Showing papers by "Renji Hospital published in 1999"

The use of acupuncture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: The efficacy of acupuncture as a mono-therapy was evaluated in a pilot study of 16 patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). In nine patients no organic co-morbidity was encountered. In a period of four weeks, acupuncture treatment was performed twice a week for a total of eight sessions. Each treatment session consisted of puncture of the same eight acupoints, four of which were connected to a Swiss made constant current Doltron ESA 600 stimulator. Low frequency electrical stimulation (5 Hz and 10 mA) was applied to these four acupoints, whereas no stimulation was applied to the other four points. After 30min, the electrical stimulation was terminated and all needles removed. Blood samples were drawn according to a fixed time schedule, to study the profile of a number of stress hormones, for example, adrenocorticotropic hormone, antidiuretic hormone and cortisol, the gonadotrophines follicle stimulating hormone and leutinizing hormone, and the sex steroid testosterone and its binding globulin, within the treatment period. Based on a diary of both patient and partner, and an interview one month after the end of treatment, the changes of sexual activity were evaluated over a period of 12 weeks, starting from the four weeks prior to the treatment, the four weeks during the treatment period and the four weeks after the treatment. An improvement of the quality of erection was experienced by 15% of patients, while 31% reported an increase in their sexual activity. No changes in the profiles of hormones were detected. The use of acupuncture as a mono-therapeutic modality in ED, did not influence the profile of the stress and sex hormones, but did improve the quality of erection and restored the sexual activity with an overall effect of 39%. No definite conclusions can be drawn from this pilot study. A controlled and blinded study including more patients will be needed before any definitive conclusion can be reached.

All-trans retinoic acid reduces intimal thickening after balloon angioplasty in atherosclerotic rabbits.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of oral administration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on inhibition of intimal thickening after balloon angioplasty in the rabbit iliac artery atherosclerotic model. METHODS Iliac atherosclerosis was induced in 24 rabbits, and balloon angioplasty was performed. At angioplasty, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): Group 1: controls not receiving oral ATRA administration; Group 2: receiving oral ATRA (0.6 mg.kg-1.d-1) administration beginning 1 week prior to angioplasty and continuing for 4 weeks; Group 3: receiving oral ATRA (0.6 mg.kg-1.d-1) administration beginning immediately after angioplasty and continuing for 4 wk; Group 4: receiving oral ATRA (0.6 mg.kg-1.d-1) administration beginning 1 wk after angioplasty and continuing for 4 wk. Values of cross-sectional area, ratio of intimal/medial area and thickness were determined by a computer-based morphometric system, and cell proliferative activity was assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation. RESULTS Both the cross-sectional area and the ratio of intimal/medial area and thickness were significantly reduced by ATRA administration compared with control group (P < 0.01). The inhibitory effect is less potent when ATRA is administered 1 week before angioplasty. The ATRA inhibitory effect when administered 1 week after angioplasty is not different significantly form that when administered immediately after angioplasty. The 3H-thymidine incorporation was also decreased in ATRA-treated rabbits compared with controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Oral ATRA administration can be effective in inhibiting intimal thickening after balloon angioplasty. It is reasonable that ATRA should be administered immediately after angioplasty.

Serum concentrations of antioxidant nutrients in healthy American, Chinese and Korean adults.

Abstract: Population variabilities of serum carotenoid and tocopherol levels using reverse-phase HPLC in healthy American (Caucasian), Chinese and Korean adults were determined. Considerable variation in serum nutrient concentrations was found among these groups. The mean serum concentration of lutein/zeaxanthin was significantly higher in the Chinese than in the white Americans (P < 0.001), whereas serum α-carotene and lycopene concentrations were significantly higher in white Americans than in Chinese (P < 0.001). Serum β-carotene concentrations in Koreans were significantly higher than in either white Americans or in Chinese. The mean serum lycopene concentration in Koreans was lower than in Americans. The mean serum retinol concentration was significantly higher in white Americans than in Chinese or Koreans (P < 0.005). American serum α-tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.005) than those of the Chinese, whereas γ-tocopherol values were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those of the Chinese. These differences probably reflect differences in dietary intakes among these population groups. [Translated abstract - see PDF] [Translated abstract see PDF]

