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Background Recent shifts in lifestyles and diets have caused the incidence of obesity to increase rapidly, resulting in a serious threat to modern human health. There is a growing interest the use of plant or fungi derived supplements as a safe and effective means to treat obesity. In recent times, edible-medicinal fungi have garnered attention as therapeutics owing to their biocompatibility and effectiveness. Attempts to determine the therapeutic effects of these fungi have become a prime focus in drug discovery programs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects of P. eryngii chitin in rats with obesity induced by administration of a high fat diet. Methods To investigate the therapeutic effects of chitin from Pleurotus eryngii on high fat diet-induce obesity, we treated obese rats with different concentrations of chitin from P. eryngii for 4 weeks, using Lipitor as positive control. The living condition, food intake, body weight, perirenal adipose tissue, periepididymal adipose tissue, adipose tissue coefficient, serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol (TC), total glyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were measured, and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), themalonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver were determined. The rats were also monitored for pathological changes in the liver and aorta. Results These studies indicated that administration of chitin from P. eryngii could significantly decrease obese rat food utilization rates and accumulation of adipose tissue in the body, thus preventing development of increased body weight. The treatment also significantly reduced serum lipid levels, including levels of TC, TG and LDL-C. Treatment with P. eryngii-derived chitin also enhanced ALT and AST enzymatic activity, enhanced SOD enzymatic activity, and reduced the MDA content of the liver, as well as significantly reducing the liver index and alleviating liver steatosis and aortic atherosclerosis resulting from obesity. Conclusions In conclusion, chitin from P. eryngii had therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and aortic atherosclerosis resulting from obesity in rats.

Staphylococcal infection has become a common cause of postinfectious glomerulonephritis in the past 3 decades. Because few investigations focus on this disease, the demographics and clinicopathological features of glomerulonephritis related to staphylococcal infection are not well characterized. We conducted a pooled analysis of published literature in electronic databases and analyzed the clinical features, laboratory findings, and histopathological changes. The patients were divided into 4 groups based on their prognosis: remission, persistent renal dysfunction, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or death. A logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of disease outcome. A total of 83 (64 men) patients with glomerulonephritis related to staphylococcal infection from 31 reports were analyzed. The mean age was 58 years (58 ± 17). Majority of the reports originated from Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. Clinical characteristics of the cases were hematuria (82/83), proteinuria (78/83), and acute kidney injury (75/83). Visceral abscesses (26/83) and skin infections (24/83) were the common sites of infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The dominant or codominant deposition of IgA or C3 along the glomeruli was an important feature identified by immunofluorescence. There were 19 patients (22.9%) that progressed to dialysis-dependent ESRD. Twelve patients (14.5%) died. A univariate regression analysis indicated that diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio [OR] 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–8.48; P = 0.04) and age (OR 4.80; 95% CI 1.84–12.53; P = 0.001) were risk factors for ESRD or death. A multivariate regression analysis also revealed that age (OR 4.90; 95% CI 1.82–13.18; P = 0.002) and DM (OR 3.07; 95% CI 0.98–9.59; P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for unfavorable prognosis. Glomerulonephritis related to staphylococcal infection has different features than typical postinfectious glomerulonephritis. The diagnosis of glomerulonephritis related to staphylococcal infection relies on immunofluorescence and electron microscopy findings. Age and DM are independent risk factors of poor prognosis for glomerulonephritis related to staphylococcal infection.

We report on juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis from long-chain intermediates by specific reproductive tissues and the corpora allata (CA) prepared from adult longhorned beetles, Apriona germari. The testes, male accessory glands (MAGs), ovaries, and CA contained the long-chain intermediates in the JH biosynthetic pathway, farnesoic acid (FA), methyl farnesoate (MF), and JH III. The testes and ovaries, but not CA, produced radioactive JH III after the addition of (3)H-methionine and, separately, unlabeled methionine, to the incubation medium. We inferred that endogenous FA is methylated to MF in the testes and ovaries. Addition of farnesol led to increased amounts of FA in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, and CA, indicating oxidation of farnesol to FA. Addition of FA to incubation medium yielded increased JH III, again indicating methylation of FA to MF in the testes, MAGs, ovaries, but not CA. Addition of MF to incubation medium also led to JH III, from which we inferred the epoxidation of MF to JH III. JH biosynthesis from farnesol in the testes, MAGs, and ovaries of A. germari proceeds via oxidation to FA, methylation to MF, and epoxidation to JH III. This is a well-known pathway to JH III, described here for the first time in reproductive tissues of longhorned beetles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We report on juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis in vitro by male accessory glands (MAGs) in the longhorned beetle, Aprionona germari, accompanied by the transfer of JH from males to females during copulation. JH was extracted from the MAGs and separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. JH III was identified as the major JH by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A radiochemical assay and a non-radioactive method were used to measure the in vitro rate of JH biosynthesis by the MAGs. After 4 h of incubation with 3H-methionine in the medium, the radioactivity in the MAGs substantially increased. In a separate assay, incubation of the MAGs with non-radioactive methionine for 4 h resulted in a 39% increase in JH III. Seven-day-old males were injected with medium 199 containing 3H–methionine and 24 h later they were mated with virgin females. Hemolymph and the MAGs were collected from the mated males and hemolymph, ovaries and eggs were collected from the mated females for assaying radioactive JH. The radioactivity incorporated into JH in the MAGs was transferred to the females during copulation and later transferred into their eggs. Assayed 1 h after copulation, JH III level in the MAGs decreased 42% and the content of JH III in the male hemolymph did not change, whereas the content of JH III in the female hemolymph and ovaries both increased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors report a 57-year-old male patient who presented with diarrhea, darkened urine, jaundice and increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Initially, his symptoms, which included hemolytic anemia, acute renal failure and low platelet count, seemed to be caused by renal injuries associated with thrombotic microangiopathy, hemolytic-uremic syndrome in particular. However, a renal biopsy indicated acute tubular necrosis and hemosiderin deposition. A CD55 and CD59 assay, Ham test and sugar-water hemolysis test confirmed the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. After fluid infusion, diuresis and urine alkalization, the patient gradually regained nearly normal renal function. This case illustrates that paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria may present with acute kidney injury when hemolysis, diarrhea and hemosiderin deposits in the renal tubular epithelial cells and renal tubules are present. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent disease progression and irreversible chronic renal failure.

The aims of the present study were to validate the differential diagnostic model of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and non-diabetic renal diseases (NDRD) established in 2003 and to establish a new diagnostic model suitable for the current clinical characteristics of DN.We examined 200 patients with Type 2 diabetes who underwent kidney biopsy from 2004 to 2012. The 2003 differential diagnostic model based on the data collected from 1993 to 2003 was evaluated by the diagnostic test and changes in the clinical differentiation parameters of DN and NDRD were analyzed. Logistic regression, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analysis were applied.The 2003 diagnostic model showed an accuracy of 77.5%. A significantly elevated incidence of hematuria, longer history of diabetes, and reduced level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were observed in the DN group from 2004 to 2012 compared with DN group from 1993 to 2003. Histories of diabetes mellitus (Dm), systolic blood pressure (Bp), HbA1c (Gh), hematuria (Hu), diabetic retinopathy (Dr), and hemoglobin (Hb) are independently related to DN. Thus, a new diagnostic model was constructed as follows: PDN = exp (0.846 + 0.022 Dm + 0.033Bp + 2.050 Gh-2.664 Hu-0.078 Hb + 2.942Dr)/[1 + exp (0.846 + 0.022 Dm + 0.033 Bp + 2.050 Gh-2.664 Hu-0.078 Hb + 2.942 Dr)].Validation tests determined that the accuracy of the new model were 90.9%.Changes in people with DN, clinical characteristics have reduced the diagnostic efficacy of the 2003 diagnostic model. The newly established model can provide a better, more current differentiation between DN and NDRD.

To investigate the effects of Biejia Ruangan Tablet ([symbol in text], BRT)-containing serum on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts.Different BRT-containing sera were prepared by gastric gavages to rats with the high-dose (7 g/kg), mid-dose (3.5 g/kg), and low-dose (1.75 g/kg) BRT respectively. The expression of extracellular matrix in NRK-49F cells was induced by treatment with human transforming growth factor-β1 (recombined human TGF-β1), and BRT-containing serum. Western blotting and Northern blotting were used to measure type I and III procollagen, MMP-9, and TIMP-1.The high dose BRT-containing serum could decrease the type I and III procollagen gene expression which boosted by TGF-β1, at the same time cut down TIMP-1 protein and gene expression which increased by TGF-β1 (P0.05). Treatment of cells with recombined human TGF-β1 had no significant effect on MMP-9 expression and BRT-containing serum also had no effect on MMP-9 expression.High dose BRT has anti-fibrosis effects in NRK-49F cells, as indicated by its inhibition of type I and III procollagen and TIMP-1 expression.

Semen-derived enhancer of viral infection(SEVI) is a peptide fragment (PAP248-286) from prostatic acid phosphatase(PAP), which can enhance human immunodeficiency virus infection. The mechanisms of SEVI include: (1) SEVI with several cationic amino acid residues reduced electrostatic repulsion between HIV virus and the target cells; (2) The disorder state of SEVI in the human body fluids was helpful to the interaction between virus and the target cell membranes; (3) SEVI could capture HIV particles directly and speed the velocity of virus on the surface of the target cells and improve adsorption and fusion. Currently, the substances of inhibiting SEVI activity include: EGCG from green tea, small molecule compound of aminoquinoline Surfen, ThT analogs BTA-EG6. Those compounds might block the combination of HIV and SEVI or prevent the formation of amyloid fibers, and then reduce the enhancement of SEVI. The studies on the biological characteristics and mechanisms of SEVI have a big benefit for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection.

The sex-pairing pheromone of the black winged subterranean termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) (Isoptera, Termitidae), was investigated using headspace-SPME, GC-MS, GC-EAD, and attraction bioassays. Females secrete the pheromone from their sternal gland to attract males. The sex-pairing pheromone is composed of (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol and (Z)-dodec-3-en-1-ol, estimated at 9 to 16.64 ng and 0.2 to 0.54 ng, respectively. Both short- and long-distance sex attraction bioassays were employed to show that these compounds act in synergy at long distance, but only (Z,Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol is active at short distance. The pheromone may be useful in efforts to control this pest, which is considered one of the most harmful termite species in Southeast Asia.

To investigate the effect of the Uremic Clearance Granule (UCG, ), a Chinese patent medicine, on tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in vivo and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 induced EMT of HK-2 cells in vitro.In vivo study, 50 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a sham operation group (n=10), a UUO group (n=20), and a UUO with UCG treatment group (n=20). The UCG was given at a dose of 4.5 g/kg body weight per day by gavage after surgery. In vitro study, HK-2 cells were cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10% healthy rat serum, 10% FBS and TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL), 10% healthy rat serum and TGF-β1, or 10% rat serum containing the uremic clearance granule and TGF-β1. The expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in kidney tissues and HK-2 cells were investigated by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining.The rats of the UUO group showed obvious tubulointerstitial fibrosis, compared with the sham operation group rats. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis score was reduced by 17.5%±1.1% at day 7 and by 20.0%±1.2% at day 14 in the UCG-treated group, compared with the UUO group. The UCG could maintained expression of E-cadherin and suppressed expression of vimentin and α-SMA in kidney tissues of UUO rats at days 7 and 14, as determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Rat serum containing the UCG partially inhibited TGF-β1-induced fibroblast phenotype of HK-2 cells and maintained the epithelial morphology of HK-2 cells in vitro. This occurred partially through a reduction of vimentin expression and an increase of E-cadherin expression.These results suggest that the UCG prevents tubular EMT and may be a promising agent for treating tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

To examine the protective effects of wasp (Vespa magnifica) honeycomb extract (WCE) against gastric lesions in rats induced by 60% acidified ethanol, and evaluate its capacity to suppress oxidative stress in the gastric tissue.Wistar rats were subjected to intragastric administration of 60% acidified ethanol to induce gastric lesions following an 8-day oral pretreatment with WCE at 0, 25, 100 and 150 mg/kg or with saline. The levels of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and total antioxidant capacity in the gastric tissues were determined.Oral administration of 25, 100 and 150 mg/kg WCE prior to 60% acidified ethanol administration significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions (with a reduction by 44.2%-87.1%), decreased the mucosal MPO activity (by 16.4%-56.6%) and increased the total antioxidant capacity of the gastric tissue (by 0.5, 1.47 and 1.83 folds, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner. At a high concentration (above 1 mg/ml), WCE also exhibited a stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).The ethanol extract of wasp honeycombs can suppress the formation of acidified ethanol-induced gastric lesions by reducing free radical oxidation and neutrophils infiltration in the gastric tissue in rats.

