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Biomedical subjects

X Hu

Publications and source records attributed to X Hu.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Inhibition of coronary thrombosis and local inflammation by a noncarbohydrate selectin inhibitor.

We tested the hypothesis that selectin inhibition with blocking antibodies or a small-molecular-weight inhibitor of L-, P-, and E-selectin, methoxybenzoylpropionic acid (MBPA), prevents thrombus formation in a canine coronary Folts' model. Cyclic flow variations (CFVs) were induced by crush injury and constriction of the left anterior descending coronary artery in dogs. Systemic infusion of antibodies to P- and L-selectin abolished CFVs, respectively, in 50% and 17% of treated dogs [P = not significant (NS)]. The combination of P- and L-selectin antibodies suppressed CFVs in 60% of treated dogs (P = NS). In contrast, systemic selectin blockade by intravenous infusion or local adventitial application of MBPA markedly reduced CFVs and, in addition, reduced myocardial myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. We conclude that inhibition of L-, P-, and E-selectin binding by a small-molecular-weight, noncarbohydrate compound markedly reduces arterial thrombosis, whereas systemic administration of antibodies to L- and P-selectin fail to reproduce this antithrombotic effect. These results underscore the role of selectins in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis under high shear stress and suggest that inhibition of P- and L- selectin may not suffice to prevent thrombus formation in this model. The role of E-selectin in thrombus formation in this model awaits further testing.

Animals↗

Cell cycle and transcriptional control of human myeloid leukemic cells by transforming growth factor beta.

TGFbeta1 is a potent growth inhibitor of both primitive and more differentiated human myeloid leukemic cells. The extent of the growth inhibitory response to TGFbeta varies with cell type, and is not linked to stages of differentiation of cell lines. Downregulation of multiple cell cycle-regulatory molecules is a dominant event in TGFbeta1-mediated growth inhibition of human MV4-11 myeloid leukemia cells. Both G1-phase and G2-phase cyclins and cdks participate in the regulation of TGFbeta1-mediated growth inhibition of MV4-11 cells. By both depressing cdk2 synthesis and up-regulating cyclin E-associated p27, TGFbeta1 may magnify its inhibitory efficiency. TGFbeta1 also rapidly inhibits phosphorylation of pRb at several serine and threonine residues. The underphosphorylated pRb associates with E2F-4 in G1 phase, whereas the phosphorylated pRb mainly binds to E2F-1 and E2F-3 in proliferating MV4-11 cells. Since TGFbeta1 upregulates p130/E2F-4 complex formation and downregulates p107/E2F-4 complex formation, with E2F-4 levels remaining constant, our results suggest that E2F-4 is switched from p107 to pRb and p130 when cells exit from the cell cycle and arrest in G1 by TGFbeta1. In summary, TGFbeta1 inhibits growth of human myeloid leukemic cells through multiple pathways, whereas the "cdk inhibitor" p27 is both a positive and negative regulator.

CDC2-CDC28 Kinases↗

Post-transcriptional regulation of mouse kappa-opioid receptor expression.

Three mRNA variants are generated from the mouse kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) gene. The expression patterns of these KOR mRNA variants in adult animal tissues and during developmental stages are examined. Furthermore, the biological significance of generating these variants is demonstrated with respect to two post-transcriptional mechanisms, i.e., mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Variants A and B are both transcribed from promoter 1 of the KOR gene and expressed from early developmental stages through adult life. Although their sequences differ only at a 30-nucleotide insertion for variant B, these two variants are distinct with regard to their expression patterns, mRNA stability, and translation efficiency. Variant A is expressed ubiquitously in all the tissues examined and has a longer t(1/2) (12 h), whereas variant B is more specific to the central nervous system both pre- and postnatally and has a t(1/2) of approximately 8 h. Variant C is transcribed from promoter 2 of the KOR gene and is most specifically expressed, being detected only in the brain stem, spinal cord, and thalamic/hypothalamic areas of postnatal animals. With regard to protein translation, variants B and C are significantly more efficient than variant A. This study provides the evidence for multiple levels of KOR regulation. The biological implication of the generation of KOR mRNA variants is discussed.

Animals↗

Prolonged activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is required for macrophage-like differentiation of a human myeloid leukemic cell line.

