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Biomedical subjects

J Zhao

Publications and source records attributed to J Zhao.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

Immune abnormalities in guinea pigs with asymptomatic congenital syphilis.

Spleens from 1-20-wk-old guinea pigs infected in utero with Treponema pallidum and age-matched controls, born to normal and heat-killed (56 degrees C, 2 h.) T. pallidum-injected mothers, were examined for their in vitro lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, T cell surface markers (mu-chain, pan T, CD4, and CD8) were determined in spleen, lymph node, and peripheral blood from 10-wk infected and normal pups by single and dual parameter fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Compared with control animals, congenitally infected animals showed a remarkable prolonged naive-type of immune response as reflected by the higher (p < 0.01) proliferative responses to both T cell mitogens (up to 20 wk of age), and the weaker response to the B cell mitogen, significantly different (p < 0.01) at 10 wk of age. As opposed to controls, in all organs examined the level of CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) T cells was significantly diminished (p < 0.01); consequently, the CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The role of C4 complement component and the nature and potential role of the immature T and B lymphocyte responses in asymptomatic congenital syphilis is discussed.

Animals↗

Morphological characteristics and clinical significance of nerve distribution in pancreatic cancers.

Macroscopic and immunohistochemical observations were made to clarify the innervation of normal pancreatic tissues, and the clinicopathological and electron-microscopic findings of 33 cases of pancreatic cancer were obtained. The results showed that the innervation of both the head and the body of the pancreas mainly consisted of nerve fibers separated from the right celiac neuroganglion and the right half of the superior mesenteric arterial plexus. The pancreas was full of nerve fibers ending at acinar lobules, among which the adrenergic nerves commonly control the walls of blood vessels. Pancreatic cancer tends to be accompanied by invasion and metastasis along intra or extra-pancreatic nerves, and we found that the positive rates for invasion and metastasis were 73.33% and 60.00%, respectively. The follow-up study revealed that the nerve-invasion group had worse prognosis than the non-invasion group (P < 0.05). The approaches of the invasions of the nerves were as follows: (1) through the vessels of the perineurium; (2) through the perineurium; and (3) through the synaptic membrane of nerve endings. The invasion were a continuous process, often resulting in the destruction or even the disappearance of the normal structure of the nerve fibers. The above results suggest that there are plentiful vegetative nerves inside or outside the pancreas and that pancreatic cancers have a tendency of invading and metastasizing along or around nerves.

Adult↗

Quantification of biochemical markers of bone turnover by kinetic measures of bone formation and resorption in young healthy females.

The quantification of biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption with kinetic measures of bone turnover is an essential step in their validation. Some biochemical markers have been validated by quantification against formation and resorption rates measured by calcium kinetics in adults with bone disease. However, none has been validated in healthy individuals who are undergoing skeletal growth and bone consolidation. Therefore, we have measured biochemical markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin [OC], bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BAP], and total alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and resorption (serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP], urinary cross-linked N teleopeptides of type I collagen/creatinine [NTx/Cr], and hydroxyproline/creatinine [OHP/Cr]) in healthy females aged 11-32 years (n = 31) after an overnight fast to determine their relationship with bone formation (Vo+) and bone resorption (Vo-) as measured by calcium kinetics and balance. All biochemical markers were highly intercorrelated (r > 0.6, p < 0.001) as were Vo+ and Vo- (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). Highly significant correlations were present between bone formation measured by calcium kinetics (Vo+) and serum levels of bone biochemical markers (OC, r = 0.82, p = 0.001; ALP, r = 0.92, p = 0.001; and BAP, r = 0.90, p = 0.001) and between bone resorption measured by calcium kinetics (Vo-) and fasting serum levels and urine creatinine ratios of biochemical markers (TRAP, r = 0.77, p < 0.001; OHP/Cr, r = 0.79, p < 0.001; and NTx/Cr, r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Thus, biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption can be used to predict calcium kinetic rates during skeletal growth and the early years of formation of peak bone mass, ages at which strategies to build peak bone mass are important. Biochemical markers of formation and resorption are equally useful in predicting either the bone formation rate or the resorption rate.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Long-term changes in bone mineral and biomechanical properties of vertebrae and femur in aging, dietary calcium restricted, and/or estrogen-deprived/-replaced rats.

