Immunolocalization of androgen and oestrogen receptors in the ventral lobe of rat (Rattus norvegicus) prostate after long-term treatment with ethanol and nicotine

Nicotine and alcohol adversely affect prostate gland function. In this work, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the immunoreactivity and distribution of androgen and alpha, beta-oestrogen receptors following chronic treatment with alcohol, nicotine or a combination of both substances, as well as to relate these results to the development of possible prostatic pathologies. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: the Control group received tap water; the Alcoholic group received diluted 10% Gay Lussac ethanol; the Nicotine group received a 0.125 mg/100 g body weight dose of nicotine injected subcutaneously on a daily basis (Sigma Chemical Company, St. Louis, MO, USA); the Nicotine-Alcohol group received simultaneous alcohol and nicotine treatment. After 90 days of treatment, samples of the ventral lobe of the prostate were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry, light microscopy and the quantification of serum hormonal concentrations. The results showed significantly decreased serum testosterone levels and increased serum oestrogen levels in the animals from the nicotine-alcohol, the alcoholic and the nicotine groups, as well as their hormonal receptor levels. Then, it was concluded that ethanol and nicotine compromised the prostatic hormonal balance, which is a crucial factor to maintain the morphological and physiological features of this organ.     

金纳多对重症胰腺炎时细胞凋亡的影响

目的 探讨金纳多(ginaton)对急性重症胰腺炎(ASP)胰腺细胞凋亡的影响。方法将138只SD大鼠分为假手术(SO)组,ASP组和治疗组。以胆胰管内逆行注射5％牛磺胆酸钠溶液复制大鼠ASP模型,动态检测血小板活化因子(PAF)含量,观察胰腺病理变化,采用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记技术(TUNEL法)检测胰腺细胞凋亡,免疫组织化学检测凋亡调控基因B淋巴细胞瘤/白血病-2(bcl-2)和c-myc蛋白的表达。结果 治疗组与ASP组比较,PAF含量明显下降,胰腺病理损害程度减轻。TUNEL:ASP组凋亡指数于术后3h达高峰,治疗组3、6 h凋亡指数明显下降(P<0.05)。与SO组比较,ASP组bcl-2表达明显增多(P<0.01),治疗组3 h的bcl-2表达较ASP组同时相点上调(P<0.05);ASP组较SO组c-myc表达增多(P<0.01),并于术后6 h达高峰,治疗组3、12 h的c-myc表达虽有增高,但差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论 金纳多对ASP大鼠胰腺有良好的防治作用,能减轻胰腺病理损害,其抑制细胞凋亡可能与其上调凋亡调控基因bcl-2的表达有关。     

去势Beagle犬前列腺增生模型的建立

目的 :利用Beagle犬建立前列腺增生模型。　方法 :2年龄雄性Beagle犬 2 4只 ,随机分成对照组和 3个剂量的实验组共 4组 ,每组 6只 ,去势 2个月后 ,肌注给药。实验组分别给予丙酸睾酮 (TP) 0 .8、2 .5、7.5mg/kg ,对照组给予等体积溶剂。 2个月后 ,处死 12只动物 ,取前列腺组织 ,称重测量体积 ,放免法测定血清及前列腺组织中双氢睾酮 (DHT)水平 ,组织切片观察前列腺腺腔面积及腺上皮细胞高度。B超测量去势前、后 2个月及给予TP 2个月时犬前列腺体积。　结果 :B超结果显示 ,去势 2个月后 ,各组犬前列腺体积较去势前均明显缩小 (P均 <0 .0 1) ;给予TP 2个月后 ,各实验组犬前列腺体积明显大于对照组 (P均 <0 .0 1)。各实验组犬前列腺湿重及实际体积与对照组相比 ,均明显增重增大 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ,并存在剂量依赖关系。犬血清及前列腺中DHT含量随TP剂量的增大而增加。显微图像分析结果显示 ,犬前列腺腺腔面积随TP剂量增大而增加 ,腺上皮细胞高度也随TP剂量增大而增高。　结论 :给予去势Beagle犬TP 2个月后 ,可成功建立前列腺增生模型。     

