Partial splenic embolization using Bletilla striata particles for hypersplenism in cirrhosis: a prospective study.

The article evaluates the long-term follow-up results of PSE using Bletilla striata (BS) particles for hypersplenism in cirrhosis, as compared to PSE using gelfoam particles. Fifty-nine patients with cirrhosis-induced hypersplenism were treated with PSE. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: gelfoam group, which includes 32 patients using gelfoam particles as the embolic material, and BS group, which includes 27 patients using BS particles.

[Correlation of preoperative plasma levels of big endothelin-1 to prognosis of gastric carcinoma].

Background & Objective: Endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, is involved in mitogenesis modulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastases. Big endothelin-1 (Big ET-1), the stable precursor of endothelin-1, is regarded as a marker of tumor progression and prognosis. This study was to detect the expression of Big ET-1 in gastric cancer patients, and explore its correlations to progression and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on inflammatory mediators (SOD, MDA, TNF-alpha, NF-kappaBp65, IL-6) in TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

Inflammatory mediators play a critical role in ulcerative colitis immune and inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on inflammatory mediators (SOD, MDA, TNF-alpha, NF-kappaBp65, IL-6) in TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Colitis in rats was induced by colonic administration with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS, 150 mg/kg).

Pre- and post-operative plasma big endothelin-1 levels in patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing radical gastrectomy.

Background: Big Endothelin-1 levels increase significantly in patients with various tumors, and raised plasma concentrations are associated with worse outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma Big Endothelin-1 levels in patients with gastric carcinoma before and after radical gastrectomy and to explore its clinical significance.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and six patients with gastric carcinoma and 20 controls were studied.

[Peripheral plasma Big endothelin 1 levels in patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing radical gastrectomy and its relationship with tumor recurrence].

Objective: To investigate the plasma Big endothelin-1 levels in patients with gastric carcinoma before and after radical gastrectomy, and explore its clinical significance.

Methods: One hundred and six patients with gastric carcinoma and 20 controls were enrolled. The Big ET-1 plasma levels were examined by enzyme-linked immuno absorbent assay before and on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th day after curative surgery, and then were tested every 3 months in the patients with advanced gastric cancer.