Effects of Kupffer cells stimulated by triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the effects of triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and Kupffer cell-conditioned medium (KCCM) derived from triglyceride and VLDL treatment on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS HSC and Kupffer cells were isolated and cultured from liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with proteinase and collagenase, and density gradient centrifugation with Nycodenz; HSC and Kupffer cells were identified by immunohistochemistry, endocytosis, and ultrastructure, etc. Kupffer cells were incubated with triglyceride (25 micrograms/ml) and VLDL (25 micrograms/ml) for 24 hours, KCCM were prepared, and MTT colorimetric assay was detected for HSC proliferation. RESULTS HSC proliferation was 0.1894 +/- 0.0316 (12.5 micrograms/ml), 0.1637 +/- 0.0243 (25 micrograms/ml), 0.1450 +/- 0.0264 (50 micrograms/ml), 0.1212 +/- 0.0275 (100 micrograms/ml), 0.1226 +/- 0.0138 (200 micrograms/ml) and 0.0990 +/- 0.0163 (400 micrograms/ml) in the presence of triglyceride and was 0.1583 +/- 0.0314 (6.25 micrograms/ml), 0.1642 +/- 0.0269 (12.5 micrograms/ml), 0.1834 +/- 0.0498 (25 micrograms/ml), 0.1964 +/- 0.0287 (50 micrograms/ml) and 0.2202 +/- 0.0284 (100 micrograms/ml) in presence of VLDL, respectively. Compared with the control, HSC proliferation at 400 micrograms/ml of triglyceride was lower (P 0.05); KCCM was greater in HSC proliferation than the control, but there was no significant change (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Triglyceride, VLDL, and KCCM stimulated by triglyceride and VLDL might promote HSC proliferation and be associated with fatty liver and hepatic fibrogenesis.

[Effects of Kupffer cells stimulated by triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the effects of Kupffer cell-conditioned medium (KCCM) derived from triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) treatment on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS HSC and Kupffer cells were isolated from liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with pronase and collagenase and density gradient centrifugation with Nycodenz and then cultured. KCCM was prepared and MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect HSC proliferation. RESULTS HSC and Kupffer cells were isolated successfully with high purity. 12.5 mg/L of triglyceride and 25 - 100 mg/L of VLDL promoted HSC proliferation (P 0.05). CONCLUSION The technique for isolation of HSC and Kupffer cells described here is simple and reliable. Triglyceride, VLDL and KCCM stimulated by them may promote HSC proliferation and be associated with fatty liver and hepatic fibrogenesis.

Effect of Astragalin on matrix secretion and beta 1 integrin mRNA expression in human mesangial cells.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Astragalin on human renal mesangial cells METHODS Cultured human mesangial cells were treated with Astragalin and Astragalin serum in different concentrations in the presence or absence of PDGF-BB, the proliferation and type IV collagen secretion of mesangial cells were measured by MTT assay and ELISA, and expression of beta 1 integrin gene was estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, suspectively RESULTS After 72 hours Astragalin or Astragalin serum treatment, the proliferation of mesangial cells induced by PDGF-BB was inhibited significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared with untreated controls (P < 005 and P < 001) After 24 hours of Astragalin or Astragalin serum treatment, the secretion of type IV collagen protein in presence of PDGF-BB was significantly decreased and beta 1 integrin mRNA level decreased significantly compared with untreated control (P < 005, P < 001) CONCLUSIONS Astragalin inhibits cell proliferation and matrix over-synthesis which might be mediated, at least, partly by decrease of beta 1 integrin gene over-expression The study suggested that Astragalin might play a role in preventing the progression of chronic renal diseases

Effects of nitric oxide inhibitor on prostacyclin biosynthesis in portal hypertensive rats.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of nitric oxide inhibitor on prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis and the role of PGI2 in hyperhemodynamics of portal hypertension. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: intrahepatic portal hypertension (IHPH) by injection of CCl4, prehepatic portal hypertension (PHPH) by stenosis of the portal vein, end-to-side portacaval shunt (PCS), and sham-operated controls (SO). Animals of each group were subdivided into 2 groups: systemic administration of nitric oxide inhibitor L-NMMA and vehicle. The radioactive microsphere method was used for hemodynamic study. The level of plasma PGI2 (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The characteristics of hyperdynamic circulatory state including increased cardiac output and splanchnic blood flow, decreased mean arterial blood pressure, total peripheral vascular resistance, and splanchnic vascular resistance were observed in IHPH, PHPH and PCS rats. The magnitude of hyperhemodynamics was in the order of PCS > PHPH > IHPH rats. The hyperdynamic circulatory state in IHPH, PHPH and PCS rats could be effectively reversed by L-NMMA to the baseline values of hemodynamics in SO rats. The baseline concentrations of plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (ng/ml) in PHPH, IHPH, PCS, and SO rats were 6.93 +/- 2.43, 5.09 +/- 2.27, 2.36 +/- 1.01 and 1.56 +/- 0.61, respectively. The concentrations of plasma 6-Keto-PGF1 alpha in PHPH, IHPH and PCS rats were significantly higher than those in SO rats. Moreover, the concentrations were significantly higher in PHPH and IHPH rats than in PCS rats (P 0.05), but significantly increased in PCS and SO rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the hyperdynamic circulatory state in portal hypertensive rats and portacaval shunt rats was completely reversed by L-NNMA to normal, but the level of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was still elevated. The results indicate that PGI2 is not involved in hyperhemodynamics of portal hypertension.

