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Optimizing the performance of front silver paste is of great significance in improving the efficiency of the photoelectric conversion of crystalline silicon solar cells. As a conductive functional phase of silver paste, the structure and performance of silver powder have an important influence on the sintering process of silver paste and the conductivity of silver electrodes. Because of their two−dimensional structure, flake silver powders can effectively increase the contact area with other silver powders and silicon cells before sintering. Additionally, flake silver particles have higher surface energy and sintering activity than spherical silver particles of the same particle size. However, recent research has mainly focused on the influence of the particle size of silver powder. This paper fills the research gap regarding the morphology of silver powders and clarifies the influence of flake silver powders on the performance of silver paste. The influence of the ratio of spherical silver powder to flake silver powder in silver paste on the sheet resistance, adhesion, and specific contact resistivity of silver film after sintering at 800 °C was studied, and the optimal ratio was determined according to a cross−sectional contact picture of the silver film. The results showed that with the increase in the mass fraction of the flake silver powder, the sheet resistance of the sintered silver film gradually increased, the adhesion first increased and then decreased, and the specific contact resistance first decreased and then increased. When the flake silver powder content was 0%, the minimum sheet resistance of the silver film was 2.41 m Ω/☐. When the flake silver powder content was 30%, the maximum adhesion of the silver film was 6.07 N. When the flake silver powder content was 50%, the minimum specific contact resistivity of the silver film was 0.25 Ω·cm2. In conclusion, when the flake silver powder content was 30%, the comprehensive performance of the silver film was the best.

The effect of a specific Chinese swimmer’s trunk oscillation on dolphin kick was investigated in order to optimize competitive swimming movement. Using a numerical simulation method based on multi-body motion, different swimmer’s trunk oscillation during a dolphin kick was analyzed. The simulation was conducted using 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations and renormalization group k-ε turbulence model, combined with the Volume of Fluid method to capture the water surface. The simulation’s results were evaluated by comparing them with experimental data and with previous studies. The net streamwise forces, mean swimming velocity, and joint moments were also investigated. There was a positive correlation between the mean swimming velocity and the amplitudes of the swimmer’s trunk oscillation, where the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.986 and the selected model was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, as the mean swimming velocity increased from 1.42 m/s in Variant 1 to 2 m/s in Variant 5, the maximum positive moments of joints increased by about 24.7% for the ankles, 27.4% for the knees, −3.9% for the hips, and 5.8% for the upper waist, whereas the maximum negative moments of joints increased by about 64.5% for the ankles, 28.1% for the knees, 23.1% for the hips, and 10.1% for the upper waist. The relationship between the trunk oscillation and the vortices was also investigated. Therefore, it is recommended that swimmers should try to increase the amplitudes of trunk oscillation to increase their swimming velocity. In order to achieve this goal, swimmers should increase strength training for the ankles, knees, and upper waist during the upkick. Moreover, extra strength training is warranted for the ankles, knees, hips, and upper waist during the downkick.

Dental follicle cells could be a natural source of cells for regeneration therapies in periodontitis. The "red complex", which include Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia, is strongly associated with periodontitis. However, the effects of "red complex" on dental follicle cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of bacterial extracts obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis and from "red complex" (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia in co-culture) on proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells. Our data showed that bacterial extracts promoted cell proliferation and migration, decreased the alkaline phosphatase activity, osteogenic genes expression and formation of mineral deposits. Noticeably, compared with the inhibitory effects induced by bacterial extracts from Porphyromonas gingivalis on osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells, the inhibitory effects induced by bacterial extracts from "red complex" were more significant. In conclusion, the extracts from "red complex" pathogens inhibited osteogenic differentiation capacity of human dental follicle cells, and this provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of stem cell therapy in periodontal tissue engineering.

Background Acquired glucocorticoid (GC) resistance remains the main obstacle in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. The aim of the present study was to establish a novel GC-resistant B-ALL cell line and investigate its biological characteristics. Methods A cell culture technique was used to establish the GC-resistant cell line from the parental cell, NALM-6. Molecular and cellular biological techniques including flow cytometry, MTT assay, western blotting, DNA fingerprinting analysis and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) were used to characterize the GC-resistant cell lines. Nude mice were used for xenograft studies. Results The GC-resistant cell line, NALM-6/HDR, was established by culturing NALM-6 cells under hypoxia for 5 weeks with a single dexamethasone (Dex) treatment. We subcloned the NALM-6/HDR cell lines, and got 6 monoclone Dex-resistant cell lines, NALM-6/HDR-C1, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C9 with resistance index (RI) ranging from 20,000–50,000. NALM-6/HDR and its monoclone cell line, NALM-6/HDR-C5, exhibited moderate (RI 5–15) to high resistance (RI > 20) to Ara-c; low or no cross-resistance to L-Asp, VCR, DNR, and MTX (RI Conclusions NALM-6/HDR cell line may represent a subtype of B-ALL cells in patients who acquired GC and Ara-c resistance during the treatment. These patients may get little benefit from the available therapy target of AMPK, mTORC1, glycolysis and FAS pathway.

