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Biomedical subjects

Z Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Z Wang.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

The expression of AT1 receptor on hepatic stellate cells in rat fibrosis induced by CCl4.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of an ACE inhibitor and an Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist on preventing hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats and to investigate whether there is the expression of AT1 receptors on hepatic stellate cells. METHODS: Studies were conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Except for model group and control group, in three treated groups, either enalapril (5 mg/kg), or losartan (10 mg/kg), or enalapril + losartan were given to the fibrotic rats (daily gavage). Saline vehicle was given to the control group. After 6 weeks, liver fibrosis was assessed directly by hepatic morphometric analysis. The expression of AT1 receptors and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in liver tissue and isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were detected by immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Compared with the fibrosis in rats of the model group, rats treated with either enalapril or losartan, or a combination of two drugs, showed a limited expansion of the interstitium (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed among the three treated groups (P > 0.05). The expression of AT1 receptors was found in abundance in the fibrotic interstitium of the fibrotic rats, whereas in the normal control rats they were limited to the vascular wall. AT1 receptors were also expressed on activated HSC in culture plates. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 blockers might slow the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Activated HSCs expressed AT1 receptors. Activation of RAS might be related to hepatic fibrogenesis induced by CCl4.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2001

Serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism and kinetic behaviour of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect serum G-CSF in 61 patients with chronic renal failure +/- long-term hemodialysis and 30 normal controls. RESULTS: Serum G-CSF levels in CRF patients were significantly higher than in normal controls. Eighty percent of patients had detectable G-CSF and serum G-CSF levels were 566.40 +/- 207.98 ng/L in non-hemodialyzed (non-HD) patients. The detectable percentage in hemodialyzed patients was 93.33%, serum G-CSF levels in pre-HD and post-HD patients were 1255.36 +/- 611.25 ng/L and 1151.61 +/- 599.47 ng/L respectively. Serum G-CSF levels in HD patients were slightly higher than in non-HD patients, but no significant difference was found between the two groups. No difference was found between the G-CSF values obtained in pre-HD and post-HD patients. There was no relationship between G-CSF levels and WBC, BUN or Scr (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high value of G-CSF in patients with CRF may be caused by a decrease in G-CSF clearance and/or an increase in G-CSF release.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Isolation and specific detection of two major schistosoma gut-associated circulating antigens.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nature of the common epitopes of Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) circulating anodic (CAA) and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) and to try to obtain sufficient purified material to set up a standard series for quantitative determinations. METHODS: Isolation of the two worm fractions from a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble preparation of S. japonicum adult worm antigen (AWAj-TCA) via Mono-Q anion exchange chromatography was performed and analysis of specific reactivity of the eluted fractions was done by antigen-capture Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) specific for CAA or CCA with reference to affinity purified preparations of S. mansoni CAA and CCA. RESULTS: When an ionic strength gradient was used, CCA was eluted in two major peaks, an unbound fraction CCA-1, and a major bound fraction, CCA-2. Two additional minor peaks, CCA-3 and CCA-4, were eluted at higher ionic strengths. CAA was only detected in the bound fraction, partly overlapping with CCA-3. In the CCA-1 and CCA-2 fractions, reactivity was only found in the antigen-capture ELISA using anti-CCA McAbs both for capture and detection. The CAA fraction was predominantly found to be positive in the antigen-capture ELISA using anti-CAA McAbs both for capture and detection. However, in ELISA using combined anti-CAA and anti-CAA McAbs for capture and detection, this fraction showed some reactivity. CONCLUSION: The two CCA fractions contain molecules which bear at least two CCA-epitopes; the CAA fraction contains molecules which contain at least two CAA-epitopes, and one CCA-epitope.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Docitaxol-induction apoptosis of osteosarcoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the growth inhibition and apoptosis induction effect of docitaxol on osteosarcoma cells. METHODS: The effect of docitaxol on osteosarcomat cell line PL-1 was examined by cell count, morphologic observation, flow cytometry (FCM) and electronmicroscopy. RESULTS: Docitaxol inhibited the growth of PL-1 in a time and dose-dependent manner. The osteosarcoma cells were blocked at G1 phase of the cell cycle. The treated cells presented features typical of apoptosis. Cells recultured shortly after being treated with docitaxol were more apt to undergo apoptosis than cells treated with docitaxol continuously. CONCLUSION: The growth inhibiting effect of docitaxol is due to its ability to induce apoptosis. It shows great potential in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
PubMed2001