Effect of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells

Abstract: AIM To study the effect of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS HSCs were isolated and cultured from liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with pronase and collagenase, and density gradient centrifugation with nycodenz. MTT colorimetric assay was detected for HSC proliferation. RESULTS Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid had an effect on proliferation of HSC. Arachidonic acid of 25mg/L promoted HSC proliferation ( P 0 01), but 50 and 100mg/L had an inhibitory effect on HSC, and showed cytotoxity on HSC under inverted microscope; 6 25,12 5 and 25mg/L of linoleic acid had no effect on HSC proliferation, but with concentration increasing, 50 and 100mg/L of linoleic acid might promote HSC proliferation. CONCLUSION Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid may promote HSC proliferation, but increased concentration had cytotoxity on HSC. Arachidonic acid and linoleic acid might be associated with fatty liver and hepatic fibrogenesis by lipid peroxidation.

Expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules CD11b, L-selectin and CD45 during hemodialysis.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the gene and protein expression of CD11b, L-selectin and CD45, and the relationship between their expression and leukocytopenia during a hemodialysis session. METHODS: Ten maintenance hemodialysis patients, 20 uremic non-dialysis patients and 10 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The mRNA expression of CD11b, L-selectin and CD45 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was detected by RT-PCR, while cell surface expression of these molecules on monocytes was detected by flow cytometry and leukocyte number was counted manually. RESULTS: After the start of dialysis, both mRNA expression and cell surface expression of CD11b increased rapidly, while those of L-selectin and leukocyte number fell. The mRNA expression of CD45 first decreased and the cell surface expression increased, followed by a return to pre-dialysis levels, by the end of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis using a cuprophane membrane can induce rapid upregulation of CD11b and down-regulation of L-selectin, which might influence the normal adhesion and anti-inflammatory response of leukocytes. In this process CD45 may play a role in regulating and/or transducing activation signal.

[Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in experimental liver fibrosis].

Abstract: Objective To explore the role of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM 1) in experimental liver fibrosis. Methods Experimental liver fibrosis models of rats were induced by high fat diet, low fat diet plus ethanol, high fat diet plus ethanol, and carbon tetrachloride subcutaneous injection respectively. At sacrifice, liver pathologic changes were studied and ICAM 1 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry by using a monoclonal antibody. Results ICAM 1 expression was observed in the hepatocellular membrane; ICAM 1 positive hepatocytes were localized in zones of portal tract with focal necrosis and inflammatory damage. Staining for ICAM 1 was associated with the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis. In the different models, the intensity of ICAM 1 expression was different; It ranged in an increasing order from high fat diet, low fat diet plus ethanol, high fat diet plus ethanol, and carbon tetrachloride model. The strongest reactivity for ICAM 1 was seen in carbon tetrachloride model ( P 0.05), the difference was significant as compared with the other models. However, there was no significant difference among the three other models ( P 0.05). Conclusion Upregulation of ICAM 1 expression in experimental liver fibrosis may be related with liver fibrogenesis.

Low level of residual renal function in the initial month and high transport characteristic as important causes of peritoneal dialysis failure

Abstract: Objective To evaluate what kind of patients was at high risk on peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Methods 96 patients on PD for (23.1±10 0) months were studied. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A: patients (25) who died or switched to hemodialysis because of cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, ultrafiltration inefficiency, hydrothora, relapsing peritonitis, etc. Group B: stable PD patients (71) up to now. Age, body surface area (BSA) and dialysate fill volume (DV) were not different between the two groups.The nutritional status, dialysis adequacy, peritoneal membrane transport characteristics, and residual renal function (RRF) in the initial month of dialysis were compared. Patient survial rate was studied by Kaplan Meier method. Results It was demonstrated that Kt/V and Ccr in group A were lower than those in group B ( P 0.05). Meanwhile, RRF was significantly different between the two groups ; patients with better RRF (≥2ml/min) had higher survival. The percentage of high transporters in group A was greater than in group B. Conclusion Higher clearance in the initial month of dialysis seems to keep PD successful. PD failure maybe related to high transport characteristic and its treatment modality is DAPD. Hemodialysis will be a better choice when RRF is very low as water balance is poorly controlled by DAPD.