The role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway in the proliferation of mammalian cells has been well established. However, there are relatively few reports concerning cell differentiation being mediated by MAPK. The effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on cell differentiation and signal transduction in a human myeloid leukemia cell line, TF-1a, was investigated. When TF-1a cells were treated with 10(-6), 10(-7), 10(-8), and 10(-9) M PMA for 24 h, they underwent 98, 93, 91, and 51% macrophage-like differentiation, respectively. PMA treatment rapidly (10 min) induced phosphorylation of MAPK kinase (MEK and p44/42 MAPK), which persisted for at least 24 h. p44/42 MAPK immunoprecipitates from lysates of PMA-treated cells had increased ability to phosphorylate the transcription factor Elk-1. This is important because phosphorylated Elk-1 can be considered an "end-product" of the MAPK pathway. In contrast, treatment of TF-1a cells with granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor induced only transient activation of MEK and p44/42 MAPK (10-20 min) and an increase (approximately 50%) in cell proliferation, without any change in cellular differentiation. These results suggest that macrophage-like differentiation may be dependent on prolonged activation of the MAPK pathway. Additional support for this conclusion was obtained from experiments showing that treatment of TF-1a cells with antisense oligonucleotides for MEK1 coding sequences prior to adding PMA inhibited macrophage-like differentiation. Furthermore, transient transfection with an inactive, dominant-negative MEK mutant also inhibited PMA-induced differentiation, whereas transient transfection with a plasmid coding for constitutively activated MEK led to macrophage-like differentiation in the absence of PMA.

Blotting, Western↗

Dangers of sleepiness and inattention while driving.

Sleepiness occurs in almost everyone at some time during each day. If sleepiness becomes moderate to severe, it can have an impact on an individual's ability to perform tasks that are prolonged or require a high degree of concentration. Driving is a daily activity that usually involves repetitive behaviors over a prolonged period, and it may be adversely affected by an individual who is sleepy. Data from the Department of Transportation show that sleepiness and fatigue contribute to numerous accidents on the road. This article reviews information related to the effects of sleepiness on driving, the types of sleepiness, and some tools for assessing sleepiness.

Accidents, Traffic↗

[Electron spin resonance studies on inhibiting methemoglobin in erythrocyte with exogenous ascorbic acid].

Research on inhibiting the methemoglobin (MetHb) in erythrocyte by means of exogenous ascorbic acid is helpful to elucidating whether exogenous antioxidant inhibits the oxidative denaturation of hemoglobin when the erythrocyte does not inhibit such denaturation with its own antioxidation system. Using electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, we have studied the oxidative denaturation of hemoglobin and the inhibition of MetHb in erythrocyte with the exogenous ascorbic acid. The results indicate that there is the ESR absorption of high spin MetHb (g = 6) at the 5th, 35th and 90th min after the blood was mixed with NaNO2. The ESR absorption of high spin MetHb increases with time. Yet, in the case where the blood was mixed with exogenous ascorbic acid in advance, the ESR absortpion of high spin MetHb (g = 6) only appears at the 35th min among the ESR measures at the 5th, 35th, and 90th min after the blood was mixed with NaNO2. These findings suggest that exogenous antioxidant can inhibit the oxidative denaturation of hemoglobin when the erythrocyte does not inhibit such dematuration with its own antioxidation system.

Adult↗

[Preparation of biological bone carrier].

A series of studies on biological bone carrier (BBC), including preparation methods, components analysis, animal implantation test, biomechanical strength, ultrastructure, cross antigenicity and clinical application are reported in this article. Comprehensive process was adopted to reduce the antigen of BBC. As a substitute for bone, BBC has the following merits: (1) good biocompatibility; (2) suitable mechanical strength; (3) natural porous structure and porosity; (4) absorbability and replaceability in host; (5) unlimited sources, ready availability and simplicity in process and storage; (6) both functions of osteoconductability and osteoinductability can be developed after BBC combined with BMP.