To study the long-term effect of aging, low calcium diet (LCD) and/or ovariectomy (OVX), and estrogen replacement therapy (+E) on rat bone quality of both trabecular and cortical bone, 150 female Wistar rats of 4.5 months were divided into baseline, sham-operation (sham), sham + LCD, OVX, OVX + E, OVX + LCD, OVX + LCD + E, and were observed for 3, 6, and 9 months postsurgery. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine L1-L4, the femoral neck, the midshaft, and the distal metaphysis were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in vitro. Biomechanical tests of the L1 vertebral body and the left femur were performed. The right femoral midshaft and neck were processed undecalcified for determining cross-sectional moments of inertia (CSMIs). BMD in all groups increased rapidly with aging in the femoral midshaft composed only of cortical bone at 3 months post-OVX and stabilized or decreased thereafter, but decreased at all observation periods in the distal femoral metaphysis, consisting mostly of trabecular bone. L1 maximum compressive strength and stiffness increased as a function of aging in sham and sham + LCD but not in OVX and OVX + LCD. The order of loss in BMD at all sites and in L1 strength and stiffness was: OVX + LCD > OVX > LCD. LCD reduced while OVX improved the total femoral area, CSMIs in the femoral midshaft, and the torsional strength. Estrogen treatment preserved BMD and prevented OVX-induced loss in L1 strength. The BMD and biomechanical properties were greater in OVX + E than in OVX + LCD + E. Loss in BMD and CSMIs was greater in the femoral neck than in the midshaft. The data suggest that rat cortical bone might not be matured until 7.5 months of age. It would be more appropriate to consider rats at peak bone mass as a model of mature rat and to perform OVX at that time. LCD and OVX have a great potential for weakening the bone quality of cortical bone and trabecular bone, respectively, and have an additive effect when combined. Estrogen prevents only OVX-induced bone loss.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Expression and detection of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, fibronectin and its fragment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, fibronectin (FN) and its fragment (malignant disease-associated DNA-binding protein 2 MAD2) and the biologic behavior of human hepatocellular carcinoma HCC) as well as the significance of MAD2 detection in plasma. METHODS: Integrin alpha 5 beta 1, FN and MAD2 were localized by immunohistochemical methods and quantified by image analysis in tumor and peripheral liver tissues from 40 HCC cases. The concentration of FN and MAD2 in the plasma samples from 30/40 cases were examined using the ELISA method. RESULTS: The expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1, FN and MAD2 in well differentiated HCC were not significantly different from that of normal tissues, while they were markedly decreased or undetectable in mode rately and poorly differentiated HCC. Decreased expression of integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and FN at sites where HCC invaded the connective tissue and enhanced expression on the HCC cells around cancerous emboli were also noted. The mean concentration of plasma MAD2 in patients with HCC were significantly increased when compared to those with chronic liver disease and normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in integrin alpha 5 beta 1 and FN expression may be associated with HCC differentiation, invasion and metastasis. The detection of plasma MAD2 in patients with HCC may have clinical significance.

Antigens, CD↗

[Study of controlling acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices using adhesion technique of traditional Chinese medicine].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find a method making the traditional Chinese medicine adhesion to the esophageal membrane for controlling bleeding esophageal varices. METHODS: The position and time that the medicine attached in the esophagus were observed in 30 healthy volunteers under the condition of erect and lying position. Thirty-seven cases with bleeding esophageal varices were treated by this technique. RESULTS: The medicine of adhesion was attached in the segment of esophagus more than 15 minutes under the condition of lying position. The effective rate of controlling bleeding esophageal varices was no statistical differences between the ballon temponade and our technique (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This technique is a new approach to control hemorrhage from esophageal varices.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗

[The frequencies of the vitamin D receptor gene alleles in adults of Han nationality in Beijing area].

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is considered as one of candidate genes related to the genetic basis of bone and mineral metabolism. In order to determine VDR genotypes, we analysed the polymorphisms, or genotypes of Bsm I, Apa I, and Taq I restriction enzymes, by PCR technique in 223 unrelated healthy adults of Han nationality in Beijing area. Some of the VDR genotypes were also confirmed by Southern blotting analysis. We discovered that Chinese had high frequencies of b, a, T alleles, as high as 95%, 75%, and 95% respectively, which were different from those in Caucasians and Japanese, but similar to those in Koreans (P > 0.05). This difference gave us further insight into the different pathogeny of osteoporosis in various ethnics.

Adult↗

[The association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, bone mineral density and osteocalcin in Chinese women].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlations between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, and bone mineral density (BMD) as well as osteocalcin. METHODS: We used PCR-RFLP and Southern hybridization analysis to determine VDR genotypes in 202 Chinese women. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and serum osteocalcin level was determined by radioimmunoassay. Analysis of covariance was used to test differences in mean BMDs across genotypes. RESULTS: We realized that VDR genotype frequencies in Chinese women were apparently different from those of Caucasians. In group of postmenopausal women, "bb" or "aa" genotype was related to lower BMD in Femoral Neck and Trochanter. No association was found between VDR genotypes and the serum osteocalcin level. CONCLUSION: There was some association between VDR genotypes and BMD in Chinese women. Its function in predicting osteoporosis still requires further study.

Adult↗

[Change of serum lipid, apolipoprotein during cholesterol gallstone formation in rabbit model].

