低蛋白饮食对环孢素A肾病大鼠肾间质纤维化的作用

Objective To investigate whether low-protein diet has protective effect on the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced nephropathy. Methods Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (6 rats in each group). The rats in control group (C group) received common diet; in model group (M group) low-salt diet; in intervention group (Ⅰ group) low-salt and low-protein diet. After diet adaptation period of one week, the rats in C group received subcutaneous injection of olive oil 1 mg/kg daily for 5 weeks, while M group and Ⅰ group subcutaneous injection of CsA (diluted into 25 g/L with olive oil) 1 ml/kg for 5 weeks. All the rats were sacrificed at the end of the 5th week. The food-intake and body weight were measured daily. The creatinine clearance (Ccr) was examined before rats were sacrificed. The semi-quantitative pathological analysis on kidney sections was performed. The mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-βI) and type Ⅰ collagen (Col Ⅰ) in kidney tissue was determined with real time PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Results The food-intake and body weight of rats in M and I groups were significantly lower than those in C group (P<0.05). Compared with C group, the Ccr levels in M and Ⅰ groups were significantly reduced [(0.65±0.15) ml/min, (0.40+0.13) ml/min vs (1.55±0.29) ml/min, P<0.05], the relative fibrosis areas of kidney interstitium in M and I groups were significantly increased (3.60%±0.46%, 3.26%±0.75% vs 0.44%±0.24%, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 in M and I group was significantly up-regulated (by 2.6 and 3.1 times in mRNA and by 1.5 and 1.6 times in protein, respectively, P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of Col Ⅰ in M and I groups was also significantly up-regulated (by 3.0 and 3.5 times in mRNA and by 2.3 and 2.1 times in protein, respectively, P<0.05). There were no significant differences between M and I groups in every parameters above-mentioned except the rat body weight and Ccr. Both the body weight and Ccr in Ⅰ group were significantly lower than those in M group (P<0.05). Compared with C group, the urine osmotic pressure in M group and in I group were deceased (for M group, P>0.05; for I group, P<0.05). Compared with C group, the serum cholesterol levels in M and I groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the serum phosphorus level in I group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of serum albumin and serum calcium of all three groups had no statistical differences (P>0.05). Conclusion Low-protein diet has no renoprutective effects on the rat model of cyclosporin A nephropathy, on the contrary, may induce body weight loss.     

Characterization of an immunologic polymorphism (D79H) in the heavy chain of factor V.

BACKGROUND: During the study of a family with hereditary factor (F)V deficiency (FV Amersfoort, 1102 A > T in exon 7) we identified an individual with 5% FV heavy chain antigen (FV(HC)) and 50% FV light chain antigen (FV(LC)). Further testing revealed that apart from the FV Amersfoort allele a second variant FV allele was segregating in this family, which encodes for a FV molecule with a reduced affinity for mAb V-23 used in the FV heavy chain ELISA (ELISA(HC)). OBJECTIVE: Identification and characterization of the molecular basis responsible for the reduced affinity of the variant FV for mAb V-23. METHODS: Family members of the proband were screened for mutations in the exons coding for the heavy chain of FV, after which the recombinant variant FV could be generated and characterized. Next, the cases and controls of the Leiden Thrombophilia Study (LETS) were genotyped for carriership of the variant FV. RESULTS: In the variant FV allele a polymorphism in exon 3 (409G > C) was identified, which predicts the replacement of aspartic acid 79 by histidin (D79H). Introduction of this mutation in recombinant FV confirmed that it reduces the affinity for binding to mAb V-23. The substitution has no effect on FV(a) stability and Xa-cofactor activity. In Caucasians the frequency of the FV-79H allele is approximately 5%. Analysis of the LETS revealed that the FV-79H allele is not associated with FV levels (FV(LC)), activated protein C sensitivity (using an activated partial thromboplastin time-based test) or risk of venous thrombosis (OR 1.07, CI 95: 0.7-1.7). CONCLUSION: The D79H substitution in FV should be considered as a neutral polymorphism. The monoclonal antibody V-23, which has a strongly reduced affinity for FV-79H, is not suitable for application in diagnostic tests.     

Culture Medium Modulates Proinflammatory Conditions of Human Pancreatic Islets Before Transplantation

A portion of transplanted islets is lost during engraftment as a result of stressful events, involving hypoxia and production of proinflammatory molecules by islets. Two of these molecules (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, CCL2/MCP-1 and tissue factor, TF) are directly correlated with reduced graft function. We evaluated which factors reduce islet proinflammatory conditions. In particular the effects of different culture media supplemented with proteins or antioxidant agents on CCL2/MCP-1 and TF human islet release were evaluated. We observed that human islets after culture in final wash culture medium (FW) significantly decreased CCL2/MCP-1 release and TF production compared with CMRL and M199. These effects were independent from the type of protein added to the media (human serum, human albumin, fetal calf serum). Glutathione in FW further decreased CCL2/MCP-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Culture conditions can modulate the proinflammatory state of islets, and could be used in clinical islet transplantation to reduce inflammation during engraftment.     