[Pathological study of extracorporeally ablated hepatocellular carcinoma with high-intensity focused ultrasound].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathological changes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after extracorporeal ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). METHODS: A total of 56 patients with HCC was treated with HIFU. Of the 56 patients treated, 6 underwent surgical resection of the tumor 5 to 18 days following HIFU treatment The resected specimens were examined under light and electron microscope. RESULTS: Light microscope examination showed clear boundary between the treated and untreated area. Outside of the boundary the hepatic parenchyma was almost normal. In the treated area, all tumor cells appeared irreversibly dead in the forms of nuclear pyknosis, debris, and dissolution. The blood sinusoids were collapsing with endothelial cell damage. Granulation tissue was formed with the presence of immature fibroblasts and new capillaries in the boundary region between treated and untreated area. Eighteen days after HIFU treatment, the ultrasound damaged area was partially replaced by the proliferative repair tissue. Electronic microscopic examination showed the distorted tumor cells with severe destruction of cell organelles and nuclei. The cytoplasm was irregularly vesiculated, and the membranes of the organelles were broken. Cell membrane and nuclear membrane disintegration, as well as nucleus disruption were generally observed. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal treatment of HCC with HIFU proved safe, effective, and feasible. This modality could potentially provide a new and noninvasive therapy for HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2001

[Placental expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in pregnancy induced hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in placenta from women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: EGFR of placenta was determined by immunohistological method and compared between normal pregnancies (34 cases) and pregnancies accompanied by PIH (30 cases). RESULTS: Positive immunostain of EGFR was located on cytoplasm, and membrane of syncytiotrophoblast and a small part of cytotrophoblast. Compared with that of normal pregnancy, the expression of EGFR in placenta from pregnancies complicated with PIH decreased significantly (P < 0.05). No significant differences of EGFR expression in placenta were found among women with mild, moderate and severe PIH (P > 0.5). No significant correlation was found between expression of EGFR and neonatal birthweight, placental weight (P > 0.01, for both). CONCLUSION: Decreased expression of placental EGFR was found in women with PIH, and that may play a role in the pathogenesis of PIH.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[The role of plasma placental isoferritin in pathogenesis of preeclampsia and its predictive value for preeclampsia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of placental isoferritin in pathogenesis of preeclampsia and its predictive value. METHODS: A prospective double-blinded study was performed. There were 120 initial normal pregnant women at earlier third trimester (from 24 to 34 weeks) in this study. Their plasma placental isoferritin and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (nitrite/nitrate) (NO2-/NO3-) were examined by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess assay respectively. The outcomes of pregnancies were followed up. RESULTS: In 120 initial normal pregnant women, 19 pregnant women occurred preeclampsia (preeclampsia group), and 101 cases were normal (normal group) at follow up. The levels of plasma placental isoferritin (PLF) were significantly decreased in preeclampsia group (285.31 +/- 53.73 mg/L) than that of normal group (699.05 +/- 203.03) mg/L, P < 0.01. The levels of plasma NO were significantly increased in preeclampsia group (54.57 +/- 32.71 mumol/L) than that of normal group (38.89 +/- 30.00) mumol/L, P < 0.05. The significant negative correlation between the plasma placental isoferritin and NO levels was observed(r = 0.329, P < 0.01). At the cut point of 400 mg/L PLF level, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Kappa index of PLF level predicting on the outcomes of pregnancy with preeclampsia were 100%, 85.15%, 55.88%, 100%, 0.645. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of plasma placental isoferritin levels is associated with preeclampsia, and the endothelial cell damage may be one of its mechanism. The PLF may be an earlier predictor of preeclampsia at 24-34 gestational weeks.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Effects of mifepristone on expression of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor in cultured human eutopic and ectopic endometria].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mifepristone on expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in cultured human eutopic and ectopic endometria. METHODS: Endometrial (n = 22) and endometriotic (n = 12) tissues, obtained from patients with endometriosis, were cultured with and without mifepristone (1 x 10(-6) mol/L, 1 x 10(-4) mol/L) for 7-10 days. The expressions of ER, PR were determined by semi-quantitative immunocytochemistry method. Thirteen normal endometrial samples served as controls. RESULTS: The expressions of ER and PR in normal and eutopic endometrial cells showed the same cyclic pattern. The only difference was the significantly higher PR glandular content in eutopic endometria of endometriosis patients, as compared with normal controls [histochemistry score (H-score) 2.77 +/- 0.32 Vs 2.20 +/- 0.26 P < 0.05]. On the contrary, the ER, PR expressions in ectopic endometrial cells were significantly lower only during the proliferative phase (ER: gland 0.65-2.17 Vs 1.50-3.23, stroma 0.45-1.03 Vs 0.80-1.96; PR: gland 0.55-1.77 Vs 1.55-3.34, stroma 0.40-1.27 Vs 0.98-2.50; P < 0.05-0.01); significantly higher only during the late secretory phase (ER: gland 3.27 +/- 0.31 Vs 0.28 +/- 0.11, stroma 1.87 +/- 0.31 Vs 0.26 +/- 0.15; PR: gland 3.33 +/- 0.23 Vs 0.36 +/- 0.23) as compared with those of eutopic endometria. 10(-6)-10(-4) mol/L of mifepristone significantly suppressed the expressions of ER, PR in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial cells of endometriosis patients (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of ER, PR of endometriotic cells differed significantly from that of endometrial cells of patients with or without endometriosis. The down-regulatory effect on ER and PR may be one of the therapeutic mechanism of mifepristone on endometriosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Stroke related knowledge, attitude and behavior of Chinese health professionals].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB) of Chinese health professionals and the affected factors in stroke. METHODS: 1722 anticipated participants were selected by stratified-random sampling, actual participants were 1609. Out of these participants, 1,537 were eligible for analysis. The data were gathered through self-administrated questionnaire. RESULTS: More than 70% of the health professionals selected the correct answers to some questions, but only 25.7% realized that cerebral arteriosclerosis is the most important cause of ischemic stroke. 57.8% and 48.1% of the health professionals suggested and helped patients to reduce weight and restrict salt, respectively; but only 28.0% suggested and helped patients to do physical exercise in non-acute phase. Analyses of multiple linear regression showed that health professionals' education, title, specialty and training in prevention and control of cardiovascular disease as well as the cardiovascular disease history of patients' family members were positively, significantly and independently related to KAB score. CONCLUSION: Health professionals' KAB score about stroke was low on average, health promotion is the access to improvement of health professionals' KAB level.

