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Along with the rapid development of electronic technology, the appeal of information technology to students and teachers in domestic and international information education has become universal. Education-related departments aim to positively cultivate the professional information knowledge and skills of teachers. The use of information technology in instruction allows students to enhance their creativity and learning motivation. A total of 232 college students from Fujian Province participated in the experimental research. The results show the following: (1) the application of information technology to e-book teaching could enhance a sense of achievement of students in self-directed learning, and students could answer test questions in a confidential and relaxed manner; (2) the application of information technology to e-book teaching activates teaching flexibility, and many teaching models, such as teaching by wandering around, interactive teaching, and blended teaching, are therefore derived to enhance the richness of teaching; (3) the application of information technology to e-book teaching bridges the distance between instructors and students and leads to a deeper understanding of learning conditions of students, expanding the possibilities for content planning and teaching models. The results give rise to suggestions enhancing enjoyment in learning and promoting higher motivation and more effective teaching., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Sun and Pan.)

The liver has particular tolerogenic properties that allow its spontaneous acceptance in some animal species. Liver structure is considered to favor a tolerogenic environment. The peripheral tolerance mechanisms also play a role in spontaneous tolerance to liver graft. In a clinical setting, the main challenge nowadays facing liver transplantation is minimization of immunosuppression with the goal of donor-specific tolerance. Mechanisms involved in tolerance to transplanted organs are complex and partly unknown. A significant mechanism in tolerance induction is chimerism. Chimerism can be induced through transplantation of allogeneic donor bone marrow/stem cells under appropriate host conditioning. This review focuses on the tolerance mechanisms in liver transplantation and highlights the role of chimerism and allogeneic bone marrow/stem cell transplantation in tolerance development.

Background/aims: Resveratrol, a polyphenolic phytochemical present in berries, grapes, and wine, has emerged as a promising chemopreventive candidate. The aim of the present study was to determine the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore its mechanism., Methodology: VEGF protein was detected by western blot, whereas VEGF mRNA expression was investigated by RT-PCR. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Xenograft sections were stained for CD34 to study microvessels in vivo., Results: We found that VEGF protein and mRNA expressions in the cells treated with resveratrol were significantly decreased. The activation of NF-kappa B was also intensely inhibited by resveratrol. Growth of tumours in nude mice was inhibited by resveratrol. Microvessel density was decreased with resveratrol treatment., Conclusions: The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on VEGF activity may occur partly through suppression of the activation of NF-kappa B in HepG2 cells. Resveratrol also significantly inhibited tumour growth and angiogenesis.

Objective: To explore the sensitization effects of resveratrol on CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line with hypoxia-induced chemotherapy resistance and the potential mechanism., Methods: Human CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line was cultured under hypoxic conditions (37 degrees centigrade, 5% CO(2), 2% O(2)) in vitro. The cultured cells were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 48 h. Reversal fold (RF) of reseratrol to chemotherapeutic drugs in CNE2 cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Apoptotic rate of CNE2 cells was observed by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and Western blotting were used to investigate the expressions of multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in CNE2 cells., Results: Resveratrol combined with chemotherapeutics produced a synergistic effect. The RF of 200 micromol/L resveratrol to paclitaxel was 2.58. Combined with paclitaxel, 25, 50, 100 and 200 micromol/L of resveratrol increased the apoptotic rate of CNE2 cells from (22.14+/-1.09)% to (23.24+/-1.37)%, (27.57+/-2.01)%, and (30.36+/-2.31)%, respectively. Resveratrol could down-regulate the expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1 significantly. After being treated with resveratrol at different concentrations separately, the expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1 in CNE2 cells decreased significantly as compared with paclitaxel alone or paclitaxel plus verapamil (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Resveratrol can enhance the sensitivity of CNE2 cells to chemotherapeutic drugs under hypoxia. The potential mechanism is partly attributed to inhibiting the gene expressions of HIF-1alpha, mdr1 and MRP1.

Aim: To determine the effect of human DNA binding protein (dbpA) on the biology of gastric cancer cells., Methods: DbpA expression was analyzed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. A dbpA-specific small interference (si) RNA was designed and synthesized. Suppressive effect of siRNA on dbpA expression was assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Transwell migration and colony formation assays were used to assess the inhibitory effects of dbpA siRNA on cell invasion and tumorigenesis in vitro. Drug-sensitivity was evaluated using a conventional 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay., Results: The expression of dbpA was upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines as compared to adjacent normal tissues or gastric epithelial cells. siRNA treatment successfully silenced dbpA expression. Silencing of dbpA increased expression of E-cadherin, decreased expression of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), beta-catenin and cyclin D1, but had no effect on expression of NF-kappaB. Silencing of dbpA also suppressed cell invasion and colony formation of SGC7901 cells, and enhanced their chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil., Conclusion: DbpA plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of gastric cancer, and the process involves E-cadherin, APC, beta-catenin and cyclin D1. Silencing of dbpA might be a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil in gastric cancer.