The study of hydrodynamic characteristics of swimming is the main way to optimize the swimming movement. The relationship between position, water depth, and swimming performance of undulatory underwater swimming are one of the main concerns of scholars. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the swimming performance of three different undulatory underwater swimming positions under various swimming depths using a numerical simulation method based on multi-body motion. The simulation was conducted using 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using the RNG k-ε turbulence closure equations, and in combination with the VOF method thus that we could include the water surface in our calculations. Different swimming depths based on the distance from the shoulder joint center to the initial water surface were considered. The velocity of the shoulder joint center was captured with a swimming motion monitoring system (KiSwim) and compared with the calculated results. The study found that there was a significant difference in the hydrodynamic characteristics of the three undulatory underwater swimming positions (i.e., the dorsal, lateral, and frontal positions) when swimming near the water surface, and the difference decreased as the swimming depth increased. There was a negative correlation (R(dorsal) = −0.928, R(frontal) = −0.937, R(lateral) = −0.930) between the swimming velocities of the three undulatory underwater swimming positions and the water depth (water depth = 0.2–0.7 m) and that the lateral position had the greatest average velocity. Therefore, it is recommended that swimmers travel at least 0.5 m below the water surface in any undulatory underwater swimming position in order to avoid excessive drag forces. As the swimmer approaches the water surface, the lateral position is worth considering, which has better velocity and hydrodynamic advantage than the other two undulatory underwater swimming positions.

To determine the role of CahDFCs were isolated and cultured. The source of hDFCs was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Osteogenesis and adipogenic differentiation of hDFCs was detected by alizarin red staining and oil red O staining, to identify its multi-directional differentiation ability. A series of Ca2+ solutions with different concentrations was prepared, CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferative abilities at 1, 3, 5, and 7 d；migratory ability of 24 h was detected by Transwell assay. Calcium nodules were detected by semiquantitative analysis of alizarin red staining. mRNA expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 software package.Compared with the control group, 3,4 and 5 mmol/L CaLow Ca

High-capacity germanium-based anode materials are alternative materials for outstanding electrochemical performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but severe volume variation and pulverization problems during charging-discharging processes can seriously affect their electrochemical performance. In addressing this challenge, a simple strategy was used to prepare the self-assembled GeO

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of different atorvastatin doses on contrast-induced acute kidney injury and the related mechanism. Methods: Healthy male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, experimental control group and different-dose atorvastatin groups. A rat model of contrast-induced acute kidney injury was established. We detected changes in serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) before and after model establishment, observed and scored renal tubular injury, analyzed rat renal cell apoptosis, and measure the expression of signal pathway proteins and downstream inflammatory factors. Results: After contrast agent injection, the Scr and BUN levels of the experimental control group were significantly increased, the different doses applied in the atorvastatin group significantly reduced the Scr and BUN levels (p

Rui Zeng,1,* Lian-rui Xiang,2,* Jing Zeng,3 Chuan Zuo4 1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2Department of Public Affairs Development, 3Department of Internal Medicine, 4Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, School of Clinic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: We aimed to introduce team-based learning (TBL) as one of the teaching methods for diagnostics and to compare its teaching effectiveness with that of the traditional teaching methods.Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial on diagnostics teaching involving 111 third-year medical undergraduates, using TBL as the experimental intervention, compared with lecture-based learning as the control, for teaching the two topics of symptomatology. Individual Readiness Assurance Test (IRAT)-baseline and Group Readiness Assurance Test (GRAT) were performed in members of each TBL subgroup. The scores in Individual Terminal Test 1 (ITT1) immediately after class and Individual Terminal Test 2 (ITT2) 1week later were compared between the two groups. The questionnaire and interview were also implemented to survey the attitude of students and teachers toward TBL.Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in ITT1 (19.85±4.20 vs 19.70±4.61), while the score of the TBL group was significantly higher than that of the control group in ITT2 (19.15±3.93 vs 17.46±4.65). In the TBL group, the scores of the two terminal tests after the teaching intervention were significantly higher than the baseline test score of individuals. IRAT-baseline, ITT1, and ITT2 scores of students at different academic levels in the TBL teaching exhibited significant differences, but the ITT1-IRAT-baseline and ITT2-IRAT-baseline indicated no significant differences among the three subgroups.Conclusion: Our TBL in symptomatology approach was highly accepted by students in the improvement of interest and self-directed learning and resulted in an increase in knowledge acquirements, which significantly improved short-term test scores compared with lecture-based learning. TBL is regarded as an effective teaching method worthy of promoting. Keywords: team-based learning, diagnostics, symptomatology, medical education&nbsp

Interview questionnaire on teacherâ s attitudes towards the two pedagogics. It is semi-structured interview questionnaire of teachers to understand their experiences of both the flipped classroom and LBL method. Twenty teachers who participated in the interviews talked about the time they spent and other learnings. In addition, they were asked to provide a subjective evaluation of the teaching atmosphere and the perceived effects of the respective teaching method they used. For data collection and analysis, all these information were also recorded using videos. (DOCX 20 kb)

Full-time clinician educators are becoming more predominant in China, yet their effect is unknown.The purpose of this study was to compare the teaching quality of full-time (FT) faculty with that of part-time (PT) faculty in one Chinese medical school.In 3 consecutive years, 881 3rd year medical students were enrolled and randomly distributed into two groups, being taught by either a FT faculty member or a PT faculty member. Their teaching quality was evaluated with student performance on a written exam, the standardized patient exam, and student satisfaction.The students in the FT group always scored better on the written exam (1st year = 79.82 ± 9.2 vs. 81.26 ± 8.2, p.188; 2nd year = 73.10 ± 9.8 vs. 76.51 ± 7.9, p = .001; 3rd year = 75.15 ± 9.0 vs. 79.51 ± 8.7, p.0001). In the standardized patient exam, the students from FT groups always showed better performance in history taking and physical examination. Students continually gave higher evaluations to FT faculty in questionnaires (1st year = 76.8 ± 6.5 vs. 84.3 ± 2.2; 2nd year = 78.6 ± 3.9 vs. 89.7 ± 4.2; 3rd year = 75.8 ± 3.9 vs. 88.5 ± 3.5, all ps.001).The teaching quality of FT faculty in clinical-skills training is better than PT faculty in this study.

