that has the advantages of being fast-acting, convenient, and less likely to lead to hypoglycaemic episodes. Previous studies have proven its value in treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes both alone and in combination with different treatment regimens. However, heterogeneous and differs in etiology characteristics in different ethnic groups. diabetes is and clinicalEven with the     

Insulin sensitivity after pancreaticoduodenal transplantation with systemic an d portal venous drainage in inbred rats

Objective To assess the metabolic consequences of pancreatic transplantation with portal v enous drainage and systemic venous drainage in induced inbred rats with streptoz ocin.Methods Pancreaticoduodenal transplantation was performed on 8 rats with the donor porta l veins anastomosed to the recipient superior mesenteric vein and on 10 rats wit h the donor portal veins anastomosed to the recipient cava inferior vein.We me asured the recipients’ weight, urine and plasma glucose concentration, plasma in sulin concentration at the beginning, and before and after transplantation.We used the euglycemi-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp test and glucose infusion req uired as an index of insulin sensitivity.Results The plasma glucose and insulin concentration recovered to normal after transplan tation in the portal venous drainage group.The plasma insulin levels increased in the systemic venous group after transplantation.There was a difference in the glucose infusion required between the two groups.Conclusion These data imply that portal venous drainage of the transplanted pancreas is an important factor in the determination of peripheral insulin sensitivity.     

A case with insulinoma localized by combined use of various means

A patient with insulinoma diagnosed by clinical features and localized preoperatively using a combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), dual phase contrast enhanced spiral computed tomography (DPSCT) and arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) was reported. A 37-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hypoglycemic attacks, palpitations, and muscular weakness. Fajans’ ratio reported to be an index for insulinoma was positive. Transabdominal computed tomography and ultrasonography failed to detect any abnormalities. CEUS showed a small low echoic lesion in the pancreatic body with blood flow and the early arterial phase of DPSCT revealed a small strengthening focus, which mimicked a pancreatic tumor in the pancreatic body. ASVS showed that the insulin levels in the hepatic vein were extremely increased by calcium injection to the gastroduodenal artery. An open intra-abdominal operation was performed and an insulinoma was confirmed in the pancreatic body. Enucleation of tumor was undertaken and histopathological examination showed an adenoma, insulin expression was positive in immunofluorescence staining. Symptomatic hypoglycemia never happened even without glucose infusion since the operation. His blood glucose level improved to within the normal range.     

PI-3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling cascades stimulated by insulin like growth factor-I contribute to multiple myeloma cells proliferation and survival

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in thebone marrow. Significant progress in molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways underlying the survival and/or proliferation of these cells has been achieved. Interleukin 6 （IL-6） is an important cytokine leading to multiple myeloma （MM） cells growth and survival. However, some MM cells isolated from MM patients are poorly responsive to IL-6 stimulation or IL-6 independent. This phenomenon raises the possibility that other growth factors may also be involved in the development of MM. Insulin like growth factor-I （IGF-I） plays an important role in the proliferation of a variety of cell types, in the development and growth of multiple tumors and in the prevention of apoptosis. IGF-I has recently been reported to play such a role in stimulating the MM cells growth, it even induces MM cells proliferation in IL-6 dependent cells, yet the detailed signaling components triggered by IGF-I have not been completely clarified. Thus, the present study are to address the signaling cascades triggered by IGF-I in MM cells.     

Association of SelS mRNA expression in omental adipose tissue with Homa-IR and serum amyloid A in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Tanis was reported as a putative receptor for serum amyloid A （SAA） involving glucose regulated protein in insulin regulated resistance. It was found to be dysregulated in diabetic rats （Psammomys obesus, Israeli sand rat） and its homologue for humans is SelS/AD-015. The present study analyzed mRNA expression of SelS in omental adipose tissue biopsies from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, and age- and weight-matched nondiabetic patients, the relationship of SelS mRNA with Homa-IR and serum SAA level.
Methods Human omental adipose tissues from ten cases of type 2 diabetic patients and twelve cases of nondiabetic individuals were analyzed for the expression level of SelS mRNA by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, Homa-IR estimated by standard formula and SAA level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）.
Results SelS mRNA expression, Homa-IR and serum SAA were higher in T2DM sufferers than in nondiabetic control group. SelS mRNA level was positively correlated with Homa-IR and SAA level in each group.
Conclusions SelS protein may be involved in insulin resistance in Chinese with T2DM by acting as the SAA receptor, thus playing an important role in the development of T2DM and atherosclerosis.     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