Aims: Little is known in judging significant factors that affect the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis undergoing liver resection. The aim of the present study is to investigate the controllable and uncontrollable poor prognostic factors for hepatectomy in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis., Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 412 HCC patients with HBV-related cirrhosis undergoing liver resection from October 1996 to October 2006 were retrospectively reviewed and the prognostic risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Cumulative survival was calculated with respect to the number of prognostic risk factors., Results: The significant risk factors for decreasing both the overall and disease-free survival of patients were: (1) ascites volume of more than 500 ml; (2) prothrombin time of more than 4s; (3) serum AFP of more than 400 ng/ml; (4) tumor distribution in two lobes; (5) vascular invasion; (6) capsule absence; and (7) blood transfusion of more than 600 ml. Moreover, female gender and operation time of more than 5h are risk factors of tumor recurrence but not for the patients' overall survival. The 3-year survival rate decreased from 100% to 0 as the number of risk factors in the patients increased from zero to four or more. Patients who had two or more preoperative risk factors were poor candidates for liver resection, with a 3-year survival rate of 8.5%., Conclusions: The survival of HCC patients with HBV-related cirrhosis after liver resection depends on preoperative liver reserve, tumor status and blood transfusion. Tumor status cannot be altered; however, the surgeon can do a great favor to the prognosis of patients by minimizing bleeding and blood transfusion. Patients with two or more preoperative risk factors should be cautiously selected for liver resection.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) infection in a liver transplantation candidate is not rare in China. There is little experience on how to manage the pre-existing TB infection in liver transplantation recipients. Aim. Patients with pre-existing pulmonary TB who received liver transplantation are described and the perioperative treatment is discussed., Methods: The treatment of 3 patients with pre-existing pulmonary TB infection who received liver transplantation was reviewed., Results: The patients were given nonstandard antituberculous therapy according to their reaction to the drugs. No evidence of TB infection relapse was discovered., Conclusion: Pre-existing TB infection should not be an absolute contraindication to orthotopic liver transplantation. The use of second-line antituberculous therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of TB infection in liver transplantation recipients.

Objective: To explore the reversal effect and potential mechanism of resveratrol on multidrug resistance of human oral epidermoid carcinoma KBv200 cells., Methods: MTT assay was used to investigate reversal index of resveratrol to vincristine, adriamycin and paclitaxel. Cell apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of multidrug resistant 1 (MDR1) and B cell lymphoma leukemia-2 (Bcl-2)., Results: Resveratrol produced a synergistic effect with chemotherapeutics and obviously reversed the multidrug resistant phenotype of KBv200 cells. The reversal fold (RF) of 200 micromol/L resveratrol to vincristine, paclitaxel and adriamycin were 77.1, 61.3 and 5.9, respectively. The gene array results showed that resveratrol greatly downregulated expression levels of Bcl-2 and MDR1. After treated with 100 micromol/L, 200 micromol/L resveratrol, the expression level of Bcl-2 and MDR1 in KBv200 cells were markedly decreased in comparison with those untreated (t were 2.98, 3.51 and 3.12, 4.56, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Resveratrol can efficiently reverse multidrug resistance in KBv200 cells. The potential mechanism may be via inhibiting the multidrug resistant gene expressions and/or promoting cell apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in patients with gastric carcinoma in different stages., Methods: The expressions of HB-EGF protein and mRNA in normal gastric tissues, metaplasic intestinal mucosa, early-stage gastric cancer and advanced-stage gastric cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization., Results: HB-EGF expression was only detected in the parietal cells of the gastric fundic glands and in gastrin cells of the pyloric glands in normal gastric tissues. Weak HB-EGF expression was detected in the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa in intestinal metaplasic mucosa, and the expression increased in all layers of the gastric mucosa in early-stage gastric cancer. Intense HB-EGF expression was observed in advanced gastric cancer., Conclusion: Increased HB-EGF expression may be implicated in the pathogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma.

Aim: To construct a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector harboring fusion gene NT4-Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] and investigate Survivin as a anticancer therapeutic target by use of Shepherdin[79-87]., Methods: The gene of Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] was obtained by PCR and T-vector method. After inserted in PBV220-NT4 vector and digested with restricted enzyme, The fusion gene of NT4-Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] was sub-cloned into the shuttle plasmid of adeno-associated virus; the products were co-transferred into HEK-293 cell line with helper plasmid pAAV-Ad and adeno-plasmid pFG140. The recombinant adeno-associated virus was produced by homologous recombination of above 3 plasmids in HEK-293 cells and its titer was measured by Dot-blot hybridization. The effect of rAAV-NT4-Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] on A549 cell line was measured by a colorimetric 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay., Results: DNA sequencing results verified that the sequence of Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] was consistent with that we had designed. After transformed E.coli DH5alpha, a fragment of 321 bp was confirmed. High titer of recombinant adeno-associated virus was obtained by homologous recombination in HEK-293 cell lines (3.4x10(13)pfu/L). rAAV-NT4-Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] had strong induce apoptosis effect on A549 cells., Conclusion: The recombinant adeno-associated virus vector encoding fusion gene NT4-Ant-Shepherdin[79-87] is successfully constructed in this experiment by molecular cloning and in vitro recombination techniques, which provided the basis of further research of Survivin for cancer gene therapy.

Background: Management of patients with spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma in a single centre is reported and the diagnosis and treatment are discussed., Methods: The clinical presentations, diagnosis and treatment of 28 cases of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma were reviewed., Results: Twenty-six patients had sudden right upper-quadrant abdominal pain and 53.5% patients were in hypovolaemic shock on admission. The median survival of the patients who received one-stage, two-stage tumour resection and only transarterial embolization was 370, 483.5 and 60 days, respectively. The prognosis of the patients who underwent only conservative treatment or surgical haemostasis was poor., Conclusion: Transarterial embolization is the treatment of choice for those who are haemodynamically unstable on admission. Careful evaluations, including functional liver reserve, coagulopathy, tumour size and location should be made before tumour resection.