Establishment of a prostatic hyperplasia model with beagle dogs

Objective: To establish a prostatic hyperplasia model with beagle dogs. Methods: Twenty-four male beagle dogs, 2 years of age, were divided into the treatment and control groups at random and were administrated testosterone propionate (TP) i.m. two months after castration. Three treatment groups were set with the doses of TP at 0.8 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 7.5 mg/kg, respectively, and the control was given the same volume of vehicle. Two months later, half of the animals were killed and sera samples were obtained. The wet weight and volume of prostate were measured. The dihydro testosterone (DHT) level of the serum and prostate were determined with the commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. The prostate was sectioned, fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Pictures were taken with a digital camera under the microscope and were analyzed with a computer for the epithelial cell height and the acinar luminal area with micro image analysis software. The prostate volume was measured with ultrasonic diagnost     

中性粒细胞对大鼠急性重症胰腺炎胰腺腺泡凋亡的作用

目的探讨中性粒细胞在大鼠急性重症胰腺炎时对胰腺的病理损害及对胰腺腺泡凋亡的作用。方法氨甲蝶呤（MTX）腹腔注射制成大鼠低中性粒细胞模型，然后以脱氧胆酸胰胆管注射诱发急性重症胰腺炎，造模后0、3、6、9、24、48、72h随机分批处死动物，按各时间点检测胰腺组织髓过氧化物酶活性（MPO），血清淀粉酶，应用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的DUPT末端标记染色（TUNEL）和电镜技术检测胰腺腺泡凋亡情况，胰腺组织的病理学检查。结果实验组MPO在造模24h开始明显低于对照组（P〈0．01），胰腺组织的病理损害程度也较对照组轻。两组胰腺腺泡凋亡在造模3和6h均仅出现少量凋亡，在24和48h显著增多，以后逐渐下降；实验组胰腺腺泡凋亡指数明显高于对照组胰腺腺泡凋亡指数（P〈0．01）。结论适当地降低外周血的中性粒细胞水平能够增加胰腺腺泡凋亡，从而减轻急性重症胰腺炎时胰腺的病理损害程度。     

低分子量肝素治疗重症急性胰腺炎大鼠胰性脑病的研究

目的探讨低分子量肝素(low molecular weight heparin,LMWH)对重症急性胰腺炎(severeacute pancreatitis,SAP)合并胰性脑病的治疗作用。方法SD大鼠随机分为3组:(1)假手术对照组(S组);(2)SAP组;(3)LMWH治疗组(LT组):SAP制模后4 h给予LMWH治疗。检测SAP组和S组制模术后24 h,LMWH治疗后24 h的血清淀粉酶,血清髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP),IL-6,TNF-α,脑组织含水量,胰腺和脑组织形态学变化。结果(1)SAP组血清淀粉酶,TNF-α,IL-6水平显著高于S组和LT组(均P0.001),SAP组MBP水平显著高于S组和LT组(P0.01,P0.05);LT组血清淀粉酶和IL-6水平显著高于S组(P0.05,P0.001),但TNF-α和MBP在LT组及S组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)SAP组的脑组织含水量显著高于S组和LT组(P0.01,P0.05)。(3)SAP组胰腺组织大片坏死、出血;LT组胰腺组织坏死、出血程度均较SAP组明显减轻。(4)SAP组的脑组织出现明显神经元细胞凋亡,线粒体空泡变性及有髓神经脱髓鞘改变;LT组的有髓神经脱髓鞘和线粒体水肿较SAP组明显减轻,未见神经元细胞凋亡。结论LMWH可减少胰酶的释放,抑制脑神经元细胞凋亡,同时下调炎症介质的产生,从而减少胰性脑病的发生。     

