Moderate-dose Group Research Articles

Effect of Chinese medicine Qinggan Huoxuefang on inducing HSC apoptosis in alcoholic liver fibrosis rats

To investigate the effect of Qinggan Huoxuefang (QGHXF) on improvement of liver function and pathology in rats, and to analyze the mechanism. Wistar rats were divided into three groups at random: normal control group (12),micro-amount carbon tetrachloride group (CCl(4))(12) and model group A (60). The model group A was ingested with the mixture (500 mL/L alcohol, 8 mL/kg per day; corn oil, 2 mL/kg per day; pyrazole, 24 mg/kg per day) once a day and intraperitoneal injections of 0.25 mL/kg of a 250 mL/L solution of CCl(4) in olive oil twice a week for 12 wk. The CCl(4) group received intraperitoneal injections only. At the end of 8 wk the model group A (60) was divided into 5 subgroups: model group, Xiaochaihu Chongji (XCH) group, QGHXF high dose group, moderate dose group and low dose group, and were given the drugs respectively. At the end of 12 wk, all the rats were killed and blood samples collected, as well as liver tissue. Blood samples were used for evaluation of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT). Liver specimens were obtained for routine HE, apoptosis gene array and flow cytometry analysis. A liver fibrosis animal model was successfully established. Fibrosis was obviously reduced in QGHXF high dose group, and no fibrosis formed in CCl(4) group. Compared with model group the QGHXF group and XCH group could obviously decrease the level of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT (P<0.05). QGHXF high dose group was better than XCH group in ALT (615+/-190 vs 867+/-115), and AST(1,972+/-366 vs 2,777+/-608). Moreover, QGHXF could reduce liver inflammation, fibrosis-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis and regulate apoptosis gene expression. The HSC apoptosis rates of QGHXF groups were 22.4+/-3.13, 13.79+/-2.26 and 10.07+/-1.14, higher than model group, 6.58+/-1.04 (P<0.05). Compared to model group, 39 genes were up-regulated, 11 solely expressed and 17 down-regulated in high dose group. QGHXF can improve liver fibrosis and induce HSC apoptosis.

12 Month Effects Of Exercise Dose And Healthy Eating On Prevention Of Weight Gain And Change In Fitness

The effectiveness of exercise and the dose of exercise necessary to prevent weight gain have not been established. PURPOSE This study examined the effect of two doses of exercise on prevention of weight gain and change in fitness in sedentary adults. METHODS One hundred fourteen (age = 44.9 + 8.1 years; body mass index = 27.1 + 1.8 kg/m2) individuals were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions. The moderate exercise dose group (MOD) was progressively increased to 30 min of exercise, 5 d/wk; whereas, the high exercise dose group (HIGH) was progressively increased to 60 min of exercise, 5 d/wk. Both MOD and HIGH attended weekly behavioral meetings and at least 1 supervised exercise session for 24 weeks, 2 behavioral meetings and 2 telephone calls per month for weeks 25–52, and were instructed to eat a healthy diet but not encouraged to reduce energy intake. The minimal contact group (CON) received a monthly newsletter, a book describing strategies for increasing physical activity behavior, and were mailed a weekly lesson, and received instruction on the health benefits of 30 min/d of physical activity. Body weight and fitness were assessed at 0, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS Weight loss at 6 months was moderate in HIGH (−1.6+2.9 kg; p<0.01), MOD (−1.3+2.9 kg; p<0.01), and CON (−1.2+2.5 kg, p=0.02). Similar weight loss results were observed at 12 months for HIGH (−1.7+2.7 kg; p<0.01), MOD (−1.3+4.1 kg; p=0.14), and CON (−1.2+3.8 kg, p=0.28). Fitness at 12 months increased 3.8+3.5 min (p<0.01), 2.6+3.9 min in MOD (p<0.01), and 2.2+3.1 min in CON (p=0.02). Significant inverse correlations between change in weight and fitness were observed at 6 (r=0.50; p<0.01) and 12 months (r=0.20; p=0.04). CONCLUSION Results demonstrated that both moderate (30 min/d) and high (60 min/d) doses of exercise resulted in increased fitness across 12 months, and resulted in moderate weight loss. Improvements in fitness appear to be associated with modest weight loss and the prevention of weight gain. This is achievable with 30 to 60 min/d of moderate intensity exercise combined with recommendations for healthy eating, without prescribed restriction in energy intake. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (HL070257).