Objective: To observe the effects of resveratrol on proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 cells and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in vitro., Methods: SMMC-7721 cells were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The effect of resveratrol on proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells was assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The expression of MMP-9 mRNA was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP-9 protein was identified by Western blot analysis., Results: Resveratrol could inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells with dose- and time-dependent effects. Moreover, both MMP-9 mRNA expression and MMP-9 protein production were markedly reduced after resveratrol treatment., Conclusion: Resveratrol can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and down-regulate MMP-9 expression. It is presumed that resveratrol may suppress the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

IgG3 antibody reaction to soluble antigens prepared from schistosomula (SSA), adult worms (SAWA) and eggs (SEA) in laboratory-bred Microtus fortis (Mf), BALB/c mice and Kunming (Km) mice challenged by cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum was detected by indirect ELISA. The effect of purified IgG3 antibody on in vitro killing schistosomula and protecting mice from infection of S. japonicum was evaluated. The IgG3 antibody level in Mf against SSA and SAWA increased significantly by 79.6 percent and 49.6 percent after the fourth week of challenge infection, but no significant increase in BALB/c mice. Purified IgG3 antibody from laboratory-bred Mf and wild Mf effectively killed schistosomula, and that of the wild Mf induced higher worm-reduction rate. The death rate of schistosomula due to IgG3 antibody purified from sera of laboratory-bred Mf and wild Mf was 2.35 and 5.88 times as high as that of Km mice respectively. The results suggest that IgG3 antibody from Microtus fortis may play an important role in immunity against S. japonicum.

Objective: To detect the expressions of heparanase and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-kappaB p65) in pancreatic adenocarcinomas and analyze their relation to patients' prognosis and the regulatory mechanism of NF-kappaB on heparanase expression., Methods: Heparanase and NF-kappaB p65 proteins in the tumor and adjacent tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry in 48 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and analyzed for their clinicopathological significance., Results: Heparanase and NF-kappaB p65 proteins were found in 30 (62.5%) and 22 (45.9%) tumor specimens, respectively, a rate significantly higher than that in the adjacent tissues. High heparanase expression was closely related to advanced TNM stage (P=0.031), lymph node metastasis (P=0.003) and decreased 3-year postoperative survival (20.0% vs 0%, P=0.001). NF-kappaB p65 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.017) and distant metastasis (P=0.031), but had a higher positive rate in heparanase-positive cases than in heparanase-negative cases (P=0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that neither heparanase nor NF-kappaB p65 was the independent prognostic factors., Conclusion: Heparanase is overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinomas in association with decreased postoperative survival. NF-kappaB may up-regulate heparanase expression and promote heparanase-dependent tumor invasion and metastasis.

Background: Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in general surgery. However, bile duct injury is a rare but still one of the most common complications. These injuries sometimes present variably after primary surgery. Timely detection and appropriate management decrease the morbidity and mortality of the operation., Methods: Five cases of iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) were managed at the Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University. All the cases who underwent both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy had persistent injury to the biliary tract and were treated accordingly., Results: Recovery of the patients was uneventful. All patients were followed-up at the surgical outpatient department for six months to three years. So far the patients have shown good recovery., Conclusions: In cases of IBDI it is necessary to perform the operation under the supervision of an experienced surgeon who is specialized in the repair of bile duct injuries, and it is also necessary to detect and treat the injury as soon as possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome.

Objective: To investigate the effect of activated charcoal-epirubicin suspension (Epi-CH) for treatment of breast cancer and clearance of axillary lymph node metastasis., Methods: Sixty patients with breast cancer of stages II-III were randomized into Epi-CH group (n=40) receiving injection with 10 mg Epi-CH in the tissue around the primary tumor 72 h before modified radical resection and control group (n=20) with 10 mg of aqueous epirubicin injection in the same region. The dissected axillary lymph nodes and the staining lymph nodes were counted. The concentration of epirubicin in the lymph nodes was detected by high-performance liquid chorography, and the specimens of lymph nodes were observed microscopically., Results: In comparison with the control group, Epi-CH injection allowed dissection of 4.04 more lymph nodes (P<0.01) and resulted in the staining rate of the axillary lymph nodes of 86.9% (565/650). The proportion of the staining lymph nodes with diameter>1.0 cm was significantly lower than that with diameter 0.05). In Epi-CH group, the concentration of epirubicin in the stained lymph nodes was significantly higher than that in non-stained ones (443.0-/+123.1 vs 31.8-/+11.9 ng/g, P<0.01). Remarkable degeneration and necrosis could be observed microscopically in the stained lymph nodes., Conclusion: Epi-CH allows more effective treatment of breast cancer and clearance of axiliary metastasis by increasing the dissected lymph nodes and raising the concentration of epirubicin in the axillary lymph nodes.

Unlabelled: Our aim was to study the effect of resveratrol on the expressions of protein kinase C isotypes (PKC alpha, theta) in peripheral blood lymphocytes and on the expression of IkappaB kinase-beta (IKK beta) in lymphocytes in allografts in a rat liver transplantation model., Methods: Orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) were performed from Sprague Dawley rats to Wistar rats. The recipients were divided into two groups after OLT. In the RES group, resveratrol was given intraperitoneally once a day (100 mg kg(-1)) after OLT, whereas in the control group vehicle buffer was given. The expressions of PKC alpha, theta in peripheral blood lymphocytes, expression of IKK beta in lymphocytes in allograft, and survival periods were compared between the groups., Results: The mean survival period after OLT in the RES group was significantly longer than that in control group (P < .05). On posttransplant day 7, the expression of PKC theta in peripheral blood lymphocytes in the RES group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group (P < .05), whereas there was no obvious difference in the expressions of PKC alpha between the two groups (P > .05), and the positive rate of IKK beta protein in lymphocytes in allografts in RES group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group (P < .05)., Conclusion: Resveratrol showed an immunosuppressive effect on lymphocytes for allograft rejection in the rat. Down-regulation of the expression of PKC theta in peripheral blood lymphocytes may be part of the mechanism.