Background Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN) channels are pacemaker channels that regulate heart rate and neuronal rhythm in spontaneously active cardiac and neuronal cells. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are also spontaneously active pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we investigated the existence of HCN channel and its role on pacemaker activity in colonic ICCs. Methods We performed whole-cell patch clamp, RT-PCR, and Ca2+-imaging in cultured ICCs from mouse mid colon. Results SQ-22536 and dideoxyadenosine (adenylate cyclase inhibitors) decreased the frequency of pacemaker potentials, whereas both rolipram (cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and cell-permeable 8-bromo-cAMP increased the frequency of pacemaker potentials. CsCl, ZD7288, zatebradine, clonidine (HCN channel blockers), and genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) suppressed the pacemaker activity. RT-PCR revealed expression of HCN1 and HCN3 channels in c-kit and Ano1 positive colonic ICCs. In recordings of spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i oscillations, rolipram and 8-bromo-cAMP increased [Ca2+]i oscillations, whereas SQ-22536, CsCl, ZD7288, and genistein decreased [Ca2+]i oscillations. Conclusions HCN channels in colonic ICCs are tonically activated by basal cAMP production and participate in regulation of pacemaking activity.

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides used in combination with the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan to treat primary chronic glomerulonephritis. A total of 479 patients diagnosed with primary chronic glomerulonephritis were recruited from outpatient clinics and were randomly assigned to the treatment group (Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides, two 200-mg capsules, bid; and irbesartan, one 150-mg tablet, qd) or the control group (irbesartan, one 150-mg tablet, qd). The primary outcome was 24-h urinary protein. Secondary outcome measures included blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, erythrocyturia, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase and electrolytes. After 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group showed a mean reduction in 24-h proteinuria of 36.42% compared to baseline, which was significantly higher than the mean reduction from baseline of 27.97% in the control group (P = 0.0278).Adverse drug reactions occurred at a similarly low rate in the treatment group (0.4%) and control group (1.2%, P = 0.3724). In the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis, the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides and irbesartan can reduce proteinuria more effectively than irbesartan alone.

Background and Purpose: The exact mechanism of protease-activated receptors (PARs) on pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) has not been reported. We investigated the effects on pacemaker activity by the activation of PARs and its signal mechanisms in colonic ICCs. Methods: The whole-cell patch-clamp technique, RT-PCR and Ca2+ imaging were used in cultured ICCs from mouse colon. Results: PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in Ano-1 positive ICCs. TFLLR-NH2 (a PAR-1 agonist) and trypsin (a PAR-2 agonist) depolarized the membrane and increased the pacemaker potential frequency. U-73122 (a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor) and thapsigargin (a Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor) suppressed the TFLLR-NH2- and trypsin-induced effects on pacemaker potential. TFLLR-NH2 and trypsin also increased intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) intensity with increasing of Ca2+ oscillations. Genistein (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor), CsCl, ZD7288, clonidine (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN) channel blockers), SQ-22536 and dideoxyadenosine (adenylate cyclase inhibitors) suppressed the increased pacemaker potential frequency without effects on depolarization of the membrane induced by TFLLR-NH2 and trypsin. Conclusion: These results suggest that activation of PAR-1 and PAR-2 modulates the pacemaker activity of colonic ICCs through the PLC-dependent [Ca2+]i release pathway. The increased pacemaker potential frequency by PAR-1 and PAR-2 was also dependent on tyrosine kinase, JNK, and HCN activation.

We studied whether nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) have an interaction on the pacemaker activities of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine. The actions of NO and H(2)S on pacemaker activities were investigated by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and intracellular Ca(2+) analysis at 30℃ in cultured mouse ICC. Exogenously applied (±)-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, or sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), a donor of H(2)S, showed no influence on pacemaker activity (potentials and currents) in ICC at low concentrations (10 µM SNAP and 100 µM NaHS), but SNAP or NaHS completely inhibited pacemaker amplitude and pacemaker frequency with increases in the resting currents in the outward direction at high concentrations (SNAP 100 µM and NaHS 1 mM). Co-treatment with 10 µM SNAP plus 100 µM NaHS also inhibited pacemaker amplitude and pacemaker frequency with increases in the resting currents in the outward direction. ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor, blocked the SNAP+NaHS-induced inhibition of pacemaker currents in ICC. Also, we found that SNAP+NaHS inhibited the spontaneous intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) oscillations in cultured ICC. In conclusion, this study describes the enhanced inhibitory effects of NO plus H(2)S on ICC in the mouse small intestine. NO+H(2)S inhibited the pacemaker activity of ICC by modulating intracellular Ca(2+). These results may be evidence of a physiological interaction of NO and H(2)S in ICC for modulating gastrointestinal motility.