Experimental study on effect of Compound Biejia Ruangan prescription on high-resolution computerized tomographic images in bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis rats

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of Compound Biejia Ruangan prescription (CBRP) on rat model with pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin.Methods: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (9 rats in each group). From the first day to the 28th day of the experiment, except to those in the sham-model control group that were treated with normal saline, the same amount of bleomycin injection as the normal saline given to the control group was given through endotracheal instillation to all the rats in all the other groups. From the 29th day of the modeling, CBRP solution of different dosages was respectively injected into the rats in the high, moderate and low CBRP dose group, while equal volume of normal saline was given to those in the sham-model control group and the model control group, and an equal volume of prednisone solution was given to rats in the prednisone group. On the 80th day, the high-resolution computerized tomographic (HRCT) images were observed on an equal footing, and HRCT-pathology was correlatively studied.Results: Different HRCT pathological changes were shown in the rats with pulmonary fibrosis, such as lung consolidation, thickening of interlobular septum and interlobular mesenchyma as well as lobular deformation, nodule shadow, abnormal brochiovascular tract, thickened pleura with irregular junction and polished glass-like dense shadows. Honeycomb lung was observed in some cases. Pathological sections showed fibrotic proliferation of lung tissues and noticeable pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. CBRP could improve HRCT images of rats with pulmonary fibrosis, and lower fibrotic proliferation of the lung tissue.Conclusion: CBRP plays its therapeutic role possibly through its effect on the structure of the lung in rats with pulmonary fibrosis.

Ultrasonic analysis of anthracycline-induced myocardial damage using cyclic variation of integrated backscatter

To test the feasibility of integrated backscatter (IB) for detecting anthracycline cardiotoxicity, we performed conventional echocardiography and IB analysis. For interindividual comparison, 32 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 14 control subjects were selected. Of the patients, 10 had been treated with doxorubicin doses of ≤200 mg/m 2 (low dose), 15 with ≤400 mg/m 2 (moderate dose), and 7 with >400 mg/m 2 (high dose). In intraindividual comparison, 8 patients were examined before doxorubicin therapy and at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 and 8 were examined before and at a 300-mg/m 2 dose. Cyclic variation of IB (CV-IB) was obtained at the left ventricular posterior wall, using a modified, commercially available system in M-mode format. In interindividual comparison, CV-IB in high- and moderate-dose groups was smaller. In intraindividual comparison, CV-IB decreased after treatment with 300 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin. CV-IB was affected in some patients treated with a moderate dose of doxorubicin. IB analysis may be helpful for detecting early anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Effects of graded suppression of the EEG with propofol on the neurological outcome following incomplete cerebral ischaemia in rats

We evaluated the relation between dose and response for the neuroprotective effect of propofol in a rat model with incomplete cerebral ischaemia. For clarification of the mechanism of neuroprotection, plasma catecholamines and tumour necrosis factor-α levels were measured. Three doses (low, moderate and high-dose) of propofol were tested. These produced, respectively, a low amplitude, slowing and a burst-suppression pattern of electroencephalographic activity. Incomplete cerebral ischaemia was produced by right carotid artery occlusion combined with haemorrhagic hypotension (35 mmHg) for 30 min. Neurological outcome at 72 h post-ischaemia in the high-dose group was significantly better than that in both low-dose and moderate-dose groups. Propofol exhibited a trend in the dose-related attenuation of the increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline during ischaemia. Tumour necrosis factor-α increased during and after ischaemia in all groups with no intergroup differences. The results indicate that a burst-suppression dose of propofol provides neuroprotection. The protective effect can not be completely explained by the attenuating effect on circulating catecholamines.

Effects of graded suppression of the EEG with propofol on the neurological outcome following incomplete cerebral ischaemia in rats.