Objective: To investigate the curative effect and mechanism of beta-elemene interventional treatment on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits., Methods: The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 carcinoma on kidney. Fifty-five rabbits were randomly divided into 11 groups. Rabbits in these groups were administered interventional treatment of normal saline, iodinated oil, mitomycin, 5-fluorouracil, beta-elemene, cisplatin, carboplatin, adriamycin, thiotepa, cyclophopsphamide, and vincristine, respectively. After corresponding intervention, the tumor volume in each group was measured by ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography, and the tumor growth rate (TGR) was calculated. Nenal and hepatic functions of the rabbits in each group were compared 1 day, 7 and 14 days after the interventional treatment. Morphologic change of the tumor was observed by a light microscopy and a transmission electron microscopy 14 days after interventional treatment. The expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were measured by immunohistochemical straining., Results: There was statistical significance in the effects of different medicines intervened on VX2 kidney transplanted carcinoma. The VX2 carcinoma of rabbits had high-sensitivity to iodized oil embolism, mitomycin, cisplatin and carboplatin, which showed serious damage to the kidney function, medium-sensitivity to beta-elemene, adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil, in which beta-elemene showed slight damage to the kidney function, and resistance to thiotepa, cyclohosphamide and vincristine. Most tumor cells displayed apoptosis in the beta-elemene interventional treatment group under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and only few tumor cells displayed necrosis. The Bax expression was up-regulated (P<0.05) and the Bcl-2 expression had no significant difference (P>0.05) in the beta-elemene interventional treatment group., Conclusion: Intervention treatment of beta-elemene has significant effect on VX2 kidney transplanted carcinoma and little side effect on the kidney function. Its mechanism is related to enhancing the apoptosis of tumor cells, and Bax gene participates in this action.

Objective: Magnetic rings were used for rapid vascular reconstruction in a canine liver transplantation model., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult mongrel dogs weighing 13 to 16 kg were randomly selected as donors or recipients of transplantations. The recipients were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 10) had magnetic rings used for vascular reconstruction without venovenous bypass; group B (n = 6) had vascular reconstruction performed by continuous suturing with splenojugular venovenous bypass., Results: In group A, the entire operative period was 3.24 +/- 0.49 hours, the durations of clamping the portal vein and the infrahepatic vena cava of the recipient were 5.89 +/- 2.27 minutes and 3.89 +/- 0.73 minutes, respectively. In group B, the entire operative period was 4.12 +/- 0.51 hours with the duration of clamping portal vein and infrahepatic vena cava, 28.33 +/- 6.04 minutes and 12.16 +/- 3.72 minutes (P < .01 vs group A). In group A, mean arterial pressure dropped during the anhepatic phase but recovered quickly after reperfusion. The fluid infusion was about 730.56 +/- 50.56 mL in the group A and a pressor agent was unnecessary. In group B, blood pressure dropped during the anhepatic phase and slowly recovered. The fluid infusion was about 2241.67 +/- 390.78 mL and a pressor agent was used to maintain the blood pressure of the recipient. No twist or thrombus was discovered in the anastomoses group A and the endothelium at the site of anastomosis was entire. In group B, errhysis was common in the anastomotic stomas. Nine of 10 dogs in group A survived more than 3 days, the longest being 8 days, whereas four of the six dogs in group B survived less than 3 days., Conclusion: The results showed that the anhepatic time was significantly shortened (about 5.89 +/- 2.27 minutes) in group A compared with group B and venovenous bypass was unnecessary. Magnetic rings could be used for rapid vascular reconstruction in canine liver transplantation model. The long-term results of this procedure should be clarified before it is applied in clinical practice in the future.

Objective: To investigate the radiosensitization of beta-elemene on VX2 carcinoma transplanted on kidney in rabbits in vivo., Methods: The rabbits were all transplanted with VX2 carcinoma on kidney. The appropriate dose of beta-elemene infusion via renal artery for further study on radiosensitization was determined. Then fifty-five rabbits were divided into three groups: untreated group, radiation group and radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group. After corresponding intervention for each group, the tumor volume was measured by ultrasonography and spiral computed tomography. The sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of beta-elemene was calculated. The pathological change of tumor tissue in kidney was observed by light microscopy and electron transmission microscopy. The apoptotic index was also examined by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method., Results: The most significant radiosensitivity was observed in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group with 6 Mev X-ray radiation dose of 3 Gy.Fx(-1).d(-1) x 5 d and beta-elemene dose of 10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1). The average time delayed for tumor growth was obviously longer in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group than those in the untreated group and radiation group. The SER of beta-elemene was 1.89. The apoptotic index of tumor cells in the radiation plus beta-elemene-treated group was also significantly higher than those in the untreated group and radiation group., Conclusion: The beta-elemene can enhance the effects of irradiation on VX2 carcinoma transplanted to kidney in rabbits in vivo by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.

Aim: To study the effect of resveratrol (RES) on the apoptosis of lymphocytes in allograft in a rat liver transplantation model., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as donors and male Wistar rats as recipients for a rejection model. The recipients were divided into four groups after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). In the RES A, B, and C groups, RES was given intraperitoneally once a day (25, 50, and 100 mgkg(-1), respectively) after OLTx, whereas in the control group vehicle buffer was given intraperitoneally once a day. The survival period, lymphocytes apoptosis, expressions of Bcl-2/Bax proteins in lymphocytes, and histopathological findings were then compared among these groups., Results: The mean survival period after OLTx in RES C group was significantly longer than that in control group (P < 0.05). On the seventh post-transplant day, the apoptosis index (AI) of lymphocytes in portal area and the positive rate of Bax protein in lymphocytes in RES C group were significantly increased in comparison with those in control group (both P < 0.05), whereas there is no obvious difference in the expression of Bcl-2 protein in lymphocytes between the control group and various drug groups (all P < 0.05), and a histological examination revealed apparent difference in the severity of rejection between the RES C group and control group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: RES has an immunosuppressive effect on lymphocytes under allograft rejection in rat. Inducing apoptosis of lymphocytes and upregulating the ratio of Bax/bcl-2 proteins in lymphocytes in allograft liver may be part of the mechanisms.