Renal interstitial fibrosis is the major histopathological change seen in a variety of renal disorders and is closely related to renal dysfunction. Progressive interstitial fibrosis accompanied by the loss of renal tubules and interstitial capillaries typifies all progressive renal disease. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a major angiogenic inhibitor. It is demonstrated that TSP-1 levels were correlated with the loss of glomerular and peritubular capillaries and TSP-1 could promote renal scarring by effects on the endothelium. It has been reported that ginsenoside Rg1 inhibited renal interstitial fibrosis in rats via suppressing the expression of TSP-1. The present study was designed to examine whether ginsenoside Rg1 could modulate the integrity of the microvasculature and hence affect the progression of renal fibrosis in a rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. In UUO control kidneys, associated with interstitial fibrosis, lower peritubular capillary densities were prominent. These changes were all improved by ginsenoside Rg1 treatment. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rg1 decreased the expression of TSP-1 and enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The results show for the first time that ginsenoside Rg1 can evidently inhibit renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be related to suppression of the expression of TSP-1 and to repair of the peritubular capillary.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-ninenamide), a compound found in hot peppers, has been reported to have different physiological actions on different cell types. Not much work has been done about the effect of capsaicin on the function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). In the present study, we examined the action of external application of capsaicin on pacemaker activity in the cultured ICC from the small intestine of mouse. METHODS We investigated the effect of capsaicin on pacemaker currents in cultured ICC from the small intestine of mouse using a whole cell patch-clamp technique and Ca(2+)-imaging analysis. RESULTS When capsaicin was applied externally to the pacemaker generating ICC, it completely inhibited the pacemaker potential under current-clamp mode (I = 0) and the pacemaker current under voltage-clamp mode at a -70 mV of holding potentials. The effect of capsaicin on pacemaker activity in ICC was shown dose dependently. The effect of capsaicin was not through the transient receptor potential of the vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel as capsazepine did not block the effect of capsaicin. L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, also did not block the capsaicin-induced effects. When the action of capsaicin was examined in the intracellular calcium oscillation, it completely abolished the calcium oscillation. CONCLUSIONS These results prove that the capsaicin has the inhibitory effects on the ICC which is carried out neither through TRPV channel nor the nitric oxide production. Intracellular Ca(2+) was also an important target for actions of capsaicin on ICC.

Astragalus mongholicus (AM) derived from the dry root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus (Bge.) Hsiao is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the potential role of AM on renal fibrosis on a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We divided 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into 4 groups: sham-operated group (Sham), untreated UUO group, AM-treated (10 g/(kg x d)) UUO group, and losartan-treated (20 mg/(kg x d)) UUO group as positive control. Haematoxylineosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to study the dynamic histological changes of the kidneys 7 and 14 d after operation. The expressions of fibronectin (FN), type I collagen (colI), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot. Results show that, similar to losartan, AM alleviated the renal damage and decreased the deposition of FN and colI from UUO by reducing the expressions of TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA (P0.05), whereas HGF increased greatly with AM treatment (P0.05). Our findings reveal that AM could retard the progression of renal fibrosis. The renoprotective effect of AM might be related to inhibition of myofibroblast activation, inducing of HGF and reducing of TGF-beta1 expression.

To investigate the possible protective effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1 against oxidative damage and renal interstitial fibrosis on rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).In total, 80 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, 20 in each group: the sham operated group (SOR), UUO group, UUO with ginsenoside Rb1 treatment group (treated with intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/ kg daily) and UUO with Losartan treatment group (as the positive control, treated with 20 mg/kg by gastrogavage per day). The rats were randomly sacrificed on day 3, 7 and 14 after surgery, respectively. The histopathologic changes of renal interstitial tissues were observed with Masson staining. The mRNA of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), collagen I and fibronectin were reversed transcribed and quantified by Real-time PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitatively detect TGF-beta 1 and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. P47phox protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.In the UUO model, the obstructed kidney showed typical features of progressive renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and the levels of TGF-beta1, collagen I and fibronectin increased (P0.05). As compared with the UUO group, ginsennoside Rb1 significantly inhibited the interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury and collagen deposition, and decreased the levels of TGF-beta1 (P0.05). Ginsenoside Rb1 also inhibited the heme oxygenase (HO-1) and 8-OHdG, two markers of oxidative stress (P0.05). Moreover, ginsenoside Rb1 suppressed the expression of p47phox, a subunit of nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (P0.05).Ginsenoside Rb1 can obviously inhibit renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO, its mechanism possibly via against the oxidative damage and suppressing TGF-beta1 expression.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of compound Decumbent Corydalis Rhizome (DCR) in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Totally 79 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected from out-patient and inpatient departments of West China Hospital and randomly divided into the test group and the control group. The test group (n = 41) was given Compound DCR with the dosage of 1.8 g · d(-1), while the control group (n = 38) was administered with diclofenac sodium with the dosage of 75 mg · d(-1). After 12 weeks of treatment, the total efficacy rates based on patients/physicians evaluation for experimental and control groups were 68.29%, 63.41% and 71.05%, 63.16%, respectively, without significant difference between the two groups. Both of the two groups showed significant improvements in the main efficacy indexes (pain on walking 20 m) and minor indexes (tenderness on palpation, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36 ), but without significant difference in efficacy between them. The incidence of related adverse events was 24.39% in the test group and 47.37% in the control group, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P0.05). In the controlled study, compound DCR is as efficient as diclofenac sodium but more tolerable, with a good clinical application prospect.