We evaluated the relation between dose and response for the neuroprotective effect of propofol in a rat model with incomplete cerebral ischaemia. For clarification of the mechanism of neuroprotection, plasma catecholamines and tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels were measured. Three doses (low, moderate and high-dose) of propofol were tested. These produced, respectively, a low amplitude, slowing and a burst-suppression pattern of electroencephalographic activity. Incomplete cerebral ischaemia was produced by right carotid artery occlusion combined with haemorrhagic hypotension (35 mmHg) for 30 min. Neurological outcome at 72 h post-ischaemia in the high-dose group was significantly better than that in both low-dose and moderate-dose groups. Propofol exhibited a trend in the dose-related attenuation of the increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline during ischaemia. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha increased during and after ischaemia in all groups with no intergroup differences. The results indicate that a burst-suppression dose of propofol provides neuroprotection. The protective effect can not be completely explained by the attenuating effect on circulating catecholamines.

Secondary leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome after treatment with epipodophyllotoxins.

The incidence of secondary leukemia after epipodophyllotoxin treatment and the relationship between epipodophyllotoxin cumulative dose and risk are not well characterized. The Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed a monitoring plan to obtain reliable estimates of the risk of secondary leukemia after epipodophyllotoxin treatment. Twelve NCI-supported cooperative group clinical trials were identified that use epipodophyllotoxins at low (<1.5 g/m2 etoposide), moderate (1.5 to 2.99 g/m2 etoposide), or higher (> or =3.0 g/m2 etoposide) cumulative doses. Cases of secondary leukemia (including treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome) occurring on these trials have been reported to CTEP, as has duration of follow-up for all patients, thereby allowing calculation of cumulative 6-year incidence rates of secondary leukemia for each etoposide dose group. The calculated cumulative 6-year risks for development of secondary leukemia for the low, moderate, and higher cumulative dose groups were 3.3%, (95% upper confidence bound of 5.9%), 0.7% (95% upper confidence bound of 1.6%), and 2.2%, (95% upper confidence bound of 4.6%), respectively. Within the context of the epipodophyllotoxin cumulative dose range and schedules of administration encompassed by the monitoring plan regimens, and within the context of multiagent chemotherapy regimens that include alkylating agents, doxorubicin, and other agents, factors other than epipodophyllotoxin cumulative dose seem to be of primary importance in determining the risk of secondary leukemia. Data obtained by the CTEP secondary leukemia monitoring plan support the relative safety of using epipodophyllotoxins according to the therapeutic plans outlined in the monitored protocols.

Complications after preoperative intraluminal radiotherapy and radical surgery for rectal carcinoma: A review of 100 cases

The aim of this study was to analyze the complications that may develop after preoperative intraluminal brachytherapy (IBT) and radical surgery for rectal carcinoma. A total of 106 rectal carcinoma patients who were given moderate (16–40 Gy) or high (40–80 Gy) doses of IBT between 1986 and 1995 were followed up and recorded in our outpatient clinic. Postoperative complications developed in 34 of 87 patients in the moderate-dose group and 13 of 19 patients in the high-dose group, 7 of whom in the former groups and 5 in the latter group required surgical intervention for their complication. The other patients were treated conservatively. Statistical analysis identified the factors related to the incidence of complications to be: the IBT dose, the field length, the timedose factor (TDF), and the distance from above the anal verge to the distal border of the tumor. The incidence and severity of complications suggested that moderate-dose IBT was better than high-dose IBT preoperatively, especially when restorative operations were scheduled.

Bone Mass, Serum Lipids, and Lipoproteins during Three Years of Opposed Estrogen Replacement

The effects of three years of low dose or moderate dose hormone replacement on bone mass and serum cardiovascular risk factor were measure in post-menopausal women. After six months of calcium supplementation, women chose to add hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or to remain on calcium. Those choosing hormones were randomized either to a law dose or moderate dose group. The low dose regimen was 0.3 mg/d equine estrogen and 2.5 mg/d medroxyprogesterone for three years. The moderate dose group rook 0.625 mg/d equine estrogen (days 1-25) and 5 mg/d medroxyprogesoerone (days 16-25) for the first two years, after which the cyclical regimen was replaced with a continuous regimen of 0.625 mg/d dequine estrogen and 2.5 mg/d medroxyprogesterone.Low dose HRT prevented the loss of radius bone mass observed in subjects taking calcium only. Moderate dose HRT also protected radius bone mass, increased lumbar spine bone mass, and improved the ratio of serum high density to low density lipoproteins.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Titrated, Moderate-Dose and Fixed, High-Dose Right Unilateral ECT in Elderly Patients