Objective: To observe the efficacy of modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)., Methods: Fifty-five patients with CTS were divided into three groups, which were modified acupotome group including 26 CTS patients with 28 lesions treated by modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy, traditional acupotome group including 14 CTS patients with 16 lesions treated by traditional acupotome combined with blocking therapy, and blocking therapy group including 15 CTS patients with 15 lesions only treated by local blocking. The treatment outcome and one-year recurrence rate were observed., Results: The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the modified acupotome group were 85.7% (24/28) and 20.8% (5/24) respectively, which had no significant differences as compared with 81.3% (13/16) and 38.5% (5/13) in the traditional acupotome group. The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the above two groups were both improved significantly as compared with those in the blocking therapy group which were 46.7% (7/15) and 85.7% (6/7) respectively. There were no acupotome-related adverse effects and injuries observed in the modified acupotome group., Conclusion: The modified acupotome is a considerable treatment method for CTS with respect to its simple manipulation and high effectiveness.

Objective: To develop a diagnostic kit for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in human sera by immunoblot technique., Methods: The cytoplasm proteins of Toxoplasma gondii were extracted from collected ascites in Kunming strain mice infected by tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain). Toxoplasma gondii soluble antigens were separated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and transferred to pyroxylin membrane. Using nonpoisonous tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as horseradish peroxidase substrate for immunoblot, the optimal experimental conditions were selected through comparison of antigen preparation, reagents for blocking or washing, dilution concentration, reaction time, and frequencies of reacting band. Sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and stability were evaluated as the standard for the kit., Results: In 30 sera with anti-Toxoplasma [gM antibodies and 28 with IgG antibodies, the sensitivity for IgM and IgG antibody detection was 90.0% (27/30) and 85.7% (24/28) respectively, the specificity was all 100% in examining 40 healthy control sera, and the Youden index was 0.9 and 0.86 respectively. The kit was stable at 49 degrees C for 6 months., Conclusion: The immunoblot kit shows an easy operation, fast reaction and reliable result, and may be practical.

Background & Objective: Although it is reported that lymphatic chemotherapy could raise drug concentrations in local lymph nodes and prolong survival time of patients with gastrointestinal tumors, its effect on breast cancer has not been explored. This study was to explore the impact of lymphatic chemotherapy on relapse and metastasis of breast cancer, and to investigate the mechanism., Methods: Sixty patients with breast cancer of stage II-III were randomized into 2 groups: 40 patients in Epi-CH (carbon activated absorbing epirubicin) group were injected with 10 mg of Epi-CH in the tissue around primary tumor 72 h before modified radical resection; 20 patients in control group were injected with 10 mg of aqueous epirubicin in the same region. The stained nodes full of tumor cells in Epi-CH group and non-stained nodes in control group were selected. The apoptotic index (AI) of cancer cells in metastatic axillary lymph node was calculated by TUNEL method; the expression of Fas/Fas-L proteins was examined by SP immunohistochemistry; the relapse and metastatic rate was compared., Results: The AI of cancer cells in metastatic axillary lymph node was significantly higher in Epi-CH group than in control group [(9.5+/-2.7)% vs. (3.8+/-1.4)%, P<0.01]. The expression of Fas protein was significantly higher in Epi-CH group than in control group (P<0.05), but the expression of Fas-L protein had no difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). No chemotherapy-related local and whole body reaction occurred in both groups. The relapse and metastatic rate was significantly lower in Epi-CH group than in control group (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Preoperative Epi-CH lymphatic chemotherapy could suppress relapse and metastasis of breast cancer, which might through up-regulating expression of Fas protein and inducing apoptosis of axillary metastasis cells.

Objective: A simplified method of heterotopic abdominal cardiac xenotransplantation and its technique problems are described., Methods: Hamster-to-rat cardiac xenotransplantation was performed by means of "sleeve and cuff" method. The left common carotid artery of the donor heart was anastomosed to the left renal artery of the recipient with a "sleeve" anastomosis, and the "cuffed" right pulmonary artery was anastamosed to the left renal vein of the rat. The viability of the donor heart was examined daily by palpating the left abdominal wall of the rat., Results: Among 105 rats that underwent heterotopic cardiac xenotransplantation, 95 were completed successfully. The xenograft survived for 3 to 4 days after the procedure suffering typical acute vascular rejection., Conclusions: A useful, easy model to investigate the mechanisms of concordant xenotransplantation was established.

Aim: To study the effects of microcirculation disturbance (MD) on rats with acute severe pancreatitis (ASP)., Methods: We developed ASP rat models, and anatomized separately after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h. We took out blood and did hemorrheologic examination and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test, checked up the water content, capillary permeability, and genetic expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in lung tissues, examined the apoptosis degree of blood vessel endothelium while we tested related gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in lung tissues. We did the same examination in control group., Results: The viscosity of total blood and plasma, the hematocrit, and the erythrocyte osmotic fragility were all increased. Fibrinogen was decreased. The water content in lung tissues and capillary permeability were increased. Apoptosis degree of blood vessel endothelium was increased too. ICAM-1 genetic expression moved up after 1 h and reached its peak value after 9 h., Conclusion: MD plays an important role in ASP following acute lung injury (ALI). The functional damage of blood vessel endothelium, the apoptosis of capillary vessel endothelium, WBC edging-concentration and the increasing of erythrocyte fragility are the main reasons of ALI.