Background Increasing evidence indicates that rapamycin could be used as a potential glucocorticoid (GC) sensitizer in lymphoblastic malignancies via genetic prevention of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Interestingly, we found that combined rapamycin with dexamethasone can effectively reverse GC resistance in 4E-BP1 null lymphoma cells. In this study, we investigated the potential link between mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, glycolysis, autophagy and GC resistance. Methods Antitumor effects of the combination of rapamycin and dexamethasone were evaluated on cell viability by MTT assay and in vivo studies, on cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, on autophagy by western blot, MDC staining and transmission electron microscopy and on cell signaling by western blot. Moreover, to test whether inhibiting glycolysis is the core mechanism in rapamycin restoring GC sensitivity, we took glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose to replace rapamycin and then evaluated the antitumor effects in vitro. Results Raji cells are resistant to rapamycin (IC50 > 1000 nM) or dexamethasone (IC50 > 100 μM) treatment alone. The combination of rapamycin and dexamethasone synergistically inhibited the viability of Raji cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing caspase-dependent and -independent cell death and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. These effects were achieved by the inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, which led to the inhibition of glycolysis and the induction of autophagy. Pretreatment with pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk or autophagy inhibitor 3-MA failed to protect the cells from combined treatment-induced death. Glycolysis inhibitor combined with dexamethasone produced a similar antitumor effects in vitro. Conclusions Inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K/glycolysis signaling pathway is the key point of therapy in reversing GC resistant in Burkitt lymphoma patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1535-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To investigate the role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in erectile dysfunction (ED) induced by androgen deficiency.We randomly divided 30 eight-week-old healthy male SD rats into six groups: 2-week control (A), 4-week control (B), 2-week castration (C), 4-week castration (D), 2-week castration + androgen replacement (E), and 4-week castration + androgen replacement (F), those in groups E and F subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate (TP) at the physiological dose of 3 mg/kg per day after castration, while those in the other groups with isodose oil instead. At 2 and 4 weeks after operation, we determined the level of serum testosterone (T) , intracavernous pressure (ICP) , mean carotid arterial pressure (MAP) of the rats, measured the concentration of H2S in the plasma and corpus cavernosum tissue, and detected the expressions of cystathionine-P3-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The serum T level was significantly lower in group C ([0.63 +/- 0.15] nmol/L) than in A ( [ 16.55 +/- 4.17] nmol/L) and E ( [ 18.99 +/- 4.62] nmol/L) (P0.05), as well as in group D ([0.70 +/-0.22] nmol/L) than in B ([15.44 +/-5.18] nmol/L) and F ([20.99 +/-6.41] nmol/L) (P0. 05) , and so were ICP/MAP after 5 and 7 V electrical stimulation of the pelvic ganglia (P0. 05) , H2 S concentration (P0.05), and the expressions of CBS and CSE (P0.05). The expressions of CBS and CSE proteins were also significantly decreased in group C as compared with D (P0.05).The reduced expressions of CBS and CSE may inhibit the H2 S signaling pathway, which might be one of the mechanisms underlying androgen deficiency-induced ED in rats.

To analyze the expression of Gaq in peripheral blood T lymphocytes of the patients with polymyositis (PM) and its correlation with disease activity evaluated by the clinical markers [manual muscle test (MMT),myositis disease activity assessment (MDAA),creatine phosphokinase (CK), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)].Blood samples were obtained from 30 patients with first onset PM and 30 healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these patients were collected and CD3+ T cells from PBMCs were sorted out with magnetic beans. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Galphaq in T cells were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. Student's unpaired 2-tailed t-test was applied to identify Galphaq expression difference between PM patients and healthy controls. Pearson's correlation between Galphaq mRNA expression of PM and clinical evaluation markers MMT, MDAA, CK, ESR or CRP was determined.Compared to health control, PM patients had significantly lower expression levels of Galphaq protein and mRNA in peripheral blood CD3+ T cells (P0. 001). Negative correlation was found between Galphaq mRNA level and MMT (r= -0. 704, P0. 001), MDAA (r= -0. 793, P0. 001) or CK (r= -0. 670, P0. 001), and no correlation was found between Galphaq mRNA level and ESR or CRP.Galphaq expression in T cells of PM is lower than that in normal control and has negative correlation with PM disease activity.

To study predominant risk factors for survival in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIM).The clinical data of 163 cases of IIM were reviewed, who received the diagnosis and treatments in West China Hospital from January 1997 to December 2010. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used for the survival analysis of these patients with IIM. Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors for survival in the patients with IIM were carried out by Log-rank test, univariate Cox regression analysis and Cox regression model respectively.There were 21 death occured among 163 patients with IIM, and the estimated 3, 5, 10-year survival rate was 93%, 89%, 80% respectively. The mortality of the patients with dermatomyositis (DM) or amyophathic dermatomyositis(ADM) increased significantly when compared with polymyositis (PM, P=0. 033, P= 0. 06). The mortality of IIM patients complicated with tumor or cadiovascular involvement was much higher than that of those patients without any complications (P0. 001, P=0. 015). Tumor and cadiovascular involvement were two independent risk factors for the survival of IIM individuals.DM and ADM have much unfavorable prognosis than PM. Tumor and cadiovascular involvement are two major risk factors for the survival of IIM patients.

To identify risk factors associated with cardiac involvement (CI) in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM).Medical records of 129 DM/PM patients were reviewed retrospectively. The risk factors associated with CI in those patients were screened through Xt tests or independent tests before a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. ROC curves were constructed to determine diagnostic values of the identified risk factors.CI occurred in 59 (45. 74%) of DM/PM patients, with 41 (69. 49%) showing electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality; 25 (42. 37%) showing ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) abnormality; 8 (13. 56%) being diagnosed with heart failure, and 2 (3. 39%) being diagnosed with myocardial infarction. Eight (13.56%) of the patients with CI died. CI was more likely to occur in patients with an older age, having interstitial lung disease, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive, and anti-Jo-1 antibody positive (P0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that interstitial lung disease (beta=1. 554), aspartic aminotransferase/creatine kinases (AST/CK) ratio (beta=1.189), positive ANA (beta= 1. 172) and age (beta=0.042) were risk factors associated with CI (P0. 05). Notable areas under ROC curve (0. 642) was found for AST/CK in determining CI in DM/PM patients (P0. 05), albeit with low accuracy. A cut-off of AST/CK ratio at 0. 312 was identified as a reference point for determining CI in patients with DM/PM.Cardiac involvement is the most common complication of DM/PM, although the majority are subclinical. ECG and UCG are common tools for diagnosing cardiac involvement. Interstitial lung disease, AST/CK ratio, positive ANA and age are predictors of CI in DM/PM patients.