褪黑素对大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 观察褪黑素(Mel)对大鼠肝组织caspase-3表达的影响及对肝缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用.方法 将72只Wistar大鼠,随机分为褪黑素处理3、6、12、24 h组(Mel组),同样乙醇溶媒对照组(Alc组)和生理盐水对照组(NS组)也分别按3、6、12、24 h各自分为4组,总共为12组.建立肝缺血再灌注损伤模型,于不同时点测定血清肝组织生化酶:ALT、AKP、对肝组织进行Caspase-3免疫组织化学染色.结果 ALT在再灌注后各时点Mel组均显著低于Alc及NS对照组(P＜0.05),AKP在再灌注后6、12、24 h,Mel组显著低于Alc及NS对照组(P＜0.05),Mel组再灌注后各时点的Caspase-3染色阳性细胞率均显著低于对照组(Alc组和Ns组,P＜0.05),以上各项指标在各时点Alc组与NS组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 Mel能够减轻大鼠肝缺血再灌注损伤时的肝功能损害,抑制肝细胞Caspase-3的表达,减少肝细胞凋亡,对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用.     

The effect of atropine and duct decompression on the evolution of Diazinon-induced acute canine pancreatitis

Three groups of eight dogs each were studied to evaluate the early evolution of the hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia, and acinar cell pathology at the light and electron microscopic levels during acute Diazinon-induced pancreatitis. Two more groups of five dogs each were evaluated for the effects of cholinergic receptor blockade with atropine and ductal decompression on the evolution of serum enzyme changes and acinar cell pathology. Group I dogs received a secretin infusion of 2 units/kg/hr, and a Diazinon infusion of 75 mg/kg, and demonstrated significant increases in serum amylase and lipase at one, two and three hours. Light microscopy revealed acinar cell vacuolization and progressive interstitial edema. Electron microscopy revealed the formation of large intracytoplasmic vacuoles filled with flocculent material, the fusion of these vacuoles with basolateral membrane, and the formation of interstitial edema. In both group II dogs (that received secretin alone) and Group III dogs (that received atropine, 200 micrograms/kg IV prior to secretin and Diazinon), the serum enzyme levels and histologic results were normal. In group IV dogs, pancreatic duct cannulation to prevent hypertension prevented the hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia, but not the acinar cell vacuolization and interstitial edema. This model for acute interstitial pancreatitis is apparently cholinergic-receptor mediated, the serum enzyme elevations are due primarily to ductal hypertension, and the acinar cell pathology is primarily due to cholinergic stimulation and occurs independent of ductal hypertension.     

Lipid and apolipoprotein patterns during erythropoietin therapy: roles of erythropoietin, route of administration, and diet

Background. Long term effects of rHuEpo on the blood lipid profile have not been well documented. The aim of this paper is to prospectively evaluate whether rHuEpo therapy affects lipid metabolism, and whether these effects are influenced by changes in dietary habits and by route of rHuEpo administration. Methods. The study was performed in 33 maintenance haemodialysis patients (MHP) treated for one year with rHuEpo either intravenously (n = 15) or subcutaneously (n = 18), three times per week at the end of each dialysis session. The doses were 50 IU/kg intravenously or 35 IU/kg subcutaneously during the first 6 months and 20 IU/kg during the following months. The control group consisted of 17 MHP not treated with rHuEpo. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B, haemoglobin, serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, Kt/V, protein catabolic rate, and plasma erythropoietin were assessed at months 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 2 weeks after rHuEpo discontinuation. Changes in food intake were evaluated on the basis of weekly dietary diaries before, and 3 and 9 months after treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: group A consisted of 19 patients who showed an increase in their energy intake (10% or more of basal value), and group B was formed by 14 patients without or with slight changes in their food intake. After the 6th month, dialysis schedules were adapted to new protein catabolic rate values in patients who increased their food intake. Results. During follow-up, there were no significant changes in any of the parameters in the control group. In group A, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, protein catabolic rate, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B increased significantly since the first months of rHuEpo treatment, and changes in cholesterol and apolipoprotein B correlated significantly with changes in protein catabolic rate. In group B, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B decreased significantly after the 6th month of treatment, without changes in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and protein catabolic rate values. In both groups A and B, HDL cholesterol decreased significantly until the 6th month and returned to basal values in the following months and apolipoprotein A1 decreased until the 4th month and rose to levels higher than basal values in the following months. First rHuEpo administration and rHuEpo suspension at end of follow-up did not show any acute effect on lipid profile, despite significant changes in plasma erythropoietin values. Changes in lipid profile were similar with intravenous and subcutaneous administration of rHuEpo. Conclusions: We infer that long-term rHuEpo treatment positively affects the lipid profile, but in some patients who show exaggerated increase in their food intake these effects may be balanced and overcome by increment in some atherogenic blood lipid fractions. The changes in lipid and apolipoprotein patterns during rHuEpo therapy are not influenced by route of rHuEpo administration.     