Aim: To study the immuno-modulatory effect of resveratrol (RES) on allograft rejection after liver transplantation in rats., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as donors and male Wistar rats as recipients for a rejection model. The recipients were divided into four groups after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). In the RES A, B, and C groups, RES was given intra-peritoneally once a day (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively) after OLTx, whereas in the control group, vehicle buffer was given intra-peritoneally once a day. The survival time, serum chemistry, production of cytokines, activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, and histopathologic findings were then compared among these groups., Results: The mean survival time after OLTx in the RES C group was significantly longer than that in the control group (16.7+/-1.2 d vs 9.3+/-0.6 d, P<0.01). On the 7th post-transplant day the serum albumin level significantly improved in the RES C group, the serum total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, the serum IL-2 and INF-gamma levels were significantly lower in the RES C group, and the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in the RES A, B, and C groups in comparison to those in the control group. On the 7th post-transplant day, a histological examination revealed apparent difference in the severity of rejection between the RES C group and control group., Conclusion: RES has an immuno-suppressive property as well as protective effect on hepatocytes under allograft rejection. It might serve as a novel agent for reducing the severity of hepatic allograft rejection in rats.

Objective: To observe the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins and cell apoptosis induced by preoperative lymphatic chemotherapy with epirubicin-activated carbon suspension (Epi-CH) in the cells of axillary metastatic lymph node of breast cancer and investigate the mechanism., Methods: Sixty patients with breast cancer of stages II-III were randomly divided into two groups. Forty patients in Epi-CH group were injected with 10 mg Epi-CH in the tissue around the primary tumor or biopsy excision 72 h before operation. Twenty patients in the control group were injected with 10 mg epirubicin solution in the same region. The stained lymph nodes full of tumor cells in Epi-CH group and the non-stained nodes in the control group were selected for apoptotic detection by TUNEL method. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were examined by SP immunohistochemistry., Results: The apoptotic index of the metastatic cancer cells in Epi-CH group was increased remarkably in comparison with that in the control group [(9.5+/-2.7) % vs (3.8+/-1.4) %, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were up-regulated significantly in Epi-CH group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), resulting in decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax., Conclusion: Lymphatic chemotherapy can promote cell apotosis in axillary metastasis of breast cancer, which may result from decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.

Introduction: Despite continued progress in the development of immunosuppressive agents, allograft rejection remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. We examined the effect of intraperitoneal injection of cyclosporine (CsA) and resveratrol (Res) on allograft rejection after liver transplantation in rats., Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected as donors and male Wistar rats as recipients for a rejection model. The recipients were divided into three groups after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx): in the combination group both Res (100 mg/kg) and CsA (20 mg/kg) were given by intraperitoneal route once a day, whereas in the CsA group or control group CsA (20 mg/kg) or vehicle buffer was given. The survival period, serum chemistry, production of some cytokines, activation of transcription factor NF- kappaB, and histopathological findings were then compared among them., Results: The mean survival period after OLTx in the combination group was significantly longer than that in the CsA group or control group (P < .05 and P < .01). On posttransplant day 7, the serum albumin level significantly improved, the serum total bile acid and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower, the serum interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma levels were significantly lower, and the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was significantly suppressed in the combination group in comparison with those in the CsA group (all P < .05) or control group (all P < .01), and a histological examination revealed apparent difference in the severity of rejection between the combination group and CsA group (P < .05) or control group (P < .01)., Conclusion: The combined use of CsA and Res has a stronger immunosuppressive effect on hepatocytes under allograft rejection in comparison with the sole use of CsA. Res might serve as a novel supplementary immunosuppressive agent for reducing the severity of hepatic allograft rejection in rats.

Aim: To study the influences of emodin and reconstruction of double blood supplies on liver regeneration of reduced size graft liver in rat model., Methods: A total of 45 SD-SD rat reduced size liver transplantation models were randomly divided into three groups (A-C). The conventional reduced size liver transplantation was performed on rats in group A, while the hepatic artery blood supply was restored in groups B and C. The emodin (1.5 mg/kg/d) was given by intraperitoneal route in group C only. The recipients were killed on the seventh day after the operation. The proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TBil and ALT of serum were detected, and the pathological changes of liver cell were observed., Results: The numbers of the rats that survived in A, B, and C group on the seventh day after operation were 14, 13, 13, respectively. The levels of TBil (31.5+/-5.2 micromol/L, 23.2+/-3.1 micromol/L vs 38.6+/-6.8 micromol/L), and ALT (5 351+/-1 050 nKat, 1300+/-900 nKat vs 5779+/-1202 nKat) in serum in groups B and C were lower than those in group A (P<0.05), while the expression of PCNA in groups B or C was higher than that in group A (22.0+/-3.5%, 28.2+/-4.2% vs 18.6+/-3.2%, P<0.05). The deeper staining nuclei, double nuclei, multi-nuclei and much glycogen were observed in liver cells of groups B and C, especially in group C, while fewer were found in liver cells of group A., Conclusion: The reconstruction of arterial blood supply is very important for rat liver regeneration after reduced size liver transplantation. Emodin has the effect of promoting liver regeneration and improving liver function in rats after reduced size transplantation. The possible mechanism is improving proliferation of liver cell and protecting liver cells from injury.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis worldwide, especially in Asia. Liver transplantation for the end-stage liver disease with hepatitis B virus(HBV) is commonly complicated by the recurrence of HBV. The present study was designed to evaluate lamivudine in the prevention and treatment of recurrent HBV after liver transplantation., Methods: Seventeen patients with HBV-related liver disease in a total of 41 patients have received liver transplantation at our hospital since 2001. All the patients were HBV positive before transplantation, 5 of them had acute liver failure. Artificial liver was used in 4 patients with acute liver failure. All of the patients received lamivudine at a dose of 100 mg/d after liver transplantation. Lamivudine and HBIg therapy were given to 3 patients., Results: Liver transplantation was successfully performed in all 17 patients. Three patients died of complications 3-6 months after the transplantation. One patient withdraw from lamivudine therapy and died of liver failure at 14 months after the transplantation. Thirteen patients were followed up from 6 to 18 months. Two viremic patients had HBV recurrence shortly after the transplantation. Two viremic patients who had received HBIg and lamivudine after the transplantation had no evidence of HBV recurrence., Conclusions: Lamivudine therapy is effective in preventing HBV recurrence after liver transplantation. The recurrence of HBV is closely related to HBV DNA status before liver transplantation.