To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathogen constitution and their tolerance to antibiotics in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) patients complicated with pneumonia and the associated risk factors.The clinical data and pathogen test results of 93 IIM patients with pneumonia and 52 IIM patients without pneumonia (control group) were retrieved and compared.Age of onset and interstitial lung disease were identified as risk factors associated with IIM complicated with pneumonia. Gram negative bacteria were the most common pathogen. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common bacteria and Candida albicans was the most common fungus causing infections in the IIM patients, which were relatively sensitive to the third- and fourth-generation of antibiotics such as cephalosporin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycoside.Older patients with interstitial lung disease are prone to having pneumonia, especially those caused by gram negative bacteria and other atypical pathogens. Timely and reasonable anti-infection treatment is essential.

To compare the clinical values of four different criteria for diagnosing idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM).The four different criteria published in 1975, 1995, 1997 and 2004 were applied to 94 IIM patients and 98 patients with other myopathies in West China Hospital.The sensitivity of the four criteria for diagnosing IIM was 56. 4% (1975), 87. 2% (1995), 61.7 % (1997), and 52. 1% (2004) respectively. The specificity of the four criteria for diagnosing IIM was 78. 6% (1975), 20. 4% (1995), 78. 6% (1997), and 90. 8% (2004) respectively. The Youden index was 35.0% (1975), 7.6% (1995), 40. 3% (1997), and 42.9% (2004), with an odd product of 4. 74 (1975), 1. 75 (1995), 5. 91 (1997) and 10. 77 (2004) respectively. The Kappa value of the four criteria was 0. 351 (1975, P0.05), 0. 075 (1995, P0. 05), 0. 404 (1997, P0.05 ) and 0. 433 (2004, P0.05), and their area under the ROC curve was 0. 675 (1975, P=0. 00), 0. 538 (1995, P=0.36),0. 701 (1997, P=0.00) and 0. 715 (2004, P=0.00) respectively.The 2004 criteria have a better value in diagnosing IIM.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness and efficacy of the randomized, parallel, and controlled trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine, general acteoside of Rehmanniae leaves, compared with piperazine ferulate in the treatment of primary chronic glomerulonephritis. Rehmanniae leaves and piperazine ferulate can reduce proteinuria and erythrocyturia effectively in the treatment of primary chronic glomerulonephritis. A total of 400 patients diagnosed with primary chronic glomerulonephritis were recruited from outpatient clinics and were randomly assigned to the treatment group (general acteoside of Rehmanniae leaves, two 200mg tablets, bid) or the control group (piperazine ferulate, four 50-mg tablets, bid ). The primary outcomewas 24-h urinary protein. Secondary outcome measures included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), erythrocyturia, and electrolytes. After 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group and the control group showed amean reduction in 24-h proteinuria of 34.81% and 37.66%. The 95% CI of difference of the mean reduction in 24-h proteinuria between the two groups was [-11.50%, 5.80%]. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the erythrocyturia reduction. Neither group showed obvious changes between baseline and 8 weeks in eGFR or electrolytes. Adverse events occurred at a similarly low rate in the treatment group (1.5%) and control group (2.5%, P = 0.7238). Both general acteoside of Rehmanniae leaves and piperazine ferulate can reduce proteinuria and erythrocyturia effectively in the treatment of primary chronic glomerulonephritis.Key Words: Chronic glomerulonephritis; General acteoside of Rehmanniae leaves; Piperazine ferulate; Randomized controlled trials

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and severe complication of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for ILD by evaluating both clinical and biochemical features in IIM patients with or without ILD. From January 2008 to December 2011, medical records of 134 IIM patients in our rheumatology unit were reviewed. The patients were divided into ILD group (83 patients) and non-ILD group (51 patients). The clinical features and laboratory findings were compared. The univariable analyses indicated that arthritis/arthralgia (54.2% versus 17.6%,P<0.05), Mechanic’s hand (16.9% versus 2.0%,P<0.05), Raynaud’s phenomenon (36.1% versus 2.0%,P<0.05), heliotrope rash (44.6% versus 19.6%,P<0.05), fever (43.4% versus 21.6%,P<0.05), elevated ESR (60.2% versus 35.3%,P<0.05), elevated CRP (55.4% versus 31.4%,P<0.05), or anti-Jo-1 antibody (20.5% versus 5.9%,P<0.05) were risk factors for developing ILD in IIM. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis that showed arthritis/arthralgia (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.8–18.1), Raynaud’s phenomenon (OR 29.1, 95% CI 3.6–233.7), and amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) (OR 20.2, 95% CI 2.4–171.2) were the independent risk factors for developing ILD in IIM.

Objective. To analyze serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression level and its clinical significance in patients with dermatomyositis.Methods. Blood samples from 23 adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM), 22 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 22 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 16 with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 20 healthy controls were collected. The IL-6 concentration was detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Correlations between IL-6 expression levels and clinical features or laboratory findings in patients with DM were investigated.Results. IL-6 expression level of DM patients was significantly higher than that of normal controls, significantly lower than that of RA patients, and slightly lower than that of SLE or SS patients with no significant differences. The incidence of fever was significantly higher in the IL-6 elevated group. Serum ferritin (SF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were positively correlated with IL-6.Conclusions. IL-6 plays a less important role in DM than in RA. IL-6 monoclonal antibodies may have poor effect in patients with DM.

