[Clinical study on effect of sini decoction on ischemia/reperfusion injury by Holter monitoring in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of Sini Decoction (SND) on ischemia/reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Randomized case-control clinical trial was conducted to observe the change of Holter monitoring in 22 cases of AMI treated with thrombolytic therapy before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The lasting time of acute ST segment, total burden of myocardial infarction, QRS score, QT dispersion and occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmia in patients received SND treatment were lower than those untreated with SND (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SND is helpful in improving reperfusion injury of thrombolytic therapy in AMI patients.

[Mechanism of sini decoction in regulating beta-adrenergic receptor signal transduction in rats with myocardial ischemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Sini Decoction (SND) on beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signal transduction in rats with myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

After beta-AR had been blocked by propranolol, the myocardial ischemia rats were established by pituitrin injection. The density of beta-AR in myocardial cell membrane was determined by radioligand binding assay, cAMP level in plasma and myocardial tissue was detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the mRNA expression of beta 1-AR and beta 1-AR kinase (beta ARK-1) was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplifying assay.

RESULTS

In myocardial ischemia group, the density of beta 1-AR was up-regulated and the mRNA expression of beta ARK-1 increased (P < 0.01), but the cAMP level in plasma and myocardium was lower than that in the normal group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). SND could promote beta 1-AR mRNA expression and inhibit beta ARK-1 mRNA expression so as to increase the density of beta-AR and cause significant raising of cAMP level in plasma and myocardium.

CONCLUSION

SND could reduce the desensitization of beta 1-AR during myocardial ischemia and improve signal transduction of beta-AR.

Myocardial protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury by a Polygonum multiflorum extract supplemented 'Dang-Gui decoction for enriching blood', a compound formulation, ex vivo

'Dang-Gui Decoction for Enriching the Blood' (BE), a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Angelica sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus, is used for stimulating red blood cell production as well as enhancing cardiovascular function. In the present study, we have demonstrated the myocardial protection afforded by BE pretreatment against ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in isolated-perfused rat hearts. A more complete and potent myocardial protection against IR injury was also shown by a Polygonum multiflorum extract supplemented BE preparation (BEA). The results suggest that the more potent cardioprotective action of BEA may be related to its ability to sustain the myocardial glutathione antioxidant status under conditions of IR-induced oxidative stress, which may possibly in turn result from the synergistic interaction between the BE and Polygonum extract.

Myocardial protective effect of an anthraquinone-containing extract of Polygonum multiflorum ex vivo

An ethyl acetate extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PME) was fractionated into an anthraquinone-containing (PME-I) and a non-anthraquinone-containing (PME-II) fraction. The effects of PME and its related extracts pretreatment on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in isolated perfused rat hearts were examined. Pretreatment with PME extract or its anthraquinone-containing fraction produced a dose-dependent protection against myocardial IR injury, as evidenced by a significant decrease in the extent of LDH leakage as well as an improvement in contractile force recovery. The myocardial protection was found to be associated with an enhancement in myocardial glutathione antioxidant status, as indicated by significant reductions in both the extent of IR-induced reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion and inhibition of Se-glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GRD) activities. Both alpha-tocopherol acetate (VE) and emodin (EMD) pretreatments protected against IR-induced myocardial injury as assessed by the decrease in the extent of LDH leakage. But the contractile force recovery of the ischemic-reperfused hearts prepared from VE or EMD pretreated animals was not improved. The more complete myocardial protection afforded by the anthraquinone-containing fraction of PME extract may be related to its ability to sustain the glutathione antioxidant status under the condition of IR-induced oxidative stress.

[Study on platelet-derived growth factor mRNA and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase mRNA expression changes of aortic artery endothelium with restenosis after aortic artery dilatation treated with buyang huanwu decoction]

OBJECTIVE

To study on dynamic mechanism of restenosis after PTCA treated with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD).

METHODS

Twenty-eight male New Zealand rabbits with mimic restenosis after aortic artery dilatation were detected by prime in situ labeling in aortic endothelium. The items included gene expression of copper zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) mRNA to analyse dynamic mechanism of restenosis.

RESULTS

Seven days after aortic artery dilatation, PDGFR mRNA of aortic endothelium decreased clearly. The comparison between experimental and the control group showed significant difference (P < 0.05). By the same condition, the gene expression of SOD-1 was increasing, which showed a significant difference with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BYHWD increased SOD-1 gene expression of artery endothelium, to improve oxygen feed for ischemia reperfusion in the same way, BYHWD suppressed PDGFR mRNA expression to control cellular pathological proliferation.

[Improvement of sini decoction on hemorheology following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To study the hemorheological effects of Sini decoction on patients following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

METHODS

Forty-six patients were randomly divided into Sini decoction and control groups. The hemorheologic variables were determined before and after Sini decoction treatment.

RESULTS

No hemorheologic changes were observed in the patients (n = 23) only with PTCA, but the patients (n = 23) with Sini decoction were found to be significantly decreased in whole blood viscosity and red cell aggregation and dredging the blood of microcirculation as post-PTCA compared to pre-PTCA.

CONCLUSION

Sini decoction could improve the patient's hemorheology.

Isolation and characterization of a unique group of slowly growing mycobacteria: description of Mycobacterium lentiflavum sp. nov

A distinct group of slowly growing mycobacteria was identified on the basis of growth characteristics, biochemical and lipid profiles, and nucleic acid analyses. The isolates showed growth at 22 to 37 degrees C, yellow pigmentation, and negative tests for Tween 80 hydrolysis, nicotinic acid, nitrate reductase, and urease; tests for arylsulfatase, pyrazinamidase, and heat-stable catalase were variable. Analysis of cellular fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography and mycolic acids by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography indicated a distinctive pattern which was unlike those of other species. Determination of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed a unique sequence closely related to Mycobacterium simiae and M. genavense. On the basis of DNA homology studies, we suggest that these organisms are representatives of a novel species, for which the name M. lentiflavum sp. nov. is proposed.

Studies on the agronomic characteristics, yield, and saikosaponin content of two Bupleurum species in Taiwan

Two Bupleurum species (Bupleurums spp.), i.e., B. falcatum L. cv. Tainung No. 1 and B. kaoi Liu, Chao, et Chuang, were compared for their differences in seed germination, plant characteristics and root yield, and saikosaponin content. Experimental data showed that the most suitable temperature for seed germination of the two species was 16 degrees C. Two treatments, cold stratification at 4 degrees C for 8 weeks and presoaking by running water for 2 days, resulted in higher germination rates. Tainung No. 1 possessed a higher 1,000-seed weight than B. kaoi. However, field survival rate was higher for B. kaoi than for Tainung No.1. Results from field experiments also revealed that stem diameter, leaf width and fresh weight of various plant parts except the root were superior for Tainung No. 1 to B. kaoi. On the contrary, tiller number and root diameter and weight of B. kaoi were higher than those of Tainung No. 1. Harvest data and elevation had significant effects on the agronomic performance of the two Bupleurum spp. Measurements of most traits of the 6 month-old plants were superior to those of the 3 and 10 month-old plants. Cultivation at higher elevation (850 m) favored the development of leaf weight and root length, while cultivation at lower elevation (85 m) facilitated the development of plant height, root diameter, and root weight. Analysis of saikosaponin concentration in the root tissue revealed that average contents of 3.19 and 3.80 mg/g, respectively, for plants grown at the elevations of 850 m and 85 m. Comparison between the two species showed no significant difference in saikosaponin content, ranging from 3.45 to 3.55 mg/g.

[Mechanisms responsible for protective effect of Sini decoction on ischemic myocardium in mice]

The possible mechanisms responsible for the protective effect of Sini decoction (SND) on the ischemic myocardium were studied on the mice model of pituitrin-induced myocardial ischemia in terms of free radical. Results indicated that SND significantly decreased the concentration of oxygen free radical and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased nutritional blood flow and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in ischemic myocardium. These results suggested that three mechanisms whereby SND exerted its protective effects existed; improving the perfusion of ischemic myocardium, attenuating the injurious action of free radical and strengthening the free radical defense.