APPLICATION OF LORNOXICAM TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

FOR anesthesiologis s ,treatingpostoperativepainhas alwaysbeen a problem.Althoughopioidshave been provedtobe effective,theirsideeffectscouldnotbeignored.With thedevelopmentofscienceand pharmacology,many drugs with aspectsof satisfactoryanalgesicefficacyand couldbe welltoleratedby patientshave been developed.And lornoxicamisone of them, which isa non-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrug (NSAID ), with analgesic, anti-infl-ammatory,andantipyreticproperties.Itseliminationhalf-time(3 to 5 hours) isle…     

Development on Adjustable Calibration Marker for Shock Wave Focus

Shock wave lithotripsy （SWL） is a treatment of choice for upper urinary stones. However, this procedure is inappropriate for obese patients because the focus is often unable to reach the target owing to the limited focal distance in shock wave source. Although treating such patients in a blast path may increase the application length of shock wave source, it＇s difficult to find this path on the lithotripter monitor. For this reason, we invented an adjustable calibration marker in order to set an effective focus in the shock wave hath.     

Study on the TCM Pathogenesis of Angiopathic Complications of Type II Diabetes

Excess production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)of mitochondrion mediated by hyperglycemia is the common pathogenesis of angiopathic complications of diabetes.TCM holds that the damp from the dysfunction of spleen.kidney and liver is the causative factor of complications of diabetes.This is similar to the mechanism of Ros resulting in angiopathic complications of diabetes.When the angiopathic complications of type II diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are difierentiated as caused by turbid damp in TCM can be explained as ROS.Since the obstruction of pathogenic damp in channels and collaterals is said to be the main pathogenesis,the treating principle should be dissolving the damp to remove the obstruction.     

Leptin, Ghrelin and TNF-α before and after Hypo-caloric Traditional Chinese Diet and Auricular Acupuncture

INTRODUCTION Obesity is a complex emergent problem, which can be possibly solved not only by the diet but also by the life style and promotion of a constant physical exercise. 1, 2 No doubt careful attentions must be given to the nutritional condition of obese people, the dietary habits, the somatic build (i.e. distribution of fat mass) and the organic functions linked to formation of the fat mass. All the parameters should be constantly monitored before, during and after a diet treatment. 3, 4, 5     

Relationship between Dysglycemia and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Tibetan Population

People with dysglycemia are at high risk for atherosclerotic diseases. This study aims at investigating the atherosclerotic vascular damage in dysglycemia and its metabolic origin in Tibetan population.     

Acupuncture Combined with Spinal Tui Na for Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea in 30 Cases

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects in acupunture treatment of primary dysmenorrhea combined with spinal Tui Na, and study its mechanism. Methods: Thirty cases of the treatment group were treated by acupuncture combined with spinal Tui Na, and thirty cases in the control group were treated by routine acupuncture. Results: The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group, and 73.3% in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with spinal Tui Na has good prospects for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.     

Luo Lingjie's Experience in Treating Chronic Nephropathy

In treating chronic nephropathy,Luo Lingjie,a chief physician,pays attention to regulating the balance between yin and yang,treating infection if present,and removing pathogenic factors.He prescribes gentle drugs and uses carefully strongly warming-tonifying ones,emphasizes the importance of persuading the patient to persist in treatment with medication and nurse one's health for recuperation,and is good at combined use of TCM and western medicine therapy and brings the merits of various therapies into full play,with obvious theraoeutic effects.     

Dr.Zhang Ren's Experience in the Acupuncture Treatment of Different Diseases with the Same Therapeutic Principle

Dr.Zhang Ren,the chief physician,is the chairman of Shanghai Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association.Having been engaged in medicine for about 40 years,he is experienced in treating various intractable diseases.In his long years of clinical practice,he advocates taking the TCM differentiation as the basis to seek for the acupuncture method for treatment of modern intractable diseases.The author of this essay had the fortune to follow Dr.Zhang in study.The following is a summary of Dr.Zhang's experience in the acupuncture treatment for different intractable diseases with the same therapeutic principle.