Aim: To study the anti-tumor effect of resveratrol and in combination with 5-FU on murine liver cancer., Methods: Transplantable murine hepatoma22 model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of resveratrol (RES) alone or in combination with 5-FU in vivo. H22 cell cycles were analyzed with flow cytometry., Results: Resveratrol could inhibit the growth of murine hepatoma22, after the mice bearing H22 tumor were treated with 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg resveratrol for ten days, and the inhibition rates were 36.3% (n = 10) and 49.3% (n = 9), respectively, which increased obviously compared with that in control group (85+/-22 vs 68+/-17, P<0.01). RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells, and increase the percentage of cells in S phase from 59.1% (n = 9) to 73.5% (n = 9) in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The enhanced inhibition of tumor growth by 5-FU was also observed in hepatoma22 bearing mice when 5-FU was administered in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol. The inhibition rates for 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU in combination with 10 mg/kg resveratrol were 77.4% and 72.4%, respectively, compared with the group of 20 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 5-FU alone, in which the inhibition rates were 53.4% and 43.8%, respectively (n = 8). There was a statistical significance between the combination group and 5-FU group., Conclusion: RES could induce the S phase arrest of H22 cells and enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU on murine hepatoma22 and antagonize its toxicity markedly. These results suggest that resveratrol, as a biochemical modulator to enhance the therapeutic effects of 5-FU, may be potentially useful in cancer chemotherapy.

Aim: To observe effects of ACOL on fibrinogen (FIB), fibrin degrading products (FDP) and changes of FIB and FDP concentration in rabbits with intro-abdominal exudates during 7 d after major abdominal surgery., Methods: Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: ACOL group, the control group, DCT group and the normal group. After being modeled, except the normal group, the other 3 groups were treated with different ways for a week; the intro-abdominal exudates of rabbits in the 4 groups were drawn for FIB and FDP measurement once daily during 7 d after major abdominal surgery., Results: FIB and FDP in the intro-abdominal exudates altered in a regular way and ACOL could change the concentration of FIB and FDP in the intra-abdominal exudates after major abdominal surgery., Conclusion: ACOL can prevent intestinal adhesion by reducing the concentration of FIB and raising that of FDP in the intro-abdominal exudates after major abdominal surgery.

Background: Failure to diagnose and treat benign biliary tract disease relatively common surgical disease may cause serious consequences. Since the introduction of B-mode ultrasonography, CT, or MRI early and accurate diagnosis of the disease has been possible. In clinical practice, however, these methods have not been adequately used. Inappropriate surgical procedures can also lead to bile duct injury or stenosis after injury, residual cholecystitis, stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy, or stenosis of the Oddi's sphincter. But improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of benign biliary tract disease remains a great challenge to clinicians., Methods: A total of 149 patients with benign biliary tract disease who had received reoperation from June 1988 to June 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 95 patients (63.76%) received operation twice and 38 (25.5%) underwent 3 operations. Sixteen patients (10.74%) needed 4 or more operations. The procedures for the first operation included cholecystectomy (71 patients, 47.65%), cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (42, 28.19%), cholangiojejunostomy (21, 14.1%), and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (15, 10.06%)., Results: The causes for reoperation included residual and recurrent bile duct stones in 53 patients (35.57%), bile duct injury or stenosis after injury in 41 (27.52%), residual cholecystitis with or without stones in 28 (18.8%), stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy in 17 (11.41%), stenosis of the Oddi's sphincter in 5 (5.35%), and others in 5 (5.35%). Four patients (2.68%) died after operation., Conclusions: To prevent reoperation for benign biliary tract diseases, the following measures should be taken to increase preoperative diagnostic rate, to understand conditions of the biliary tract by using imaging techniques and cholangiography, to examine comprehensively and carefully with choledochoscopy, cholangiography and B-mode ultrasonography intraoperatively, to choose appropriate operative procedures to decrease the rate of residual stones, and to decide the time for the first repair according to injury type of the bile duct. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with cholangioplasty is the best operation for the reconstruction of the biliary tract.

Aim: Based on the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis and our experimental studies, to investigate the effect of dexamethasone and dextran in treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis., Methods: Thirty-two patients with severe acute pancreatitis were treated with 0.5-1 mg/kg per day dexamethasone for 3-5 d, and 500-1,000 mL/d of dextran 40 for 7 d, besides the routine therapy., Results: After 4-8 h of treatment, abdominal pain began to be relieved; range of tenderness began to be localized in 27 patients. They were cured with nonsurgical treatment. Five of them were deteriorated, and treated with surgery. Four patients in this group died., Conclusion: Dexamethasone and dextran 40 block the pathologic process of severe acute pancreatitis through inhibition of inflammatory mediators and improvement of microcirculation disorders respectively.

Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were investigated in serum samples of field mice, Microtus fortis, from Yuanjiang, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China. The modified agglutination test (MAT) incorporating formalin-fixed whole tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol was used to determine antibodies. Antibodies to T. gondii (MAT > or = 1:20) were found in 36 (29%) of 124 trapped mice. The antibody titers of positive sera (percentage in parentheses) were 1:20 (8.9), 1:40 (3.2), 1:80 (3.2), 1:160 (1.6), 1:320 (1.6), 1:640 (1.6), 1:1,280 (1.6), 1: 2,560 (0.8), and > 1:2,560 (6.5). No antibody to T. gondii was found in 104 sera of laboratory-bred M. fortis infected with Schistosoma japonicum between 1 and 45 days after infection.