The impact of pretreatment with bolus dose of enteral glutamine on acute lung injury induced by oleic acid in rats

Purpose

Both parenteral and enteral glutamine have shown beneficial effects in sepsis and ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Oleic acid (OA) has been used to induce ALI in experimental studies. In this study, we investigated the effects of pretreatment of a bolus dose of enteral glutamine on ALI induced by OA in rats.

Methods

Twenty-eight adult female Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 240–300 g were divided into four groups, 7 in each. Group I and group II received normal saline for 30 days, group III and group IV received glutamine at a dose of 1 g/kg for 10 days by gavage, and in group II and group IV 100 mg/kg OA was administered i.v. Histopathological examination of the lung was performed with light and electron microscopy. Levels of protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured in tissue samples. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and total tissue oxidant status and total tissue antioxidant status were measured in serum samples.

Results

Light microscopy showed that the total lung injury score of group IV was significantly lower than group II. Change in thickness of the fused basal lamina was not significantly different in groups II and IV under electron microscopy. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels were higher in group II when compared to group I and significantly attenuated in group IV.

Conclusion

Pretreatment with a bolus dose of enteral glutamine minimized the extent of ALI induced by OA in rats.     

丙酮酸乙酯对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎肾损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨丙酮酸乙酯对大鼠重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)肾损伤的治疗作用及其机制.方法 72只大鼠随机分为假手术组(S组),SAP组(P组)、丙酮酸乙酯治疗组(T组).大鼠SAP模型由5%牛磺胆酸钠胆胰管逆行注射诱发而成.各组于术后3、6、12 h检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-6、高迁移率族蛋白B...     

Laminin-1 and alpha6beta1 integrin regulate acinar morphogenesis of normal and malignant human prostate epithelial cells

BACKGROUND: Cell-matrix interactions via integrin receptors are critical for acinar morphogenesis. The non-tumorigenic, human prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1 was used in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model to identify the matrix protein and its integrin receptor required for acinar morphogenesis. METHODS: 3D cultures, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and Western blot analysis were used to examine acinar formation on matrix proteins and to determine integrin receptor expression. RESULTS: RWPE-1 cells differentiate into acini of polarized cells with a distinct lumen in 3D Matrigel culture. In contrast, the malignant WPE1-NB26 prostate epithelial cells form solid cell masses. In 3D gels of laminin-1, type IV collagen, or fibronectin, RWPE-1 cells form acini only in laminin-1. Anti-laminin-1 antibody reduces acinar formation in a dose-dependent manner. Polarized RWPE-1 cells showed basal expression of alpha6 and beta1 integrin subunits. Blocking antibodies to alpha6 or beta1 reduced acinar formation to 9 and 6 percent of control, respectively. The beta1 integrin colocalized with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase activity significantly reduced acinar formation to 38 percent of control, suggesting that beta1 integrin-mediated signal transduction may be regulated through a FAK pathway. CONCLUSIONS: While basal expression of alpha6beta1 integrin in RWPE-1 cells correlates with their ability to polarize and form acini, a decrease or loss of alpha6, and diffused beta1 expression in WPE1-NB26 cells correlates with loss of acinar-forming ability. Results show that laminin-1 and a functional alpha6beta1 integrin receptor are required for acinar morphogenesis. This novel 3D cell culture model is useful for elucidating regulation of acinar morphogenesis and its loss during prostate carcinogenesis.     