Animals↗

[Study of hepatitis C virus specific immune responses in anti-HCV positive patients without hepatitis C viremia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the hepatitis C virus specific immune responses in anti - HCV positive patients without hepatitis C viremia. METHODS: 15 anti-HCV positive patients without hepatitis C viremia, 15 patients with chronic HCV infection and 15 normal controls were selected for this study. The T cell responses, NK cell (natural killer cells) activity, cytokine production and HCV specific antibodies were detected by MTT, LDH release and ELISA. RESULTS: Our study showed that the T cell proliferative reaction of patients without hepatitis C viremia was significantly higher than that of patients with chronic HCV infection and normal controls and the T cell response for HCV core antigen were higher than NS3 and N54, but there was no significant proliferative response to NS5 antigen. We also found that there were no differences in anti-HCV antibody production and NK cell activity between the two groups and the level of IFN-gamma in patients without hepatitis C viremia was higher than that in patients with persistent HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: There are a lot of advantageous changes of HCV specific humoral and cellular immune response in anti-HCV positive patients without hepatitis C viremia, these immune responses may play a role in clearance of HCV.

Adult↗

[Anatomy in relation to posterior maxillary osteotomy].

OBJECTIVE: The most common site of haemorrhage in maxillary osteotomies is the posterior maxilla. Better understanding of the anatomy of this region would minimize possible vascular complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the anatomy of posterior maxilla and establish safety guidelines for Le Fort I osteotomy. METHOD: Thirty dry human skulls were selected for direct measurement and computerized image analysis. RESULTS: Synosteosis of the pterygomaxillary junction was noted in 10% of the samples. The height of the pterygomaxillary junction was 13.15 mm. The height from the inferior point of the pterygomaxillary junction to the inferior point of the maxillary tuberosity was 5.25 mm. The height from the superior point of the pterygomaxillary junction to the inferior point of the maxillary tuberrosity was 18.05 mm. The average distance from the piriform rim to the descending palatine canal was 35.25 mm. The width of the pterygoid process was 12.34 mm. The average length from the zygo-alveolar ridge to the pterygomaxillary junction was 25.47 mm. The average length from anterior nasal spine to the posterior nasal spine was 46.27 mm, and the angle between the descending palatine canal and the palate plane was 58 degrees 47'. CONCLUSIONS: The study is to provide further understanding of the posterior maxillary anatomy in relation to the bone-cut design of Le fort I osteotomy and to create clinical safety guidelines in order to avoid damaging the descending palatine vessels.

Adult↗

Effect of prenatal tetrandrine therapy on pulmonary vascular structural remodeling in the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of prenatal tetrandrine (Tet) therapy on pulmonary arterial structural remodeling in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: CDH was induced in fetal rats by maternal administration of 100 mg nitrofen by gavage on day 9.5 of gestation (term, day 22). Control animals received olive oil (OO). Tet (24 mg/kg per day) or normal saline (NS) was given by gavage every day from 16 to 20 days of gestation, and fetuses were delivered by caesarean section on day 21.5. Lung sections from 3 fetuses in each group were studied. The number of vessels were calculated, the external diameter (ED), medial wall thickness (MT), percent of medial wall thickness, and wall structure were evaluated by image analysis software. RESULTS: In the pre-acinar arteries, CDH-NS pups had a significantly increased %MT compared with the OO-NS group (P < 0.05), while CDH-Tet animals had a reduced %MT compared with the CDH-NS rats (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen in the intra-acinar level. Significant differences were observed between CDH-NS animals and OO-NS controls in the percentage of muscularized intra-acinar blood vessels (P < 0.001). Tet-treated CDH pups had a reduced percentage of muscularized intra-acinar arteries compared with CDH-NS animals. CONCLUSIONS: Medial hypertrophy is present in both the pre-acinar and intra-acinar arteries in the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. Tet treatment inhibits medial hypertrophy and reduces the percentage of muscularized intra-acinar vessels. Prenatal Tet therapy may be efficacious in reducing the risk of PH in human newborns with CDH.