Aim: To investigate the effect of resveratrol (Res) alone and its combination with cyclosporin A (CsA) on the proliferation of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes (hPBTCs), transformation into lymphoblasts, as well as IL-2 and INF-gamma production., Methods: The proliferation of hPBTCs was detected by MTT colorimetry. The lymphocyte transformation rate was examined by morphologic method. The levels of IL-2 and INF-gamma in lymphocyte culture supernatant were detected by ELISA., Results: When the concentration of resveratrol was over 2.5 mg/L, especially 10 mg/L, the proliferation and transformation rate of hPBTCs decreased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of IL-2 and INF-gamma in lymphocyte culture supernatant reduced markedly (P<0.05), on condition that the concentration of resveratrol was over 5 mg/L. The combination of more than 2.5 mg/L of resveratrol with cyclosporine A had synergism., Conclusion: Resveratrol can suppress notably the proliferation and transformation of human lymphocytes and the combination of resveratrol at a given concentration with cyclosporine A can enhance immune suppression.

Aim: Proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 play a main role in acute pancreatitis (AP). Cytokine biosynthesis runs through two major signaling pathways at the level of proteins: nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages on cytokines of rats with acute pancreastitis., Methods: Taurocholate (3% and 5%) at doses of 1 mL/kg was administered into the biliopancreatic duct of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to reduce acute edematous pancreariris (AEP) and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Pancreatic tissues were prepared immediately after death. At this point, blood was obtained for determination of serum amylase and pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha and IL-6. Activated monocytes/macrophages were captured from blood and so were ascites. NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages were measured by immunohistochemistry method. Pancreatic tissue samples were prepared for routine light microscopy, using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining., Results: The serum levels of amylase were 3,056.00+/-1,232.35 IU/L and 4,865.12+/-890.34 IU/L at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group, which were significantly higher than those (3,056.00+/-1,232.35 IU/L and 3,187.17+/-821.16 IU/L) (P<0.05, respectively) in AEP group. In ascites the levels were 3.32+/-1.01 g and 3.76+/-1.12 g at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group, which were significantly higher than those (1.43+/-1.02 g and 2.56+/-1.21 g) (P<0.05, respectively) in AEP group. The serum levels of TNF-alpha were 54.27+/-23.48 pg/ml and 67.83+/-22.02 pg/ml in AEP group and 64.28+/-20.79 pg/ml and 106.59+/-43.71 pg/ml in ANP group, and the serum levels of IL-6 were 428.12+/-140.30 pg/ml and 420.13+/-139.40 pg/ml in AEP group and 1,600.32+/-309.78 pg/ml and 2,203.76+/-640.85 pg/ml in ANP group, which were far significantly higher than those in sham group (P<0.001, respectively). The serum level of TNF-alpha 6 hours after establishment of the studied model and that of IL-6 at 3 and 6 hours in ANP group were significantly higher than those in AEP (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.05). In ANP group, the levels of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 6 hours after establishment of the studied model were significantly higher than those 3 hours after establishment of studied model (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). Three and 6 hours after establishment of the model, typical pathological changes of AEP and ANP were found, such as large numbers of inflammatory cells, edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, large amount of ascites. In AEP, NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages were moderately found at 3 and 6 hours after introduction of the model. However, in ANP, the expression of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages was upregulated evidently at 3 and 6 hours after introduction of the model, reaching their highest levels at 6 hours after introduction of the model, which were consistent with the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6., Conclusion: Cytokine TNF-alpha and IL-6 play a main role in acute pancreatitis, expression of NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK in activated monocytes/macrophages might play a major role in cytokine transcription and biosynthesis.

Aim: To study the antitumour activity of resveratrol and its effect on the expression of cell cycle proteins including cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 in transplanted liver cancer of murine., Methods: Murine transplanted hepatoma H22 model was used to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of resveratrol. Following abdominal administration of resveratrol, the change in tumour size was recorded and the protein expression of cyclin D1, cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 in the tumor and adjacent noncancerous liver tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry., Results: Following treatment of H22 tumour bearing mice with resveratrol at 10 or 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 10 days, the growth of murine transplantable liver cancer was inhibited by 36.3% or 49.3%, respectively. The inhibitory effect was significant compared to that in control group (P<0.05). The level of expression of cyclin B1 and p34cdc2 protein was decreased in the transplantable murine hepatoma 22 treated with resveratrol whereas the expression of cyclin D1 protein did not change., Conclusion: Resveratrol exhibits anti-tumour activities on murine hepatoma H22. The underlying anti-tumour mechanism of resveratrol might involve the inhibition of the cell cycle progression by decreasing the expression of cyclinB1 and p34cdc2 protein.

Objective: To investigate the effect of glucocorticoids on systemic inflammatory mediator release in rats with acute pancreatitis and the outcome of dexamethasone in treatment of acute pancreatitis., Methods: Sixty-eight Wistar rats were divided into sham, acute pancreatitis, and treatment (intravenous dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg) groups. Experimental acute pancreatitis was induced by the injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 ml/100 mg body weight) into the pancreatic-biliary duct. The blood samples were obtained and examined for 6-keto-PGI1alpha, TXB2 and IL-6 postoperatively at 3, 6 and 12 hours, respectively. The pancreatic samples were evaluated by a blinded method. Twelve-hour survival rate was determined and compared between the groups., Results: The high serum concentrations of 6-keto-PGI1alpha, TXB2 and IL-6 were noted in the rats with acute pancreatitis associated with pancreatic hemorrhage and necrosis. Their 12-hour survival rate was 42.9%. The rats in the treatment group survived with significantly reduced serum concentrations of 6-keto-PGI1alpha, TXB2 and IL-6 (P<0.05). Their pancreatic morphology was normal., Conclusion: Dexamethasone may reduce the serum concentration of 6-keto-PGI1alpha, TXB2, and IL-6, and the severity of acute pancreatitis while increasing the survival rate of rats with acute pancreatitis.