Ultrastructural analyses of pancreatic grafts preserved by the two-layer cold-storage method and by simple cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution

The two-layer cold storage method (TLM) using University of Wisconsin (UW) solution supplies sufficient oxygen to pancreatic grafts during preservation and extends pancreas preservation time to up to 96 h in the canine model. Simple cold storage in UW (UWM) on the other hand, preserves canine pancreas grafts for up to 72 h by preventing cell swelling, mainly because of its high osmotic pressure. The aim of this study is to analyze morphologically dog pancreatic grafts preserved by these two methods with their different mechanisms. Immediately after preservation of canine pancreata by TLM for 72 h and 96 h (group 1 and group 3, respectively), and by UWM for 72 h and 96 h (group 2 and group 4, respectively), tissue ATP levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and detailed morphological analyses of intragraft components were performed using light- and electron microscopy. The mean areas of one mitochondrion and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) vacuolization were calculated by computer-graphic analyses using NIH image 1.62 f soft. The tissue ATP levels were significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 than groups 2 and 4 ( P < 0.05). Light microscopy demonstrated no marked difference among the 4 groups. By electron microscopy however, mitochondrial swelling and RER vacuolization were observed in acinar cells to various extents in the 4 groups. They were significantly more evident in group 2 than group 1 ( P < 0.05), and in group 4 than group 3 ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, TLM demonstrated excellent protection of intracellular organelles, mitochondria, and RER, up to 72-96 h. Well-maintained graft ATP levels in TLM groups may result in maintaining the integrity of intracellular organelle membranes as well as cellular membranes.     

氯沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠前列腺增生作用的实验研究

目的:研究氯沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)前列腺增生的作用及机制。方法:采用36只雄性SHR,随机分为氯沙坦高剂量干预组[30 mg/(kg.d)]、氯沙坦低剂量干预组[15 mg/(kg.d)]及对照组,每组12只。测量大鼠体重及尾动脉基础血压。分别予以氯沙坦混悬液及蒸馏水灌胃。干预6周后,测量各组SHR体重及尾动脉血压,麻醉动物,心脏取血待测,分离大鼠前列腺并称重后行组织固定、包埋、切片。电镜观察前列腺细胞超微结构。酶联免疫吸附法测定大鼠血清血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)、胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)、白介素-6(IL-6)水平;免疫组织化学法测定大鼠前列腺组织中内皮源性一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)表达阳性率。结果:与对照组比较,氯沙坦干预后低剂量和高剂量干预组SHR尾动脉收缩压明显降低[(203.75±10.28)mmHg vs(184.54±16.90)mmHg,P=0.013和(203.75±10.28)mmHg vs(166.88±14.74)mmHg,P<0.001],舒张压亦明显降低[(151.58±9.96)mmHg vs(136.71±14.28)mmHg,P=0.022和(151.58±9.96)mmHg vs(122.71±11.56)mmHg,P<0.001]。SHR前列腺重量在低和高剂量干预组中均比对照组明显降低[(0.64±0.10)vs(0.73±0.08)mg,P=0.011和(0.50±0.17)vs(0.73±0.08)mg,P<0.001];电镜观察示氯沙坦低剂量干预后基底细胞及柱状上皮细胞水肿,间质中纤维母细胞核异染色质浓集趋边、核周隙增宽,线粒体、内质网减少;氯沙坦高剂量干预组超微结构紊乱程度较低剂量干预组更明显;氯沙坦低剂量干预组、高剂量干预组血清AngⅡ水平较对照组均明显升高[(61.32±2.49)vs(54.85±7.20)pg/ml,P=0.021和(65.49±6.78)vs(54.85±7.20)pg/ml,P<0.001)];氯沙坦高剂量干预组血清IGF-1水平较对照组下降[(1.50±0.11)vs(1.60±0.10)ng/ml,P=0.03)];氯沙坦干预后血清IL-6水平较对照组无明显变化;免疫组化显示氯沙坦干预后大鼠前列腺组织eNOS表达阳性率较对照组明显增高,高剂量干预组较低剂量干预组升高更显著,氯沙坦干预组与对照组间eNOS阳性表达率比较(P=0.022),差异具有统计学意义。结论:氯沙坦可通过抑制肾素-血管紧张素系统、IGF-1进而抑制前列腺增生,也可通过抑制血管生成,起到延缓和抑制自发性高血压大鼠前列腺增生的作用。     

