[Effect of salvianolic acid B on TGF-beta1-induced human embryonic lung fibroblast's biological behavior].

Objective: To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (SAB) on the proliferation of human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5, and the secretion of procollagen I and endogenous transforming growth factor-beta1, (TGF-beta1).

Methods: The MRC-5 cells were randomly divided into four groups as follows: the control group: cells cultured with DMEM but with no TGF-beta1, or SAB; the TGF-beta1, group: cell cultured with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1; the SAB1 group: cell cultured with medium with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1 and 1 pmol/L SAB; the SAB2 group: cell cultured with medium with 10 ng/mL TGF-beta1, and 10 pmol/L SAB. The proliferation of cells was assayed by MTT incorporation.

[The role of Notch signaling during the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells].

Objective: To research the role of Notch signaling during the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into endothelial cells and its effect on the functions of the differentiated cells.

Methods: Rat bone marrow MSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, then the cells were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for 2 weeks to induce it to differentiate into endothelial cells. The differentiated cells were identified by fluorescence immunoassay.

[The effects of the plasma levels of serotonin and neuropeptide on ventilated patients with Yitongshu acupuncture points injection].

Objective: To evaluate the change in the plasma levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and neuropeptide (beta-endorphin, beta-EP) after injection of Yitongshu into Zusanli points in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing mechanical ventilation were randomly divided into two groups: midazolam combined with fentanyl group (control group, n=14) and midazolam combined with fentanyl and Yitongshu group (Yitongshu group, n=14). The drugs were given to the patients continuously intravenously with an injection pump in an even rate, with the dosage adjusted to reach the sedative target of visual analog score (VAS)< or =3-4 and Ramsay 2-4.