The authors compared the efficacy of titrated, moderate-dose and fixed, high-dose strategies for right unilateral (RUL) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a group of elderly patients. Nineteen depressed patients (mean age 76 years) were randomized to receive either fixed, high-dose RUL ECT (n = 10) or titrated, moderate-dose RUL ECT (n = 9). Blind Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ratings were made before and after each treatment. Patients on the fixed, high-dose regimen responded faster and received fewer treatments (mean = 5.7) than the titrated, moderate-dose group (mean = 8.0). The fixed, high-dose group received greater cumulative stimulus charge but less cumulative EEG seizure time. Final depression ratings and memory self-ratings were similar for the two groups.

The role of platelets on the development and progression of BSA nephritis in rabbits

The role of platelets on the progression of immune complex induced nephritis (BSA nephritis) was examined in the albino rabbits, and the effect of dipyridamole was tested.All animals were sensitized with 3mg of BSA with adjuvant followed by 2 shots of BSA (250mg and 500mg) on the 3rd day and the 10th day after the initial BSA injection, respectively.All animals were examined for urinary protein contents, platelet number, platelet volume, platelet aggregability induced by ADP and collagen, fibrinolytic activity and blood coagulation. Animals were killed for the histological examination of the kidney on the 16th day after the initial administration of BSA.The control group (9 cases) developed lesions which revealed glomerular endothelial-mesangial cell proliferation, and animals which received low dose of dipyridamole (2.5mg/day, i. v., 9 cases) developed more severe glomerular endothelial-mesangial cell proliferation and interstitial cell infiltration than non-treated groug, however, the group which received moderate dose of dipyridamole (10mg/day, i. v., 5 cases) showed mild glomerular changes.The level of proteinuria was 1.0-308mg/day (mean±SE; 56.0±27.5mg/day) in the control group; 51-340mg/day (268±115.6mg/day) in the low dose therapy group. The level in the moderate dose group is in study.The platelet volume decreased in the control group, and the platelet number increased in the low dose therapy group. The disaggregation induced by ADP was prominent in the control and the low dose therapy group. These data suggest that the large size of platelets may be consumed by BSA injection in the control group.All three groups revealed hyperfibrinogenemia, high level of serum fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products, and low plasminogen activator activity after BSA treatment, and there were no differences between these groups. These results indicate that the hypercoagulability and the comparative lower fibrinolytic activity occurred in non-treated and treated group, and these states seem to influence the progression of this nephritis. Judging from the results of histlogical study, adequate dose of dipyridamole may have beneficial effect, but low dose of dipyridamole may have adverse effect on this nephritis.

Treatment of acute rheumatic fever with aspirin: With special reference to the biochemical changes

Eighty adult patients with acute rheumatic fever were treated with aspirin until disappearance of clinical symptoms of the disease. Of sixty-five patients started with control tablets of aspirin eight complained of gastric distress following ingestion. This distress disappeared when tablets containing aspirin and aluminum hydroxide were substituted. For most of the period of therapy in all patients, aspirin plus aluminum hydroxide was administered. Some symptoms of salicylism occurred in almost all patients when the plasma salicylate level was more than 30 mg. per 100 cc. Only forty-one patients could be maintained at this level; thirty-nine had to be given doses that produced levels under 25 mg. per 100 cc. The sedimentation rate subsided to normal in a slightly larger proportion of patients in the group with high plasma salicylate levels. The prothrombin concentration was only slightly affected by aspirin therapy. A drop below 75 per cent of normal occurred in one-third of the cases, there being no difference in incidence in the high or moderate dose groups. A moderate fall in serum bicarbonate occurred in most cases, associated with an elevated serum chloride and a slightly diminished serum sodium. The blood pH was usually normal. The urine was usually acid. It is believed that salicylate produces a primary hyperpnea with alkalosis but that the accumulated salicylate produces a fixed acid acidosis and that the two effects are mutually compensatory. The apparent salicylate clearance after aspirin therapy is only about 3 per cent of the creatinine clearance when the urine is highly acid. It increases three to eight times when the urine is alkalinized with sodium bicarbonate. Most of this increase is in free salicylate. Alkalinization is therefore of prime importance in the treatment of salicylate poisoning.