Primary explant culture: an in vitro model of the human prostate

Human prostate tissue gave rise to essentially pure cultures of basal cells in vitro. Careful analysis by phase-contrast microscopy and photography suggested that these cells attempt to differentiate into secretory acinar cells. This was confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis for prekeratin which is present only in basal cells in situ and for prostatic acid phosphatase, prostate-specific antigen, and prostate fluid antigen, which are present only in secretory acinar cells in situ.     

区域动脉灌注5-FU诱导大鼠急性胰腺炎腺泡细胞凋亡及Caspase-3表达

目的 探讨区域动脉灌注（regional arterial infusion,RAI）5-氟尿嘧啶（5-fluorouracil,5-FU）对大鼠急性胰腺炎（acute pancreatitis,AP）胰腺腺泡细胞凋亡的影响及其对急性胰腺炎的治疗作用。方法 18只健康成年SD大鼠随机分成3组：对照组（C组）、急性胰腺炎组（AP组）和5-FU治疗组（5-FU组）。各组均行胃左动脉置管,AP组和5-FU组以大剂量雨蛙素（每小时腹腔注射50 μg/kg,连续6 h）诱导建立大鼠急性胰腺炎模型,对照组注射同等剂量的生理盐水。5-FU组在第一次腹腔注射雨蛙素1 h后立即区域动脉灌注5-FU（40 mg/kg）治疗,C组和AP组区域动脉灌注等量的生理盐水。建模成功后3 h取标本并处死大鼠,检测血淀粉酶浓度,RT-PCR法检测胰腺组织内TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA表达水平,胰腺标本送病理学检查,Western blotting法检测胰腺组cleaved Caspase-3的蛋白表达,同时TUNEL法检测大鼠胰腺腺泡细胞凋亡情况。结果 与AP组比较,5-FU组血淀粉酶浓度明显降低（P＜0.05）;胰腺组织内TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6  mRNA表达水平下降（P＜0.05）;胰腺组织病理学改变减轻;胰腺组织cleaved Caspase-3的蛋白表达增加;胰腺腺泡细胞凋亡增加（P＜0.05）。结论 区域动脉灌注5-FU对大鼠急性胰腺炎有改善作用,其作用机制可能与诱导胰腺腺泡细胞凋亡有关。     