[Effects of anti-PML-RAR alpha antisense on cell morphology and expression of PML-RAR alpha mRNA and protein of NB4 cells].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of anti-PML-RAR alpha antisense (FUAS) on cell morphology, expression of PML-RAR alpha mRNA and PML-RAR alpha/PML protein localization of NB4 cells. METHODS PML-RAR alpha mRNA expression was assayed by RT-PCR and PML-RAR alpha/PML protein localization by immuno-fluorescence. RESULTS NB4 cells were partially differentiated after 5 days of FUAS treatment and typical apoptosis was found after 7 days incubation with FUAS. The expression of PML-RAR alpha mRNA at 24 h was already down regulated in FUAS-treated cells. After 24 h, 72 h and 120 h incubation with FUAS, PML-RAR alpha mRNA showed 52.0%, 68.7% and 23.4% reductions, respectively, as compared with that of control. Immuno-fluorescence analysis with anti-PML monoclonal antibody showed disappearance of microgranules, residual granules becoming larger discrete dots at 24 h of FUAS treatment and almost disappearence of dots at 120 h. CONCLUSION FUAS specifically blocks the expression and translation of PML-RAR alpha gene, makes the production of PML-RAR alpha fusion protein decrease or disappear and prompts cell differentiation.

Cloning and expression of beta 2-glycoprotein 1 recognized by antiphospholipid antibodies and its clinical investigation.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate cloning and expression of beta 2-glycoprotein 1 (beta 2GP1) recognized by antiphospholipid antibodies and to study the clinical significance of anti-beta 2GP1 antibodies in patients with autoimmune disease. METHODS By using reverse transcription-PCR method, two kinds of expression plasmid which expressed beta 2GP1 and the fifth domain of beta 2-glycoprotein 1 (beta 2GP1-D5) proteins respectively were constructed in this study. Their antigenic activities were identified by immunoblots using rabbit anti-beta 2GP1 antibodies. Anti-r beta 2GP1 and anti-r beta 2GP1-D5 antibodies in the 112 patents were detected by ELISA using r beta 2GP1 and r beta 2GP1-D5 as coating antigens. RESULTS A significant correlation in statistics (r = 0.667, P < 0.01) between the levels of anti-r beta 2GP1 and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) was found. The presence of anti-r beta 2GP1 antibodies was associated with an increased frequency of history of thrombosis and/or recurrent abortion. Anti-r beta 2GP1 assay provided better specificity than conventional aCL assay. The binding of anti-r beta 2GP1 from the sera of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to r beta 2GP1 was inhibited by r beta 2GP1-D5. Meanwhile, of 28 patients who had positive anti-r beta 2GP1 antibodies in sera, 27 (96.4%) had positive anti-r beta 2GP1-D5 antibodies. CONCLUSION It is indicated that antigenic epitope of beta 2 GP1 might be located in its fifth domain. Detection of anti-r beta 2GP1 antibodies may be of potential value for evaluating the risk of thrombosis and/or other APS associated symptom.

Effects of kupffer cells stimulated by arachidonic acid and linoleic acid on the proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells

Abstract: Objective To study the effects of arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and kupffer cell-conditioned medium (KCCM) derived from arachidonic acid and linoleic acid treatment on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Methods HSC and kupffer cells were isolated and cultured from liver of Wistar rats by in situ perfusion with proteinase and collagenase, and density gradient centrifugation with Nycodenz; HSC and kupffer cells were identified by immunohistochemistry, endocytosis, and ultrastructure, ect.; kupffer cells were incubated with arachidonic acid (5μg/ml) or linoleic acid (5 μg/ml) for 24 hours. KCCM were prepared, and MTT colorimetric assay was detected for HSC proliferation. Results HSC proliferation in the presence of arachidonic acid was 0.0793 ± 0.003 (6.25 μg/ml), 0.08 ± 0.0063 (12.5 μg/ml), 0.1175 ± 0.0198 (25 μg/ml), 0.0578 ±0.0034 (50 μg/ml) and 0.0572 ± 0.0038 (100 μg/ml), respectively; HSC proliferation in the presence of linoleic acid was 0.0607 ± 0.0135 (6.25 μg/ml), 0.0672 ±0.0053 (12.5 μg/ml), 0.0703 ± 0.0046 (25 μg/ml), 0.1022 ± 0.027 (50 μg/ml) and 0.1273 ± 0.0263 (100 μg/ml), respectively. Compared with the control (0.0765± 0.0136), 25 μg/ml of arachidonic acid, 50 and 100 μg/ml of linoleic acid had an promoting effect on proliferation of HSC (P 0.05), but 50 and 100μg/ml of arachidonic acid had an inhibiting effect (P 0.05). Conclusion The technique for isolation of HSC and Kupffer Cell described here was simple, reliable and pure; arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and KCCM stimulated by arachidonic acid and linoleic acid might promote HSC proliferation and be associated with fatty liver and hepatic fibrogenesis by lipid perioxidation.

[Antisense oligonucleotides inhibit c-myc and PCNA expression in the vascular smooth muscle cells].

Abstract: objective To study the methods for prevention and treatment of vascular restenosis. Methods We used two factors which result in hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and applied antisense c myc, PCNA oligonucleotides to attenuate the expression of their related gene. The sense, antisense, and mismatched oligomers for c myc or PCNA were designed and synthesized. They were individually delivered to the cultured VSMCs after the oligomers were stable in culture medium for 5 days and could cross the plasma membranes into the cells. Using RT PCR and the image analysis system, we observed the changes of both c myc and PCNA gene expression in the VSMCs. Results Antisense c myc and PCNA at a concentration of 10 μmol/L were able to inhibit the expression of c myc and PCNA gene in VSMCs ( P 0.05),whereas the sense and the mismatched ones couldn′t inhibit the expression ( P 0.05). Conclusion The antisense technique is an effective method for the inhibition of VSMCs proliferation.

[Design and synthesis of anti-PML-RAR alpha antisense and its effects on the growth and apoptosis of NB4 cells].

Abstract: Objective To synthesize antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS) targeting the fusion point region (FUAS) and the start codon region (STAS) of the long type PMLRAR mRNA and investigate its stability, specificity and effects on the growth and apoptosis of NB4 cells. Methods NB4 cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, cellfluorescence and DNA gel electrophoresis. Trypan blue exclusion was used for cell counts, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for oligodeoxynucleotides. Results The synthesized 18bp phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides was stable, resistant to nuclease, and no unspecific effects. Both STAS and FUAS could inhibit the NB4 cell growth in a dosedependent manner. Low concentration (20g/ml) of STAS or FUAS resulted in growth inhibition of 0%11.3%, and the highest inhibition was found at concentration of 80g/ml (inhibition rate 50.0%67.7%). Cell DNA content analyzed by flow cytometry showed the typical profile of apoptotic cells at 7th day, 9th day of treatment with FUAS. Percentages of apoptotic cells in FUAStreated cells was 9.3%, 24.5%, 41.0% and 34.2% after 3,5,7 and 9 days of FUAS treatment, respectively. Conclusion STAS and FUAS successfully synthesized and both of them could inhibit the growth and induce the cell apoptosis of NB4 cells.

Preliminary study on efficacy of oxymatrine in treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and to discuss its mechanism.Methods: Forty-three patients with chronic HCV infection were randomly divided into the treated group (20 cases) and the control group (23 cases). The treated group was given oxymatrine 600 mg per day intramuscularly for three months, and the control group was given the general liver protective agents such as vitamins. Serum HCV-RNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), soluble interleukin-2 receptor and collagen type IV (IV-C) were determined before and after treatment.Results: Eight out of 17 HCV-RNA-positive (47.1%) in the treated group converted to HCV-RNA-negative cases, while in 18 cases of the control group, the negative convertion only took place in 1 patient (5.6%), the negative conversion rate was significantly higher in the treated group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The normalization rates of serum ALT of the treated group at the end of the first and second month treatment were higher than those of the control group, but after three months treatment, the normalization rates of the two groups were not different significantly. Both serum levels of IV-C and plasma levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor were significantly reduced after oxymatrine treatment for three months (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Oxymatrine is effective on eliminating HCV-RNA and reducing fibrosis activity, so it could be a safe, effective drug in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.