Delusion symptoms are associated with ApoE ε4 allelic variant at the early stage of Alzheimer''s disease with late onset

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with mixed cognitive and behavioural clinical manifestations. The possession of apolipoprotein-E (ApoE) epsilon4 allelic variant is one of the most important risk factors for developing late-onset AD (LOAD). In this study we analysed the relationship between the entire range of behavioural symptoms, cognitive deficit, and sociodemographic characteristics and ApoE epsilon4 allele possession with multivariate logistic regression models in LOAD patients. Patients included (n = 171) were consecutively admitted in a memory clinic for the first diagnostic visit. Levels of behaviour and cognition within the last month were assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Mini Mental State Examination. Presence of clinically significant psychosis, delusions and hallucinations at the early stage of the illness, from the onset to the first visit, was measured with diagnostic criteria. ApoE epsilon4 allele possession was associated with increased levels of delusions within the last month from the first visit (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.01-1.50; P < 0.05) and with the presence of categorical delusions at the early stage until the first visit (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.21-8.01; P < 0.02). In this study, which considers the entire range of behavioural expressions in LOAD patients at the early stage of the illness, the relationship between behaviour and ApoE epsilon4 allele is confirmed for delusions only.     

Cigarette smoke toxicants alter growth and survival of cultured mammalian cells.

Our purpose was to determine the effects of six cigarette toxicants (pyridine, nicotine, 2-ethylpyridine, 3-ethylpyridine, p-cresol, and pyrazine) on three types of cultured mammalian cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs], human microvascular endothelial cells [HMVECs], and NIH 3T3 cells) using a cell proliferation/survival assay. Synchronized cells were cultured in proliferation or survival medium containing various doses (10(-18)M-10(-2)M) of the tested chemicals. After 48 h, cells were counted using a hemacytometer. The no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL), lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL), and the efficacy were determined for each compound in the cell proliferation and survival assays. Pyridine and p-cresol did not show significant effects with any cell types, except at high doses. Derivitization of the pyridine ring altered its potency, especially when an ethyl group or nitrogen was added. In survival medium, nicotine stimulated proliferation of all three cell types at doses found in smoker's serum (10(-8)M-10(-7)M). For HUVEC and HMVEC, 2-ethylpyridine, 3-ethylpyridine, and pyrazine inhibited proliferation in proliferation medium and induced cell death in survival medium at attomolar and femtomolar doses. All chemicals, except pyridine and pyrazine, stimulated NIH 3T3 cell proliferation at low doses and induced cell death at high doses. LOAELs and efficacies revealed that endothelial cells from a developing organ (umbilical cord) were more sensitive to these chemicals than endothelial cells from an adult organ (lung). 3-Ethylpyridine and pyrazine, which induced cell death at low doses, are added to consumer products and should be subjected to further toxicological testing.     

Female patients complaining about hair loss: documentation of defective scalp hair dynamics with contrast-enhanced phototrichogram

BACKGROUND: The complaint of chronic hair loss frequently affects female subjects and there is little or no objective technology available in the general dermatology or even in the hair clinics to guide the observer in the management of the patient. The purpose of this report is to share the results of refined hair growth measurements that were collected in 92 female subjects complaining about hair loss. METHODS: Clinically they were classified as having a patterned hair loss according to Ludwig (L; n=50), diffuse hair loss (D; n=13) or no visible hair loss but complaining of hair shedding (N; n=29). Two scalp sites on the top of the head and one occipital site were investigated after clipping by close-up photography before and after a hair dye (contrast enhancement, CE). Forty-eight hours later a new photograph was taken after CE in view of phototrichogram analysis (CE-PTG). Finally a last hair clip was performed 30 days later and hair thickness and length determined for linear growth measurements (LHGR). RESULTS: Herein we confirm that the top of the head shows usually a higher hair density than occipital sites, a physiological observation that applies both to men and women. From the technological perspective, we also document that CE improves hair detection in all sites. Interestingly, in affected patients (L and D) the relative increase of hair counts after CE was much higher (range +22.4% to +28.3%) compared with apparently unaffected females (N; range +8.2% to +9.7%). This increase in hair counts was only due in part to the presence of less pigmented thinning hair (thickness less than 40 microm). Such thin hairs were found in statistically significantly higher proportions in younger patients with mildly severe (grade I) patterned alopecia (Ludwig: L). In other patients with hair loss and in more severe forms of patterned alopecia - especially in older patients - the thin hair is not detected in abnormal proportions. In all sites slower growth rates and decreased anagen percentages indicate a defective hair replacement programme distinguishing L patterns from diffuse hair loss and from apparently unaffected patients complaining of chronic hair loss. Globally, we also noted that increasing age is associated with significant regression of scalp hair (decreased hair counts, thinner hair and slower LHGR). CONCLUSION: On the basis of the present data together with female data from the literature and our own studies in male subjects, we suggest a three-step mechanism leading to hair loss 1.Shortening of growth phase the hair cycle with maintained thick hair, i.e. more frequent hair cycling that leads to more hair shedding. 2.Intermittent production of short thin hair, i.e. morphological evidence of miniaturisation. 3.Very occasional or almost no hair production, i.e. dormant follicles or irreversible follicular atrophy. Depending on the genetic background, hormonal microenvironment in the scalp and conditioning of individual hair follicle bio-responses, female and male patterned hair loss may end up into different phenotypes.     