Risk factors for hepatotoxicity from antituberculosis drugs: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Several risk factors for the development of hepatotoxicity during short course antituberculosis therapy have been suggested. A case-control study was undertaken to assess the role of age, sex, disease extent, nutritional status, past history of liver disease, infection with hepatitis viruses, acetylator status, and high alcohol intake as risk factors in the development of hepatotoxicity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis receiving antituberculosis treatment. METHODS: The cases comprised 86 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having hepatitis induced by antituberculosis drugs and who were negative for any of the hepatitis markers (HAV-IgM, HBsAg, HBc-IgM, and anti-HCV). The control group comprised 406 consecutive patients attending the chest clinic who completed antituberculosis treatment without developing hepatitis. The variables analysed were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), history of high alcohol intake, radiological extent of the disease, acetylator status, and serum proteins. RESULTS: The cases were older and their serum albumin levels were lower than in the control group. High alcohol intake was more common among the cases, they had more extensive disease radiologically, and the proportion of slow acetylators was higher. No differences were observed between the two groups in the other risk factors analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Of the various risk factors analysed, only advanced age, hypoalbuminaemia, high alcohol intake, slow acetylator phenotype, and extensive disease were risk factors for the development of hepatotoxicity. The risk of hepatitis in the presence of one or more of these risk factors may be increased.     

白介素-10在自身免疫性大鼠前列腺炎中的作用

目的:通过建立实验性自身免疫性前列腺炎(EAP)大鼠模型,探讨IL-10对EAP的治疗作用及对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响。方法:30只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组(C组,10只)、EAP模型阳性对照组(P组,10只)和IL-10干预组(I组,10只)。C组给予生理盐水,P组以Wistar大鼠前列腺蛋白提纯液辅以双重免疫佐剂制作EAP模型,I组在诱导EAP模型后应用IL-10干预。HE染色观察各组前列腺组织炎性细胞浸润情况,电镜观察前列腺细胞及细胞周围超微结构的变化,半定量RT-PCR法检测前列腺组织TNF-α和TGF-β1的含量。结果:P组前列腺组织的炎症程度、TNF-α和TGF-β1水平明显高于C组(P<0.05),I组大鼠经IL-10治疗后前列腺组织炎性细胞浸润减轻,TNF-α和TGF-β1水平较P组下降,差异均有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:IL-10可减轻EAP大鼠前列腺组织炎症浸润,降低TNF-α和TGF-β1的表达,对EAP有一定的治疗作用。     

Efficacy of leflunomide combined with prednisone in the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome

Objective: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of leflunomide (LEF) and prednisone on refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS).

Methods: A total of 52 patients with RNS were treated for 24 weeks between 2010 and 2014 in our hospital. In the treated group, 26 patients were treated with LEF and prednisone, and, in the control group, 26 patients were treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and prednisone. During the treatment, 24?h urinary protein excretion and the serum levels of albumin and cholesterol, and kidney function were assayed before and after the therapy. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded.

Results: In the LEF group, the medication was markedly effective in eight cases and effective in nine cases; the total efficacy rate was 65.30%. In the CTX group, the treatment was markedly effective in six cases and effective in nine cases; the total efficacy rate was 57%. There were no significant differences between the results of the total efficacy rate (p?>?.05). The 24?h urinary protein excretion and serum cholesterol levels in both groups decreased after therapy and the serum levels of albumin in both groups increased after therapy. There were significant differences between the results for the 24?h urinary protein excretion, serum levels of albumin and cholesterol in the two groups (p?<?.05). The treatments were well tolerated in both groups.

Conclusion: LEF combined with prednisone has a certain efficacy on the RNS and displays few adverse reactions. A large-sample, randomized double-blind controlled study and long-term follow-up are needed to verify the efficacy of LEF combined with prednisone.     

Monoclonal antibodies against a soluble cytoplasmic antigen in human prostatic epithelial cells

Antibodies against a soluble cytoplasmic protein contained in prostate epithelial cells were developed using the hybridoma technique. This was done to provide markers for these cells that can be used to identify acinar cells in culture and to follow their development and/or differentiation over long periods of time. The antibodies do not recognize prostatic acid phosphatase nor the prostate antigen. They do recognize prostate acinar cells in formalin fixed tissue sections. The basal cells underlying the prostate epithelial acinar cells do not appear to contain the antigen. The antigen detected is believed to be a product of differentiated prostatic acinar cells.