Effects of media, atmosphere, and incubation time on colonial morphology of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

Arcanobacterium haemolyticum causes pharyngitis as well as skin and other wound infections. Although it is a beta-hemolytic organism, the hemolysis is less well defined than that of beta-hemolytic streptococci and may be overlooked in cultures with heavy growth of commensal throat flora. To determine whether routine throat culture conditions are sufficient to produce recognizable colonies of A. haemolyticum, the morphology of six distinct strains was studied after various combinations of incubation time, medium, and atmosphere. The agar media, containing 5% sheep blood, were Trypticase soy agar, Columbia agar, and heart infusion agar. Cultures were incubated in ambient air, 6 to 8% CO2, or an anaerobic atmosphere. Cultures were compared after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation for colony size, clarity and size of hemolytic zone, and macroscopic evidence of agar pitting. A minimum of 48 h was needed for expression of beta-hemolysis and pitting. Trypticase soy agar was the superior medium and CO2 was the superior atmosphere for beta-hemolysis. Agar pitting was not significantly affected by variations in medium or atmosphere. Strains differed in their expression of hemolysis and production of pits at 48 h. After 72 h of incubation, beta-hemolysis and pitting were visible in over 96% of culture observations.

Midgut basal lamina thickness and dengue-1 virus dissemination rates in laboratory strains of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Strain differences in midgut basal lamina thickness, assessed by measurement in transmission electron micrographs, and disseminated infection rates of dengue-1 virus were compared among three laboratory strains of Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Mean basal lamina thickness for the New Orleans and Houston strains were significantly greater than those for the Oahu strain, which exhibits a higher disseminated infection rate than the former two. Although basal lamina thickness among the F1 progeny of reciprocal crosses of the Oahu and Houston strains were intermediate between the parental strains, they were too variable to be useful as markers in genetic studies. Measurements of basal laminae among individuals of the New Orleans strain, with disseminated or nondisseminated infections, failed to demonstrate a role for basal lamina thickness as a modulator of dengue-1 virus dissemination across the midgut epithelium of Ae. albopictus.

Genetic factors controlling susceptibility to Leishmania major infection in the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Studies of the genetic factors controlling Leishmania major infection in Phlebotomus papatasi were carried out using 2 different sand fly lines: one highly susceptible and the other refractory to the parasite. L. major infection rates in both F1 and F2 generations from reciprocal crosses and in backcrosses between the parent lines showed that susceptibility and refractoriness of Ph. papatasi to infection with L. major are controlled by less than 1 gene. Neither susceptibility nor refractoriness is dominant over the other.

Selection of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) lines susceptible and refractory to Leishmania major infection

Variation in susceptibility to infection with cultured promastigotes of Leishmania major was detected among 3 different geographic strains (ISRAEL, EGYPT, and INDIA) of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. The ISRAEL strain showed the greatest susceptibility and was chosen for subsequent genetic selection experiments. After 13 generations of genetic selection in this strain, a stable refractory line was obtained in which only 7.5% of the insects could be infected. A highly susceptible line was also obtained in 5 generations of selection. Infection rates in the susceptible line were stabilized at about 94%. A description of the selection process and characteristics of the 2 lines are given.

De novo formation of immune complexes in human kidney allografts

Cryostat sections of 11 rejected human renal grafts were selected for positive results in immunofluorescence tests. Immune complexes were detected in glomerular basement membrane (9 cases), tubular basement membrane (3 cases), and vessels (5 cases). Preincubation of the sections with FII of pooled human serum, but not of rabbit serum, prevented the staining of immune complexes for human IgG. These findings were interpreted by the assumption that most complexes under study were produced by reaction of the patient's altered IgG with the rheumatoid-like factor of IgG variety.

Spontaneous rupture of a metastatic brain tumor into the ventricular system. Report of two cases

✓ Two cases are reported in which spontaneous rupture of a metastatic brain tumor occurred into the ventricular system, leading to the dissemination of the tumor contents in the cerebrospinal fluid. The site of rupture was demonstrated by ventriculography in the first case and by surgical exposure in the second. These cases support the assumption that metastatic neoplasms within the brain may rupture into the ventricular system and spread via the cerebrospinal fluid pathways.