Effect of Kang''''ai Injection(康艾注射液) on Serum Level of Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma during Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy(RT)is an important ap-proach for treatment of esophageal carcinoma(EC),especially for patients who have missedthe chance of surgical section.The efficacy ofRTis not satisfactory for its1-year,3-year and5-year survival rates being merely50%,20%,and10%respectively(1).Researches in recent years showed thatbetter efficacy can be obtained by combiningRTwith Chinese herbal medicines for EC thatincapable to be resected.Kang ai Injection(康艾注射液,KAI)is a Chinese herbal prep-arati…     

血管内皮生长因子与妊娠高血压综合征发病的关系

目的　探讨血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF)在妊娠高血压综合征发病中的作用。方法　分别采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测 40例妊高征孕妇的血清VEGF水平 ,免疫组化检测胎盘及蜕膜组织VEGF及CD3 4表达情况 ,35例正常孕妇作对照。结果　①妊高征组孕妇的外周血VEGF水平及胎盘组织MVD明显低于正常妊娠组 (P <0 0 5 ) ;②两组胎盘绒毛滋养叶细胞和蜕膜组织中均有VEGF阳性表达 ,胎盘组织强阳性表达高于蜕膜。与对照组比较 ,其胎盘组织VEGF强阳性表达的轻度妊高征无显著性差异 ;而中度和重度妊高征与对照组相比 ,则明显降低 ,差异显著 (P <0 0 5 )。各组孕妇蜕膜组织中VEGF的表达强度和差异无显著性。③孕妇外周血VEGF水平与新生儿出生体重 (r =0 2 9,P <0 0 5 )和胎盘重量 (r =0 34,P <0 0 1)均存在直线正相关关系。结论　妊高征患者血清VEGF水平和胎盘组织MVD降低 ,胎盘组织VEGF表达明显下降 ,都可能在妊高征的发病中起一定的作用。     

酪氨酸激酶抑制剂对气管上皮细胞生长的影响

目的探讨酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(Tyrosine kinase inhibitor,TKI)对培养气管上皮细胞生长的影响.方法通过MMT法、3H-胸腺嘧啶(3H-TdR)掺入法及流式细胞计数,观察3种TKIs:Tyrphostin AG1478、Genistein(Sigma)及金转停对原代培养的大鼠气管上皮细胞增殖、周期及凋亡的影响,以及TKIs对表皮生长因子(EGF)的阻断作用.结果MTT法显示3种TKI均对气管上皮细胞的生长具有时间和剂量依赖性抑制作用,同时,TKI阻断EGF对气管上皮细胞生长的刺激作用,3种TKIs的作用无明显差异;1μmol/L的Tyrphostin AG1478、Genistein及金转停分别使气管上皮细胞的TdR掺入率降低18.3%、20.9%及19.7%,与MTT比色法结果一致.同时,Tyrphostin AG1478不仅加速气管上皮细胞的凋亡而且阻止细胞有丝分裂.TKIs可阻断表皮生长因子(EGF)对气管上皮细胞生长的刺激作用.结论TKIs不仅抑制对原代培养的大鼠气管上皮细胞的生长,加速其凋亡,而且可阻断EGF对气管上皮细胞生长的刺激作用,3种抑制剂的作用无明显差异.     

Clinical efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic properties of the factor VIII concentrate Haemoctin® SDH in previously treated patients with severe haemophilia A

Clinical efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic properties of the high-purity double-virus inactivated plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate Haemoctin SDH (pdFVIII) were evaluated in three prospective open-label uncontrolled studies in previously treated patients (PTPs) with severe haemophilia A. The pharmacokinetic properties assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment are in accurate accordance with published data and remain unchanged over time (study A, n = 12). Mean terminal elimination half-life was 11.8 and 11.9 h, mean incremental recovery (IU dL(-1)/IU kg(-1)) was 2.3 and 2.0, respectively. Long-term efficacy and safety, in particular the potential immunogenicity, were investigated in a total of 53 PTPs (studies A and B) treated prophylactically and on-demand, as required. PdFVIII has shown to be effective in preventing and controlling bleeding episodes; 23.5% of patients were free of bleeding events. A total of 177 haemorrhages occurred with 74.0% resolving after a single infusion, 87.6% within two infusions. 98.3% of responses reported on haemorrhages were rated as 'excellent' or 'good'. Moreover, 'excellent' haemostatic efficacy has been demonstrated in 10 surgical procedures including general and severe orthopaedic interventions (study C). No complication occurred in any surgery. Few adverse events were reported, one patient developed a high-titre FVIII inhibitor without clinical relevance. In all three studies, over 6 million units were administered in nearly 4300 infusions, approximately 94% units or infusions were given for prophylaxis and only 6% for treatment on-demand. In conclusion, pdFVIII has shown to be effective, safe and well tolerated in long-term prophylaxis and treatment on-demand as well as after minor and major surgical procedures.