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides used in combination with the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan to treat primary chronic glomerulonephritis. A total of 479 patients diagnosed with primary chronic glomerulonephritis were recruited from outpatient clinics and were randomly assigned to the treatment group (Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides, two 200-mg capsules, bid; and irbesartan, one 150-mg tablet, qd) or the control group (irbesartan, one 150-mg tablet, qd). The primary outcome was 24-h urinary protein. Secondary outcome measures included blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, erythrocyturia, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase and electrolytes. After 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group showed a mean reduction in 24-h proteinuria of 36.42% compared to baseline, which was significantly higher than the mean reduction from baseline of 27.97% in the control group (P = 0.0278).Adverse drug reactions occurred at a similarly low rate in the treatment group (0.4%) and control group (1.2%, P = 0.3724). In the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis, the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides and irbesartan can reduce proteinuria more effectively than irbesartan alone.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the pacemaker cells that generate the rhythmic oscillation responsible for the production of slow waves in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Spingolipids are known to present in digestive system and are responsible for multiple important physiological and pathological processes. In this study, we are interested in the action of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on ICC. S1P depolarized the membrane and increased tonic inward pacemaker currents. FTY720 phosphate (FTY720P, an S1P(1,3,4,5) agonist) and SEW 2871 (an S1P(1) agonist) had no effects on pacemaker activity. Suramin (an S1P(3) antagonist) did not block the S1P-induced action on pacemaker currents. However, JTE-013 (an S1P(2) antagonist) blocked the S1P-induced action. RT-PCR revealed the presence of the S1P(2) in ICC. Calphostin C (a protein kinase C inhibitor), NS-398 (a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor), PD 98059 (a p42/44 inhibitor), or SB 203580 (a p38 inhibitor) had no effects on S1P-induced action. However, c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor II suppressed S1P-induced action. External Ca(2+)-free solution or thapsigargin (a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum) suppressed action of S1P on ICC. In recording of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentration using fluo-4/AM S1P increased intensity of spontaneous [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in ICC. These results suggest that S1P can modulate pacemaker activity of ICC through S1P(2) via regulation of external and internal Ca(2+) and mitogenactivated protein kinase activation.

To investigate if a-keto/amino acid supplemented low protein diet can slow down the progression of diabetic nephrophathy in comparison with non-supplemented diabetes diet.A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted. Twenty three cases of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in IV stage were randomly divided into alpha-keto/amino acid supplemented diet group (trial group) and conventional diabetes diet group (control group), The treatment duration was 52 weeks. 24 h urine protein was measured at 0, 12, 20, 36 and 52 weeks. Before and after the 52 weeks treatment, all the patients received the measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood glucose, blood lipids, inflammatory markers, as well as nutritional status.After the treatment for 20, 36, 52 weeks, mean 24 h urine protein decreased significantly in trial groups (P0.05), and 24 h urine protein in trial group were significantly decreased (P0.05) compared with control group in 20 weeks after treatment. Either in trial group or in control group, GFR remained relatively stable during the observation period. Nutrition status, inflammatory markers, and serum calcium, phosphorus levels between the two groups were no significantly difference. The adverse events experienced by the patients in trial group were similar and consistent with the patients underlying renal diseases.Alpha-keto/amino acid can reduce proteinuria more effectively, while improve renal function and nutritional status in diabetic nephropathy patients with well-toleration.

Investigate the effects of compound Radix Notoginseng on renal interstitial fibrosis and kidney-targeting treatment.100 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group, sham-operation (SOR) group, Radix Notoginseng (RN) group, compound Radix Notoginseng (CRN) group and Losartan (ARB) group. After operation, RN, CRN and ARB groups were intragastric administrated with RN (3 mL/d), CRN (3 mL/d) and ARB [20 mg/(kg x d)] respectively. Each group randomly included 18 rats for statistical analysis. The histological changes of renal interstitial tissues were observed by HE, Masson and PAS staining. Total kidney collagen content was determined by measuring the amount of hydroxyproline. The mRNA of alpha-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin were reverse transcribed and quantified by real-time PCR. The expression of alpha-SMA protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.In UUO model, the obstructed kidney showed typical features of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, such as severe tubular loss, dilation, atrophy, infiltration of inflammatory cells, interstitial matrix deposition (P0.05). Partial correlation assay showed that the expression of alpha-SMA was related to the renal tubular injury (r = 0.55; P0.05). Administration of RN, CRN and ARB improved tubulointerstitial damage and collagen matrix accumulation induced by UUO in different degree. The expression of the alpha-SMA at mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in the UUO group (P0.05), which was also suppressed by treatment with RN, CRN and ARB in different degree. Moreover, more effective role in preventing fibrosis was observed in CRN group than when compared with that of RN group.RN and CRN can inhibit UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis in rats, and CRN treatment is more effective than RN in reducing interstitial fibrosis.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces intestinal dysmotility by alteration of smooth muscle and enteric neuronal activities. However, there is no report on the modulatory effects of LPS on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). We investigated the effect of LPS and its signal transduction in ICCs.We performed whole-cell patch clamp and RT-PCR in cultured ICCs from mouse small intestine.LPS suppressed the generation of pacemaker currents of ICCs. The mRNA transcripts for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were expressed in ICCs. However, the inhibitory action of LPS on pacemaker currents from TLR4(+/+) mice was not present in TLR4(-/-) mice. The inhibitory effects of LPS on ICCs were blocked by glibenclamide (an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels), NS-398 (a COX-2 inhibitor), AH6808 [a prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-EP(2) receptor antagonist], ODQ (an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase) and L-NAME [an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)]. Furthermore, genistein and herbimycin A (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) blocked the LPS-induced inhibitory action on pacemaker activity in ICCs.LPS can activate ICCs to release NO and PGE(2) through TLR4 activation. The released NO and PGE(2) inhibit pacemaker currents by activating ATP-sensitive K(+) channels. The LPS actions are mediated by tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