To evaluate the bioequivalence of orally disintegrating tablets of pentoxyverine citrate (tested preparation) in healthy male volunteers.A single oral dose of the tested and reference preparations at 25 mg were given to 20 healthy volunteers in a randomized two-period cross-over design. Plasma pentoxyverine citrate concentrations were determined by HPLC-MS/ESI+ method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and the bioequivalence of the two preparations were evaluated using DAS program.The Tmax, Cmax, AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested and reference preparations were 1.62-/+0.75 h and 2.52-/+1.21 h, 62.28-/+33.06 microg/L and 59.72-/+33.25 microg/L, 234.44-/+130.01 microg.h.L(-1) and 228.77-/+129.24 microg.h.L(-1), 246.80-/+136.19 microg.h.L(-1) and 244.11-/+140.73 microg.h.L(-1), respectively. The 90% confidence interval of C(max), AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested preparations were 81.4%-138.4%, 86.0%-123.3% and 86.5%-121.2%, respectively.The tested and reference preparations are bioequivalent.

To detect the serum anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and interleukin-21 (IL-21) levels in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and study their impact on the liver function of HCV patients.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent(ELISA) assays were used to detect the serum ANA and IL-21 levels in 96 cases of HCV-IgG positive sera, as well as 30 cases of HCV-IgG negative sera. Hitachi 7600 biochemical analyzer was used to test the ALT, AST and ALB of all sera samples.HCV patients have abnormal liver function significantly and their average IL-21 level was much lower than the control group. While the liver function of most ANA positive HCV patients was well-balanced. The IL-21 level of HCV patients with ALTor = 40 U/L or ALT40 U/L were markedly reduced.The production of ANA and IL-21 do help to control the progress of hepatitis and reduce the damage to liver cells in HCV patients.

It is clear that PAI-1 is a very important factor inhibiting extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in the pathology process of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), so we design to investigate the relationship between PAI-1 promoter 4G/5G polymorphism and IgAN pathogenesis and progression.Clinical baseline data such as blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, serum profile, and extent of renal tissue damage at the time of renal biopsy were collected. The genotypes of PAI-1 were profiled by PCR-RFLP.(1) The distributions of genotype 4G 4G, 4G5G, 5G5G in PAI-1 gene promoter showed no significant difference between the IgAN group (0.33, 0.19, 0.48) and control group (0.3, 0.23, 0.47; chi-square =1.63, P0.05); (2) There is an increasing frequency of 4G4G homozygote in the IgAN group who had severe pathology change proved by biopsy (0.39 vs 0.28; chi-square =7.86, P0.05); in the patients group,the ones who carried 4G4G genotype got lower Ccr than 4G5G genotype cases did (P0.05).The data here suggest that the 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 is not a risk factor in IgAN etiology, but may facilitate the process of IgAN to end stage renal disease.

To investigate the mechanism for vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.This study included 6 pairs of mothers and fetuses who were positive for anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA, and 2 pairs of fathers and fetus in whom the father was positive for anti-HCV and HCV RNA while the mother was negative. HCV genotypes were detected by PCR and the nucleotide sequences of HCV genome spanning the core and envelope gene region (HCV C/E1) determined and compared.The HCV genotypes of the mothers and fetus were consistent. Five mother-fetus pairs were of genotype II, 1 of genotype III, with high homology of HCV between the mothers and their own fetuses. In contrast, in the two father-fetus pairs, no HCV RNA was detected in the fetuses in spite of the positivity of the fathers.Vertical transmission of HCV infection from mothers to fetus is a clinical entity.