China↗
PubMed2001

[Effects of seed coating formulation on seedling characters of Atractylodes macrocephala].

The effects of seed coating formulation (SCF) of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. on seedling in two experimental plots located in Hangzhou and Jiande were studied, and desinged with L9(3(4)) orthogonal comparison. The results showed that the SCF with paclobutrazol (pp333) had a significant effect on the rate of germination at Hangzhou plot, all factors had no significant effects on length of seedlings in both plots, and both atonik (sodium O-nitrophenolate) and PP333 on the fresh or dry seedling weight had significant effects.

Asteraceae↗
PubMed2001

[Experimental studies of the protective effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae on brain injury in rats caused by repeated exposures to +Gz].

Objective. To investigate the preventive and theralseutive (therapeutic) effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM) on brain injury caused by repeated +Gz exposures. Method. bFGF and RSM were injected intraperitoneally into SD rats before and after repeated +Gz exposures. The contents of excitatory amino acids (EAAs), nitric oxide (NO) and the number of cell apoptosis in the brain were measured, and were compared to those of the control group and normal saline (NS) group. Result. The contents of EAAs, NO and the number of cell apoptosis were significantly higher in repeated +Gz exposures group than those in control group. The values were markedly lower in bFGF and RSM group than those in repeated +Gz exposures group and NS group. Conclusion. bFGF and RSM showed distinct preventive and therapeutic effect on the brain injury induced by repeated +Gz exposures.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Soil P availability in larch rhizosphere].

Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of larch(Larix gmelini) stand by exfoliation method, and the variation of P concentration was analyzed. The results show that there was no significant difference between total P concentrations in the rhizosphere and the non-rhizosphere soil, while the concentration of available P in rizhosphere soil was significantly higher than that in the non-rhizosphere soil. The concentrations of available P in rhizosphere 12 years old and 40 years old larch rhizosphered by 12.6% and 23.4% respectively, indicating that larch roots had the effect of mobilizing soil phosphorus. The components of inorganic P in rhizospheric soil were different from those in non-rhizospheric soil. The concentration of O-P was lower, and the concentrations of Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P, NH4Cl-P were higher in the rhizosphere. The pH of rhizospheric soil was lower than that of non-rhizospheric soil, but no further acidification was observed. There was no close relationship between pH variation and available P concentration in larch rhizosphere.

Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗
PubMed2001

[Combined construction of rainwater catchment techniques with methane pool and greenhouse].

A combined structure of rainwater catchment, methane pool and reformed greenhouse was constructed to improve water use efficiency. The results showed that the combination of rainwater catchment, reserving techniques and water saving measures was efficient to resolve the problem of water deficiency in the semi-arid region with precipitation of 250-550 mm. The combined structure of water catchment engineering, greenhouse and methane pool redistributed light, temperature, water and heat to develop higher benefits economic crops, and improved water use efficiency, which made it possible to develop high yield, and best quality agriculture in this region. Through optimizing the ecological factor in greenhouse, the water use was reduced by 50%-70%, and the soil temperature and night temperature were raised. This combined construction also improved productivity in greenhouse, and efficiently controlled plant diseases and insect pests. Methane pool provided CO2 and part energy source. The shady area back of the greenhouse was exploited by growing shady crops and epiphyte, which contributed to exchange energy and CO2 between light and shady house. This model could be used as water catchment agricultural development model in the region, and some other new approaches to water catchment agriculture in semi-arid region were discussed in this paper.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Regulative effect of P38MAPK on release of TNFalpha and NO from alveolar macrophages under endotoxin stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate activation of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) in alveolar macrophage (AM), release of TNFalpha and NO from cells, and their relationship following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. METHODS: AM was isolated from branch alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The activation of P38MAPK was assayed by Western blot. SB203580, a specific inhibitor of P38MAPK, was used with gradient concentration to evaluate the regulative effect of P38MAPK on the release of TNFalpha and NO from AM. RESULTS: P38MAPK was activated by LPS (100 ng/ml) with peak activation at 30 minutes. The activation of P38MAPK was inhibited by SB203580. The secretion of TNFalpha and NO stimulated with LPS increased (P<0.01) and was inhibited by SB203580 significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that P38MAPK is involved in the secreting process of TNFalpha and NO following LPS stimulation. P38MAPK may be an important site for controlling the secretion of both inflammatory mediators during lung inflammatory disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Retinochoroidal changes after severe brain impact injury in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate retinochoroidal changes and establish eye damage model after brain impact injury. METHODS: An eye damage model after brain impact injury was established by striking the frontoparietal zone in rabbits with BIM-II bioimpact machine. Seventeen rabbits were killed at 4 different intervals after injury. The pathological characteristics of the retinal and choroid damages were observed. RESULTS: All the rabbits had severe brain injury with subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain contusion. The eye damage occurred in all of the 17 rabbits. Hemorrhage in optic nerve sheaths was observed and retinal edema and bleeding was discovered with ophthalmoscope. Histopathologic study displayed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the retrobulbar portion of the retinal nerve, general choroid blood vessel dilatation, retinal nerve fibre swelling within 6 hours after injury, and flat retinal detachment with subretinal proteinoid exudation, and degeneration and disappearance of the outer segment of the optic cell over 6 hours after injury. CONCLUSIONS: The pathological characteristic of the eye damage at early stage following brain impact injury is local circulation disturbance. At late stage, it features in retinal detachment, and optic cellular degeneration and necrosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Animal study on lung injury caused by simulant segmented shock waves.

OBJECTIVE: To study the lung injury caused by segmented shock waves. METHODS: A total of 60 rabbits and 20 rats were used in this study. The process of transmission of shock waves was divided into three phases, i.e., the recompression phase (RP), the decompression phase (DP) and the underpressure phase (UP). And the recompression wave (RW), the decompression wave (DW) a nd the underpressure wave (UW) simulated the three phases, respectively, generated by the equipment designed by us. The RW test, DW test and UW test were respectively applied to the animals. And lung injuries caused by segmented shock waves were discussed. RESULTS: Under the experimental conditions, the RW did not cause obvious lung injury, but the DW could cause different severities of lung injuries. The greater the decompression ranged and the shorter the decompression duration was adopted, the more severe the lung injury was observed. The UW, to some extent, could cause obvious lung injury. CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that lung injury under shock waves probably occurs during the DP primarily. It probably does not cause direct obvious lung injury during the RP, but significantly influences the capability of causing lung injury during the DP.

Animals↗