[Association between matrix metalloproteinase-8 -799C/T polymorphism and instability of carotid plaque].

Objective: To investigate the association between a -799C/T polymorphism in the promotor region of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) gene and instability of carotid plaque in Chinese Han population.

Methods: A total of 451 acute infarction patients from the Department of Neurology of Taizhou Hospital were divided into carotid vulnerable plaque group and carotid stable plaque group according to the results of carotid B-mode ultrasonography. Serum MMP -8 level was measured by the means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Attenuation of portal hypertension by natural taurine in rats with liver cirrhosis.

Aim: To investigate the inhibitory effect of natural taurine (NTau) on portal hypertension (PHT) in rats with experimentally-induced liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods: Experimentally-induced LC Wistar rats (20 rats/group) were treated with either oral saline or oral NTau for 6 consecutive weeks. Evaluation parameters included portal venous pressure (PVP), portal venous resistance (PVR), portal venous flow (PVF), splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP).

[Observation of the promotion effect taurine on hepatic stellate cell's apoptosis in rat hepatic fibrosis model].

Objective: To observe the effect of taurine on hepatic stellate cell's apoptosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and to study its protective mechanisms.

Methods: CCl4-induced rat hepatic fibrosis was treated by taurine. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), plasma protein, hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III (PC III), hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme and anti-transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) were determined.

[The anticancer effect of artesunate and its mechanism].

Aim: To study the anticancer effect of artesunate and its mechanism.

Methods: To observe the effect of artesunate on the growth of solid tumor and the expression of PCNA, Bcl-2 and Bax genes in mice bearing H22 solid hepatic carcinoma.

Results: After administration of artesunate (ig, 300 mg.