In order to study the formation of cholesterol gallstone through rabbit model which was induced by high cholesterol diet (HCD), we investigated the rabbits' serum lipoprotein cholesterols and apolipoprotein (apo) at 1 week (1w), 2 weeks (2w), 3 weeks (3w) and 4 weeks (4w) in comparison with those of a control group respectively. The results were as follows: (1) of 10 rabbits subjected to experiment, 4, 6, and 7 rabbits were found to have induced-cholesterol gallstones in the 2w, 3w and 4w groups respectively. (2) The serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein chloesterol (VLDL) increased significantly (1w, 2w, 3w and 4w groups vs control group, P < 0.05), especially in the 3w and 4w groups; the surum concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and its subfractions (HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C) decreased slightly (vs control group, P > 0.05). (3) The serum contents of apoB100, apoC II and apoC III increased significantly (vs control group, P < 0.05), especially in the 3w and 4w groups; the serum apoA I reduced gradually in 1w, 2w and 3w groups, and decreased greatly in 4w group (vs control group, P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that owing to the intake of high cholestrol diet with the passage of time, the increased concentrations of serum VLDL-C, apoB, apoC II and apoC III possibly caused an enhanced secretion of biliary cholesterol into bile; that the decreased serum apoA I level might reduce the secretion of anti-nucleating factor into bile. All of these factors and changes may play important roles during the formation of cholesterol gallstones.

Animals↗

[Accumulation sites of kanamycin in the organ of Corti by microautoradiography].

The accumulation sites of the 3H-labelled kanamycin in the organ of Corti were observed with electron microscope. The results showed that the accumulation of kanamycin was mainly in the mitochondria, cell membrane and stereocilia of the hair cells. The possible mechanism of the kanamycin accumulation in the mitochondria is their similarity with bacteria in the protein synthesis, i.e. the way that kanamycin might inhibit the protein synthesis in the mitochondria is similar to that of bacteria. The kanamycin accumulation in the cell membrane may indicate the entrance of kanamycin into the hair cells. The kanamycin deposition in the stereocilia was most likely related to its high chemical affinity with glycocalyx.

Animals↗

[Preparation and anti-HIV activity study of baicalien and its benzylated derivatives].

Baicalein (1) was prepared from baicalin by acid hydrolysis with yield of 24%. 5, 6-Dibenzyl-7-hydroxyl-flanone (4) and 6-benzyl-5, 7-dihydroxyl-flanone (5) were obtained by using different benzylating agents, and then hydrolyzing those benzylated compounds. The total yield of (4) and (5) were 5.9% and 5%, respectively. Both 4 and 5 were less effective than baicalien on inhibition of HIV-1 RT in vitro.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Detection of human herpesvirus 6(HHV-6) DNA in salivary glands by the polymerase chain reaction.

To assess the presence of HHV-6-Specific DNA in human salivary glands, eighteen specimens of salivary gland tissue were investigated using the polymerase chain reaction. Eight of nine parotid glands, five of seven submandibular glands and one of two sublingual glands were found to have amplification of the HHV-6-specific sequence. The findings suggest that salivary gland tissue is one of the potential sites for HHV-6 persistence following primary infection and that saliva is a vehicle for transmission of the virus.

DNA, Viral↗

Taurine influx in cultured rat cardiomyocytes and changes after CVB3 infection.

Monolayer culture of spontaneously contracting rat heart cells was obtained from newborn SD rats and seeded into culture plates. 100TCID50 of coxsackie virus B3(CVB3) (Nancy strain) was added as the infected group. The dynamics of taurine transport across membrane of normal heart cells and changes after infection were examined by using radioactive isotope tracing techniques. The results demonstrated that: (1) two uptake systems of taurine with different affinities and capacities were present in the plasma membrane of cultured rat cardiomyocytes, the Km of high and low affinity were 9.5 x 10(-5) mol/L and 1.3 x 10(-2) mol/L, respectively; (2) taurine transport across membrane was sodium-dependent with a positive linear relationship between amount of taurine influx and extracellular concentration of sodium; in addition, it was also regulated by osmolarity; (3) beta-alanine, a carboxylic analog of taurine, could inhibit the uptake of taurine in dose-dependently; (4) taurine influx was decreased in cultured rat cardiomyocytes after infected with CVB3. (5) the Inhibition ratio of taurine transport was enhanced as the infected time prolonged. This experiment provides a basis for further investigation of kinetic test of taurine transport and more study should be carried out to learn the effect of taurine in viral myocarditis.

Animals↗

[A comparative study on the blood vessel sclerosing effect of pingyungmycin and Natrii morrhuates].

Twelve adult rabbits were used in this experiment. After posterion auricular veins were temporarily blocked, pingyungmycin and natrii morrhuatis were injected separately and their effect on the blood vessels was studied. The results showed that pingyungmycin caused endotheliac cell oedema, degeneration, vascular shrinkage, vascular wall thickening, while the effect of natrii morrhuatis on the blood vessels was thrombosis, organization of thrombus and closure of the lumen of the blood vessels. The sclerosing mechanisms of the two medicines and their clinical applications were discussed.

Animals↗