Alkaloids↗

[The relationship of vasoactive intestinal peptide, other substances and the changes of nocturnal blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference of plasma VIP, NO and ET concentrations in awake and in different sleep periods and the relationship between VIP, NO and ET values and the changes in nocturnal blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS). METHODS: Retaining manometric tube in radial artery and polysomnography(PSG) were done synchronously in 12 patients with OSAS whom was diagnosed by whole-night PSG. Blood specimens were collected before sleep, during NREM sleep and REM sleep and the next morning to detect the concentrations of VIP and ET by radioimmunoassay(RIA) and NO by nitrate reductase method. RESULTS: (1) Plasma NO values were significantly decreased in the morning than those before sleep (P = 0.014). There was no remarkable changes of VIP and ET values in different testing periods. (2) Plasma NO and ET values in the morning were correlated with hypoxia at night, but not with AHI (P > 0.05). (3) Plasma VIP values were significantly correlated with the baseline of SBP (r = 0.654, P < 0.05) and DBP (r = 0.706, P < 0.01) in NREM sleep and that of DBP (r = 0.613, P < 0.05) in REM sleep. There was no significant correlation between BP and plasma NO and ET values in different times. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction associated with NO reduction might be present and VIP might be involved in regulating BP changes in patients with OSAS.

Adult↗

[The anatomy of the pterygopalatine canal in relation to the Le Fort I osteotomy].

OBJECTIVE: The most common site of hemorrhage in maxillary osteotomies is the posterior maxilla. Better understanding of the anatomy in this region may minimize possible vascular complications. The aim of the study is to investigate the anatomy of posterior maxilla and establish safety guidelines for the Le Fort I osteotomy. METHODS: Thirty dry human skulls were selected for direct measurement and analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that the average distance from the piriform rim to the descending palatine canal was 35.25 mm, the average distance from the zygo-alveolar ridge to the descending palatine canal was 25.41 mm, the average distance from the descending palatine canal to the central line was 16.68 mm, the average distance from the piriform rim to the central line was 12.87 mm. The angle between the line from the piriform rim to the descending palatine canal and the central line was 6 degrees 14'. CONCLUSIONS: The study is to provide further understanding of the posterior maxillary anatomy in relation to the bone cut design of Le Fort I osteotomy, and to create clinical safety guidelines in order to avoid damaging the descending palatine vessels.

Humans↗

[Repairing peripheral nerve defects by tissue engineering techniques:an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel effective substitute material or technique to repair peripheral nerve gap. METHODS: We inoculated expanded Schwann cells (SCs) at re-arranged bio-absorbable polymer polyglycolic acid (PGA) fiber and incubated for two weeks, then we developed a novel tissue-engineered scaffolds. The scaffolds were used as cellular isografts to bridge 15 mm long gap of sciatic nerve in inbred strains of Wistar rats. In an autologous and pure PGA fiber control group, the same surgical procedure was used. Evaluation included general observation, electromyographic examination, muscle measurement, and histological observation of serial sections at 12 weeks after surgery. The total number and density of reinnervation and thickness of myelin sheath was measured by computerized image analysis. RESULTS: SCs put out a long and thin prominence and migrated along the PGA fibers in spirality or parallel when they divided and finally rank into a cell-chain formation similar to Büngner's band. TEM/SEM and immunohistochemical survey demonstrated that the SCs at PGA fiber also secreted a great deal of ECMs included laminin, which play a very important role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Non-tubular scaffold comprised SCs and laminin (LN) channel in three-dimensional longitudinal rank. Animal transplantation study indicated the sensory and motor functional results of hindlimbs of experimental group rats reached to similar level of those found in nerve autograft control group. The number of reinnervation in the experimental group rats was slightly fewer than that in nerve autograft control group; but the axonal density was just reversal between the two groups because of a large area ischemic necrosis in the center of nerve autografts. CONCLUSION: This new paradigm offers a potential solution to repairing a long gap of peripheral nerve.

Animals↗

[Study on the relations between HLA-DRB 1 alleles and Helicobacter pylori infection].

OBJECTIVE: In order to study the relation between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1 alleles and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. METHODS: Hp-IgG antibody from 46 gastric cancer (GC), 75 esophageal cancer and 100 population-based controls were identified by Hp-IgG quantitative enzyme immunoassay. Biotest HLA-DRB enzyme linked probe hybridization assay kit (low resolution) was used to identify DRB1 alleles. RESULTS: (1) Frequency of DRB1 * 08 was significantly higher in Hp-IgG positive group than in Hp-IgG negative group (13.1% vs 4.4%, chi(2) = 11.14, P < 0.001). Frequency of DRB1 * 12 was significantly lower in Hp-IgG positive group than in Hp-IgG negatives (5.4% vs 11.3%, chi(2) = 4.49, P < 0.05). (2) Frequency of DRB1 * 02 in GC was significantly higher than that of controls. Frequency of DRB1 * 07 in GC was significantly lower than that of controls. However, neither the frequency of DRB1 * 02 between Hp-IgG positive and Hp-IgG negative groups nor the frequency of DRB1 * 07 between Hp-IgG positive and Hp-IgG negative groups showed significant differences in GC and controls. CONCLUSIONS: (1) HLA-DRB1 * 08 might serve a genetic risk factor for Hp infection while DRB1 * 12 might play a role of protecting effect against Hp infection. (2) DRB1 * 02 might be a genetic risk factor for GC while DRB1 * 07 might play a role of protecting effect against GC. However, the relations between DRB1 * 02, DRB1 * 07 and GC were not associated with Hp infection.

