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Biomedical subjects

Z He

Publications and source records attributed to Z He.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Altered mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes in pre-apoptotic pericytes from human diabetic retinas.

Because programmed cell death (PCD) is an important mode of pericyte dropout in human diabetic retinopathy, whether increased oxidative stress in cells with diminished antioxidant defenses plays a causative role in the PCD process in diabetic pericytes has been studied. Ten diabetic and eight non-diabetic eye-bank eyes from 5 diabetic and 4 non-diabetic patients were included in this study. From individual neural retinas pericytes were isolated by a newly developed immunomagnetic technique. Total mRNA of the purified pericytes was isolated for quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assay. mRNA levels of a death protease (CPP32), the major enzyme that initiates the proteolytic cascade leading to cell death, were determined in association with the expression of antioxidative enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase, CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD), MnSOD and catalase genes in pericytes. In comparison with pericytes from non-diabetic retinas, pericytes from diabetic retinas highly expressed CPP32 genes (4 +/- 0.6 fold increase, p < 0.01, n = 9). In diabetic pericytes, up-regulation of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (8.2 +/- 0.9 fold increase, p < 0.01, n = 9) and down-regulation of glutathione reductase (Gr) (4.1 +/- 0.4 fold decrease, p < 0.05, n = 9) and CuZnSOD (2.1 +/- 0.7 fold decrease, p < 0.05, n = 9) were observed. mRNA levels of MnSOD and catalase of diabetic pericytes did not differ significantly from those of non-diabetic pericytes. Overexpression of a member of interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE) family, CPP32, indicated that the pericytes from diabetic retinas are in a "pre-PCD" state. This is the first evidence that the ICE family of death proteases is involved in pericyte dropout in diabetes. In these pre-PCD cells, the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes also was changed. Up-regulation of GSH-Px indicates a compensation mechanism to meet the demand of excessive glutathione in reduced form. Decreased levels of both glutathione reductase and CuZnSOD, despite the oxidative stress in the diabetic condition, suggest the breakdown of the antioxidant defense in pericytes. Most importantly, the altered gene profile of scavenging enzymes under diabetic conditions, correlating with overexpression of the cell death protease gene, together suggest increased oxidative stress as an etiological agent of pericyte dropout in diabetic retinopathy.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Dermal and transdermal delivery of protein pharmaceuticals: lipid-based delivery systems for interferon alpha.

The dermal and transdermal delivery of protein pharmaceuticals faces enormous challenges, and at the same time has very significant potential for the non-invasive treatment of both localized and systemic diseases. In this article we review the various approaches used to enhance and control the delivery of protein therapeutic agents through the dermal barrier. We show results of the delivery of interferon (IFN) alpha, an antiviral agent used in the treatment of condylomata acuminata (genital warts), using lipid-based delivery systems (LBDS). In the general category of LBDS, we investigated the use of liposomes and fatty acylation as ways to increase IFNalpha delivery into human skin.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1999

[A quantitative histological investigation of salivary glands of human and experimental animals].

The pairs of three major salivary glands of eight kinds of full grown experimental animals were sectioned and examined by morphometric techniques. The televised image-analysis system was used to determine the acinar area and proportional volumes of component tissue. The results were compared with those of the same glands from human. There were no differences between the three acinar areas of human and monkey. The acinar area of human parotid was the smallest except that of rabbit. The acinar area of human submandibular gland was larger than that of rodents but smaller than that of other animals. There were no differences between the acinar area of sublingual glands of human and animal except those of rabbit and goat. The acinar area of mucous acini was larger than that of serous and seromucous acini. The mean proportional volume of acini of human parotid was less than that of other animals. The duct systems of rodents submandibular were far more than those of other animals. In sublingual glands, there were no differences in mean proportional volume of component tissue between human and animals except there were more acini and less fiber in rodents' subingual glands.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[The effect of human cytomegalovirus on human marrow granulocyte/macrophage progenitor].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the suppression of CFU-GM is caused directly by human cytomegalovirus(HCMV). METHODS: The effect of HCMV AD 169 strain on CFU-GM growth was assayed in vitro and HCMV AD 169 DNA in CFU-GM was detected by in situ PCR(ISPCR). RESULTS: Significant inhibition of CFU-GM was observed when HCMV AD 169 containing fluid was diluted to 2 x 10(5) pfu/ml and 2 x 10(6) pfu/ml (P < 0.01). The suppression was in a dose-dependent fashion. HCMV AD 169-DNA was detected by ISPCR on the nuclear of CFU-GM. CONCLUSION: HCMV might cause suppression of CFU-GM growth by direct infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Nomenclature, functions and classification of surgical knives of Ming-Qing dynasties.

Based on the diagrams of knives recorded in laryngological literature of the Qing dynasty, together with the surgical lancets unearthed in Ming tomb of Jiangyin region, the nomenclature of all surgical knives and its functions are discussed and then classified. It is claimed that the configuration of the knives as a whole, either obligue or round, are the basis of its functions and classification. Thus, the knives are divided into 4 groups, vis. lancets, curved knives, obligue - edged knives and plain knives, involving over 30 kinds of surgical knives.