To investigate the effect of mannose binding lectin (MBL) complement pathway on expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and NF-kappaB in cultured human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) stimulated by high concentration of glucose.Human glomerular endothelial cells in culture were randomly divided into 5 groups according to different managements: normal concentration of glucose as controlled group, MBL + normal concentration of glucose group, high concentration of glucose, MBL + high glucose and MBL + high glucose + MBL blocker respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the depositions of MBL and C3 on the surfaces of HRGECs. Real-time PCR method was used to detect the mRNA levels of TGF-beta1. Human TGF-beta1 ELISA kit was used to detect the concentration of TGF-beta1 in supernatant fluid. ESMA was used to detect the activity of NF-kappaB in HRGECs.Compared with the normal glucose group and high glucose group, the depositions of MBL, C3 were apparently increased in MBL + high glucose group (P0.05). Expression of TGF-beta1 were significantly higher (P0.05) in MBL + high concentration of glucose groups than the normal glucose group and the high concentration of glucose group. Compared with the high glucose group, the activity of NF-kappaB in HRGECs was apparently increased in MBL + high glucose group, which could be significantly downregulated by MBL blocking antibody.High concentration of glucose can increase the expression of TGF-beta1 of cultured human glomerular endothelial cells. At the same time, high glucose together with MBL can up regulate the expression of TGF-beta1 and the activity of NF-kappaB in HRGECs.

To investigate the influence of high concentration of glucose on the thickness of Glycocalyx and expression of core protein Sydecan-1 and Glypican-1 in cultured human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs).HRGECs in culture were randomly divided into 3 groups, high concentration of glucose (30 mmol/L D-glucose, high glucose group), normal concentration of glucose as controlled group (5 mmol/L D-glucose+25 mmol/L mannitol, normal control group), and mannitol group (30 mmol/L mannitol) respectively. After 72 hours, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to observe and characterize the fully hydrated glycoalyx of HRGECs. Real time quantitative PCR and Western blot were applied to detect the mRNA levels and protein expression of Syndecan-1 and Glypican-1, and the fluorescence microscope were used to observe the immunofluorescence change of Syndecan-1 and Glypican-1.Compared with normal control group, the thickness of Glycocalyx on the surface of HRGECs in high glucose group decreased to 36.8% (P0.05). Immunofluorescence shows the depositions of Syndecan-1 and Glypican-1 were weakened in high glucose group. The mRNA and protein expression of Syndecan-1 and Glypican-1 were significantly decreased (P0.05) compared with normal control group and mannitol group.High concentration of glucose can reduce thickness of Glycocalyx on the surface of human glomerular endothelial cell. At the same time, high glucose can decrease the expression of core protein Sydecan-1 and Glypican-1 of HRGECs.

Neurotensin, a tridecapeptide localized in the gut to discrete enteroendocrine cells of the small bowel mucosa, is a hormone that plays an important role in gastrointestinal secretion, growth, and motility. Neurotensin has inhibitory and excitatory effects on peristaltic activity and produces contractile and relaxant responses in intestinal smooth muscle. Our objective in this study is to investigate the effects of neurotensin in small intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and elucidate the mechanism. To determine the electrophysiological effects of neurotensin on ICC, whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed in cultured ICC from the small intestine. Exposure to neurotensin depolarized the membrane of pacemaker cells and produced tonic inward pacemaker currents. Only neurotensin receptor1 was identified when RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were performed with mRNA isolated from small intestinal ICC and c-Kit positive cells. Neurotensin-induced tonic inward pacemaker currents were blocked by external Na+- free solution and in the presence of flufenamic acid, an inhibitor of non-selective cation channels. Furthermore, neurotensin-induced action is blocked either by treatment with U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, or thapsigargin, a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor in ICC. We found that neurotensin increased spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations as seen with fluo4/AM recording. These results suggest that neurotensin modulates pacemaker currents via the activation of non-selective cation channels by intracellular Ca2+-release through neurotensin receptor1.

This study sought to assess the effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats and to unveil the underlying mechanism. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ). Eight weeks after drug administration, the rats from each group were sacrificed. Serum creatine (Scr) and 24 hours urine protein, cross reaction protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured at the end of the study. The histological changes of renal interstitial tissues were observed by periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS). Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression levels of ectodermal dysplasia (ED-1). The mRNA of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was measured by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and the protein expression of TGF-beta1 was surveyed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The renal pathological changes in DN rats given ginsenoside Rg1 treatment were ameliorated, and the expression levels of 24 h urine protein, serum creatinine, CRP, TNF-alpha, ED-1 and TGF-beta1 were significantly lower than those in the diabetic nephropathy group (P0.05). So, we reach a conclusion that, in the experiment, Ginsenoside Rg1 obviously reduced TGF-beta1 expression and the already-mentioned inflammatory reaction factors in the renal tissues and improved the renal pathological changes in DN rats.