Alleles↗

[Homogeneity study on the Streptococcus suis isolated from human and swine].

OBJECTIVE: To identify S. suis and to evaluate the homogeneity of isolates of S. suis from human and swine. METHODS: Culture, morphology, API biochemical tests and serum coagulate tests were used. All the 7 strains of streptococcus were confirmed to be S. suis serotype 2. Two strains and 1 strain were isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients, respectively, while the other 4 strains were obtained from the infected swine or their corpses. Seven strains of S. suis serotype 2 and reference strain SS2 were analyzed by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis with six primers and Rep PCR with four primers and thalli fatty acid profile analysis. Cluster and principal compound analysis of results were performed with RAPD, Phylip and Treeview software. RESULTS: By analysis on RAPD patterns, a close relationship among 7 strains of S. suis serotype 2 and reference strain SS2 was discovered. Human-born strains and swine-born strains exhibit similar RAPD patterns. There was a same clonal relationship between strains originated from the blood and CFS of the patients. These results were confirmed by thalli fatty acid profile to have genotypic and phenotypic identity. CONCLUSION: Homogeneity exists among the 7 strains and reference strain SS2.

Animals↗

[Studies on human streptococcal infectious syndrome caused by infected pigs].

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the clinical manifestations of S. suis infectious syndrome; to study the characteristics of causative organism and its source. METHODS: 25 cases of unknown causes of food poisoning were identified in the central area of Jiangsu province, China in July 1998. Biological specimens was collected in some patients, and the causative organism was isolated using a number of different culture medium. Isolated organisms were identified by serum antibody tests, API biochemical tests, drug sensitivity tests and animal model experiments. The human born strains and the pig born strains were compared by RAPD technique. Epidemiological methods were applied to trace the source of causative organisms. RESULTS: Cases were clinically categorized into two types: Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and streptococcal meningitis syndrome (SMS). Three strains of streptococci were isolated respectively from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of 6 cases. All these 6 strains were confirmed to be S. suis type 2 by culture characteristics, morphology, biochemical characteristics, serum antibody tests and fatty acid profile analysis. Animal model experiment showed that these strains were sensitive to rabbits and pigs, but not to rats. RAPD fingerprint test revealed an identity between human born and pig born strains. CONCLUSIONS: The aetiological agent of these human cases was S. suis type 2. Human cases were contracted by direct contact with the infected pigs or the corpse of infected pigs.

Adult↗

[The effects of batroxobin on the healing of and microcirculatory blood flow volume in deep partial thickness burn wounds in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of batroxobin on the healing of and microcirculatory blood flow in deep partial thickness burn wound in rats. METHODS: Wistar rat inflicted by 4 cmx 4 cm deep partial thickness scalding on the back was taken as the model. Twenty male rats were randomly divided into scalding burn group and batroxobin treatment group. Cutaneous blood flow volume was measured before and at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 72 postburn hours (PBH). Scalding and residual burn wound areas were measured immediately and on the 14th and 18th postburn day (PBD). The rats were sacrificed on 30th PBD and the cutaneous samples were harvested for hair follicle counting and histological examination with LM. RESULTS: The cutaneous blood flow volume of rats in single burn group decreased progressively during 2-72 PBHs. But in batroxobin treating group, cutaneous blood flow volume improved evidently and the wound healing accelerated obviously with increased cutaneous appendages formation. CONCLUSION: Batroxobin might restore the blood circulation of stasis band of burn wound, so as to accelerate wound healing and to improve the quality of healed skin.

Animals↗