China↗
PubMed1999

[Dr. Tu Tsung-ming, a famous physician in Taiwan].

Dr. Tu had achieved great successes in the field of snake venom research in the middle of twenty-century in Taiwan. He ushered a new epoch in venomology from the epidemiological studies of the snake-bite to the chemical analysis of the venoms, from the venom harmful disadvantages to the venom beneficial advantages, and from the pharmacological research to the field of toxicological and biochemical research. He established a method for urine examination to detect the morphine residue. This method was then developed as a routine examination for excitant for athletics in later ages. Dr. Tu was the first professor of pharmacology in Taiwan and also a famous educator and historian in medical science with rather high achievement.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Oxygen utilization coefficient in predicting the severity of critical illness].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of oxygen utilization coefficient (O(2)UC ) in predicting the severity of various diseases. METHODS: Gas analysis of arterial blood and central venous blood and calculation of O(2)UC [O(2)UC = (SaO(2) - SvO(2))/SaO(2)] were carried out in different groups (group 1, 16 cases of trauma, all survived; group 2, 18 emergency cases undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR); group 3, 13 cases undergoing CPR in intensive care unit, all died; group 4, 13 critically ill patients. RESULTS: O(2)UC was 0.30 +/- 0.08, 0.67 +/- 0.27 and 0.60 +/- 0.15 in the groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The difference between group 1 and 2 was significant (P < 0.001). O(2)UC persisted to increase, and maintained high for a long time (more than 8 approximately 12 hours), the prognosis of the patients was bad. The critical limitation of O(2)UC was 0.40. In group 4 O(2)UC was closely correlated with the severity of clinical condition. CONCLUSION: O(2)UC is a convenient, reliable and sensible predictor in the treatment of critically ill patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Changes of interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor serum level and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in severely traumatic patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role in the changes of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2R (sIL-2R) serum level in the mechanism of post-traumatic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: 59 severe traumatic patients were divided into MODS group (n = 24) and non-MODS group (n = 35) according to the occurrence of MODS after trauma. The changes in IL-2 and sIL-2R serum level were observed by enzyme linked immunoabsorbed assay (ELISA). Sera from 30 healthy individuals were used as normal controls. RESULTS: The serum level of sIL-2R was increased and that of IL-2 decreased in 59 traumatic patients. These changes were more marked in the MODS group than in non-MODS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in IL-2 and sIL-2R serum level after trauma might participate in the mechanism of post-traumatic MODS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Quality of life as a time-dependent covariable in cox regression analysis and its application].

OBJECTIVE: To present a statistical method for combined evaluation of the quality of life and survival time and to study some issues in its application. METHODS: Based on Cox regression model, quality of life was used as a time-dependent covariable in analysis of the influence factors for the effectiveness of detoxification in 212 drug addicts. RESULTS: The influence factors entered the regression equation were ways of detoxification for drug abusers, marital status, mode of drug abuse, frequency of detoxification, maternal educational level, maternal occupation, family atmosphere and help and encourage from their relatives and friends, with their hazard ratios of 0.673, 1.315, 1.319, 0.867, 1.120, 1.318, 0.724 and 1.150, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined statistical analysis of quality of life and survival time was a better method for the evaluation of the effectiveness of detoxification and its influence factors, which depended mainly on their mother's qualification, family atmosphere, mode and length of drug abuse, etc.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

[Affection of aprotinin on tissue factor pathway inhibitor in peri-operation of cardiac direct vision operation].

Twenty patients underwent cardiac operation with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). We collected their blood samples during peri-operation and measured tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI) and active coagulation time(ACT). The results were that TFPI and ACT were significantly increased after heparin injection and during CPB. The changes of TFPI and ACT were similar and pathophysiological; it was evident that heparin stimulated TFPI release and ACT prolonged during cardiac operation with CPB. Aprotinin did not affect the change of TFPI. The results suggest that TFPI has the effect on anticoagulation during CPB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Protective and therapeutic effects of intravenous-immunoglobulin on viral myocarditis].

This study was conducted to determine whether the administration of domestically manufactured intravenous-immunoglobulin (IVIG) could prevent or alleviate myocarditis in mice. Male BALB/c mice were randomized into two groups for protection group (P) and therapy group (T), and each of the two groups was subdivided into 4 groups (1, 2, 3 and c). A 7-day protocol with daily IVIG dosage of 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1 g/kg for groups, P1, T1, P2, T2 and P3, T3 respectively was designed. In the experiment, the mice were inoculated with Coxsackie virus B3. The prevention groups (P1, P2, P3) received IVIG in the week immediately after the inoculation; the therapy groups (T1, T2, T3) received IVIG in the second week after the inoculation. All the animals were observed for 14 days. The results showed that all mice in groups P2 and P3 survived and the pathological studies revealed no myocarditis change. By the end of observation, however, 7 mice in the control group (Pc) died with severe myocarditis changes while one mouse in group P1 died with only slight inflammatory lesions in the heart. The survival rates of groups P1, P2 and P3(95%, 100% and 100%) differed significantly from the control (65%) statistically (P < 0.05). Similarly, the results of computed image analysis demonstrated that a significant difference existed between the cardiac lesions of groups P1 and Pc in severity (P < 0.05). The survival rates were 80.0%, 93.3%, 93.3% and 53.3% for groups T1, T2, T3 and Tc respectively (P < 0.05 for T2, T3 v. s. control), yet the hearts and heart/body weight ratios of T2 and T3 were significantly smaller than those of control, pathological study was supportive which showed slight (T2 and T3) or mild (T1) lesions of the heart in comparison with the control. These results demonstrate that Chinese made IVIG has definite protective and therapeutic effects on the mice infected with CVB3.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Influence of intravenous-immunoglobulin on T lymphocyte subsets, NK cell and some cytokines in mice with experimental viral myocarditis].

This study sought to gain an insight into the immunological pathogenesis of viral myocarditis and the mechanism of therapeutic action of intravenous-immunoglobulin (IVIG) on the disease, BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups: normal control group; "myocarditis model group", inoculated intraperitoneally with CVB3; "IVIG protection group", injected intraperitoneally with CVB3 and IVIG; and "IVIG treatment groups", injected intraperitoneally with CVB3 and IVIG. The amount of T cell in different T cell subsets and the activities of NK cell, IL-1 and IL-2 were assayed using spleen specimen while peripheral blood was used to measure TNF activity. The results showed: that in comparison with normal control, all spleen T cell subsets decreased in amount in myocarditis model group, so did its NK cell activity while its IL-1, IL-2 and TNF activities increased significantly. When compared with myocarditis model group, however, both IVIG protection group and IVIG treatment group showed significant elevation of NK cell activity and T cell subsets but reduced IL-1, IL-2 and TNF activities with no remarkable change in T cell subsets. The results of suggest that the immunological injury mediated by T cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis. The protective and therapeutic effects of IVIG on the murine CVB3 myocarditis and the related immunological evidence of its actions may indicate the prospect that IVIG will become a potent and safe treatment for viral myocarditis in human.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Changes of simple epithelial cytokeratin during oral carcinogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the simple epithelial cytokeratin CK18 and CK19 can be used as a marker of oral precancerous lesions. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of normal oral mucosa, epithelial hyperplasia, mild epithelial dysplasia, moderate epithelial dysplasia, severe epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinomas were stained with a CK18-specific antibody and CK19-specific antibody respectively by LSAB immunohistochemical method. The stained sections were observed under light microscopy. The results were described and analyzed with Rank Sum Test. RESULTS: CK18 was not detected in normal and abnormal oral tissue sections. But in normal nonkeratinized mucosa, CK19 was detected in the basal cell layer dispersively. In epithelial dysplasia, CK19 was detected in the suprabasal cell layer and the number of CK19-positive cell layers was correlated with the dysplasia degree of epithelia. Furthermore, CK19 was detected in oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially in the poor-differentiated cancer cells. CONCLUSION: CK19 expression in suprabasal cell layer of oral mucosa can be used as a candidate marker for diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions and determination of the differentiation level of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1999

[Expression of CDK4 protein in oral carcinogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK4) protein in oral carcinogenesis. METHODS: An LSAB immunohistochemistry method was applied to 80 cases of paraffine-fixed tissues to study the expression and distribution of CDK4 in normal oral mucosa, oral premalignant lesion (OPL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: The overexpression of CDK4 protein was observed in the progression of OPL. Meanwhile, a correlation analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between P16 and CDK4 expression, and the result showed that the coefficient of correlation was 0.813, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of CDK4 is involved in the progression of OPL, and there is a positive feedback loop between CDK4 and P16.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4↗
PubMed1999

[An immunohistochemical and morphometric study of myoepithelial cells in salivary glands of human and experimental animals].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether differences exist between myoepithelial cells of human beings and experimental animals. METHODS: Myoepithelial cells(MeCs) of 8 kinds of experimental animals were studied immunohistochemically using muscle-acting-specific monoclonal antibody HHF35 and morphometrically using image-analysis. RESULTS: There were differences in mean proportional volumes of MeCs between human beings and experimental animals. The mean proportional volumes of mucous acini were more than those of serous acini except salivary glands of rodents. CONCLUSION: The mean proportional volume of MeCs in salivary glands associates with animal species and secretion of salivary glands.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Progress in studies on cavitation of mechanical heart valve].

This paper reviews the researches on cavitation of mechanical heart valve in recent years and presents a discussion on the research methods. The achievements are summarized and the prospects of further research on cavitation in mechanical heart valve are brought forth.

Heart Valve Prosthesis↗
PubMed1999

[Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the possibility of curing chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy. METHOD: 30 adult eyes with chronic dacryocystitis were divided into two groups: 20 treated under endoscopy as endoscopy group and 10 under rhinoscope as control. RESULT: In endoscopy group, treatment in all 20 eyes successed at the first time, but in control group only in 8 of the 10 eyes successed at the first time and the other 2 needed second surgery. CONCLUSION: Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy is better.

Chronic Disease↗