Protocatechuic aldehyde inhibits TNF-α-induced fibronectin expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via a c-Jun N-terminal kinase dependent pathway.

Fibronectin (FN) is one of the most important extracellular matrix proteins and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a potent, water-soluble antioxidant, protocatechuic aldehyde (PA), which is derived from the Chinese herb , on the expression of FN in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The pharmacological effects of PA on the production of FN were investigated using ELISA and western blot analysis.

Seven-day triple therapy is a better choice for Helicobacter pylori eradication in regions with low antibiotic resistance.

Aim: To investigate whether 7-d triple therapies are still valid in populations with low levels of resistance.

Methods: A total of 1106 Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive patients were divided into three groups, each of which received one type of 7-d triple therapy.

Centralized isolation of Helicobacter pylori from multiple centers and transport condition influences.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of centralized culture and possible influencing factors.

Methods: From January 2010 to July 2012, 66452 patients with suspected Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection from 26 hospitals in Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces in China underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy.