In order to find out the potential modulators which influence the secretion of TNFα, the relationship between the amount of secreted TNFα(sTNFα) and the level of TNFα converting enzyme (TACE) gene expression was studied before and after the stimulation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to HL-60 cells and adhered cells isolated from human spleen using cytological and molecular biology techniques and methods (RT-PCR, Dot-blot hybridization, etc.). The experimental results showed that: (1) LPS could induce the increase of expression of TNFα mRNA and TACE mRNA, reaching the peak value at 6 h and 10 h respectively after addition of LPS into cell culture medium; (2) The anti-sense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (A-ODN) complementary to TACE mRNA sequence really inhibited the secretion of TNFα as a result of blocked translation of TACE gene; (3) Furthermore, it was also observed that RDQ, a kind of injection derived from Chinese traditional herb, had strongly inhibitory effects on the expression of TACE mRNA and secretion of sTNFα stimulated by LPS. The above results suggested that the TACE indeed involved in delivering and processing of pro-TNFα during the period of LPS stimulation and the study about the regulator/inhibitors of TACE gene expression would be very important to develop new types of therapy agents against toxic and side effects of sTNFα during the peroid of infection/inflammation to human body.

DNA vaccine plasmids were constructed that encoded two highly-conservative regions of a surface protein, PAc, from the human major cariogenic bacterium,Streptococcus mutans. Antigen expression was evaluatedin vitro by immunohistochemical analysis of human endothelial cells following cationic liposome-mediated transient transfection with recombinant plasmid. The results of this study provided a basis for further testing of these recombinant plasmids in primates and for efficacy testing of dental caries DNA vaccines in human volunteers in future.

The preparation of recombinant human HSP70 and its presenting-antigen function were investigated. Cultured in glucose-free M9ZB medium and induced with IPTG and lactose at a final concentration of 0. 02 mmol/L and 5 mmol/L respectively, the engineered bacteria carrying expression vector of human HSP70 gene expressed rHSP70 at an efficiency of 60 %. After the purification with DEAE ion-exchange chromatography, HSP70 with a purity of higher than 90 % was obtained. The purified product could bind tumor-antigen peptidein vitro, and the binding was identified by native PAGE containing 5 % glycerol. HSP70-peptide complex could activate lymphocytes to produce specific cytotoxicity to tumor cells, suggesting that the recombinant human HSP70 could be used as an antigen-presenting reagent in tumor therapy.

A novel in vitro cellular model prodicting recipient-donor histocompatibility in allograft was developed to select the donor validly. Fifteen couples of blood samples of donor and recipient in human BMT were examined using the model, and skin allograft in mice was performed to test the model. The results showed that the less the differences of histocompatibility evaluated by the model were, the later GVHR in human BMT occurred and the longer the survival time of skin allografts in mice. It was suggested that the model could be used to predict correctly histocompatibility between donor and recipient.

To investigate the serum substantia nigra neuron autoantibody and its effect in the patients with Parkinson disease (PD), substantia nigra slices and a rat model of injection of serum from PD patients in unilateral side substantia nigra were applied. The results showed that the positive rate of substantia nigra neuron autoantibody in PD patients was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (36. 67 % vs 6. 67 %,P<0. 01), but no significant difference was found between PD group and myasthenia gravis (MG) group (26. 67 %,P>0. 05). The sera from PD patients positive for substantia nigra neuron autoantibody could decrease the number of the dopaminergic neurons more seriously than those from MG and the healthy once respectively (bothP<0. 01). The results suggested that the immunological mechanism might partly play a role in the development of PD.

BCL-1 rearrangement (BCL-1 /IgH gene rearrangement) in acute lymphocytic leukemia and its clinical significance was investigated. In 38 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the genomic DNA of mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow was amplified by using hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the expression of cycline D1 protein of mononuclear cells was detected by using immunohistochemical method. Ten patients with acute granulocytic leukemia, 2 with chronic granulocytic leukemia and 10 with normal bone marrow served as control group. The results showed that BCL-1 rearrangement was detectable in 3 of 38 ALL patients (7. 9 %) and cyclin D1 protein positive expression was detected in 4 ALL patients (10. 5 %). Three ALL patients with BCL-1 rearrangement were all B-cell leukemia (B-ALL) and accompanied by cyclin D1 protein expression. No BCL-1/IgH rearrangement or cyclin D1 protein expression was detected in 12 patients with granulocytic leukemia and 10 cases of normal bone marrow. Leukocyte counts in peripheral blood of B-ALL patients with BCL-1 rearrangement and (or) cyclin D1 protein expression were significantly increased and the patients had bad reaction to chemotherapy. It was concluded that: 1) BCL-1/IgH gene rearrangement were detected in acute B lymphocytic leukemia; 2) B-ALL patients with BCL-1 rearrangement and (or) cyclin D1 protein expression had poor prognosis.

A method for evaluating the regrowth drug resistance in relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AMD was developed. Drug sensitivity and proliferation of leukemic cellsin vitro were determined using leukemic cell colony forming unit (CUF-L), MTT drug-sensitive test, percentage of S phase cells in cell cycle (S%), fluorescent index (FI) and drug resistant index (DRI) by detecting intracellular daunorubicin, expression of P-170 glycoprotein by APAAP assay, and abundance of Bcl-XL mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. First, the correlation between scoring criteria and cell drug resistance and cell proliferation was investigated in newly untreated AML patients. Second, 20 patients with relapsed AML were marked. According to each tested result, its point (s) was scored. The results showed that among the 20 cases of replased AML, 9 were diagnosed as having regrowth drug resistance. It was concluded that the scoring method for regrowth drug resistance was first developed in AML. There was regrowth drug resistance in relapsed AML; clinically circumventing it would be of extreme significance for establishment of new approaches to the treatment in AML.

The effect of Ligustrazine on the hematopoiesis after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in allogenic BMT mice was investigated. After the typical mice model of allogenic BMT had been established, the mice were randomly divided into three groups: BMT group, Ligustrazine group and normal group. The BMT group was given normal saline (0. 2 ml, twice a day) through gastric tube, while the Ligustrazine group was given Ligustrazine through gastric tube (0. 2 ml, twice a day). At the 1st, 7th and 14th day after BMT, we observed the peripheral blood cells and bone marrow nuclear cells (BMNC), as well as the expression level of Heparan Sulfate (HS) and stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) on bone marrow sections by using immunohistochemistry (SABC-AP), the expression of CXCR4 on the BMNC. The results showed that on the 7th and 14th day, the peripheral blood white cells, platelets, BMNC and the expression levels of CXCR4, HS and SDF-1 were significantly higher in Ligustrazine group than in the BMT group (P<0. 05). It was concluded that Ligustrazine could promote hematopoiesis at the early stage of hematopoietic reconstitution after BMT.

To explore the regulatory role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the expression of Th₂ cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) by T lymphocytes in asthma. T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from blood and bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) of each guinea pig of normal control group and asthmatic group and from peripheral blood of the asthmatic patients and normal controls, and were stimulated with PKC accelerant phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and inhibitor Ro31-8220. The expression of IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA and protein was detected by using in situ hybridization staining and ELISA respectively. The expression of IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA and protein of asthmatic T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA was significantly higher than that of asthmatic T lymphocytes stimulated without PMA respectively (P<0. 01) and that of normal T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA respectively (P<0. 01). The expression of IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA and protein of asthmatic T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and Ro31-8220 was significantly lower than that of asthmatic T lymphocytes stimulated only with PMA respectively (P<0. 01). It was concluded that PKC might participate in regulating the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in asthmatic T lymphocytes, and the activation of PKC in T lymphocytes might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

The relations between mRNA expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the changes in collagen I and collagen III in pulmonary tissues from a single intratracheal instillation of papain-induced emphysema in rats were investigated. Wistar rats (n = 42) were randomly divided into normal group and emphysema model 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30-day groups (n=6 in each group). The rat model of emphysema was induced by a single intratracheal instillation of papain. The results of immunohistochemistry SABC and in situ hybridization with bFGF probe were quantitatively analyzed to examine the changes of collagen I and collagen III and bFGF mRNA expression in lung tissues and the percent of positive expression of bFGFmRNA in alveolar macrophages. The results were as follows: (1) In the emphysema model groups the optical densities of collagen I and collagen III began to increase after 3 days, reached the highest at the 7^th day, and began to reduce at the 15^th day; (2) No expression of bFGFmRNA in pulmonary tissues was detectable in the normal group. The positive expression of bFGFmRNA was detectable in lung tissues one day after the intratracheal instillation of papain. The average optical densities reached the peak (41. 895±7. 017) at the 7th day, significantly higher than in the normal group (0. 581±0. 139,P<0. 01). The positive expression of bFGFmR-NA in lung tissues began to reduce at the 15th day; (3) Positive expression of bFGFmRNA in alveolar macrophages of instillation papain rats was detectable 3 days after the intratracheal instillation of papain, and reached the highest at the 7th day with the percent of positive expression of bFGF mR-NA in alveolar macrophages being 70. 13±11. 21, higher than in the normal group (5. 12±0. 18,P <0. 01); (4) The expression of bFGF mRNA in the lung tissues and macrophages was postively related with the changes in collagen I and collagen III (P<0. 01 orP<0. 05) respectively. It was suggested that the up-regulation of bFGF mRNA expression during the development of emphysema can lead pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, which may take part in the injury and repair and the lung tissue reconstruction.

To study the relationship between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proteinuria in adriamycin-induced nephrotic rats, a rat model of adriamycin-induced nephrotitis was developed by injection of adriamycin into a tail vein in a rat. At different time points, 24-h urinary protein excretion was measured by using Coomassie brilliant blue method and the serum VEGF levels detected by using ELISA assay. The interventional effect of VEGF on this model was observed. The results showed that: (1) The adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome rat model was developed successfully; (2) Serum VEGF levels and proteinuria were significantly increased at 7th day after intravenous injection of adriamycin. There was a positive correlation between serum VEGF levels and 24-h urinary protein excretion (r=0. 67,P<0. 05). (3) The 24-h urinary protein excretion was significantly increased in the rats receiving administration of VEGF (P<0. 05). It was concluded that VEGF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of proteinuria in adriamycin-induced nephrotic rats.

To investigate the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on bone resorption mediated by interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in vitro, the osteoclasts isolated from the long bones of newborn SD rats were co-cultured with osteoblasts on ivory slices placed in 24-well plates. 24 h later, conditioned media containing CGRP and/or IL-1β were added to the wells respectively, and continued culturing for 48 h. After the cells were stripped off by ultrasonication, the ivory slices were stained in toludine blue. The number and the total area of resorption lacunae on each slice were measured by computer imaging analysis system. Our results showed that IL-1β significantly stimulated bone resorption, but CGRP inhibited the effect mediated by IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner, It is suggested that CGRP may inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption through two ways: One is that CGRP functions directly on osteoclasts to block their activation; the other is that CGRP regulates the release of cytokines by osteoblasts and indirectly affects the function of osteoclasts.

In order to study the clinical significance and change of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 concentration in intestinal mucosal tissues in various stage of ulcerative colitis (UC), IL-1β and IL10 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our results showed that IL-β level caused by spontaneous secretion in the intestinal mucous tissues in active stage of ulcerative colitis was significantly higher than that in normal controls and in remission stage of ulcerative colitis (P <0. 01,P<0. 001). IL-10 level in various stage of UC was relatively lower in controls, but there was no significantly difference between the two groups. Our study suggested that higher IL-1β level in active might play an important role in pathogenesis of UC, and IL-10, as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was low in active UC, suggesting that it may be a important factor contributing to the development of higher IL-1β level.

In order to investigate the mechanism of Xiaokuiling prescription (XKL) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated duodenal ulcer (DU) and the pathophysiologic role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the healing of ulcer, the expression of HSP₇₂ and HSP B in gastric mucosa was detected by using SABC immunohistochemistry method and processed by micro-image analysis system. The method of Western blotting was used to measure the contents of HSP₇₂ and HSP B in the tissue emulsion of gastric mucosa. The results were as follows: (1) HSP₇₂ expression of the gastric mucosa in the treated group was obviously increased as compared with that in the control group (P<0. 05); (2) HSP B expression of the gastric mucosa in the treated group was significantly decreased as compared with that in the control group (P<0. 01). It was suggested that the increased expression of HSP₇₂ and the elimination of HP might be related to the mechanism of action of XKL. HSPs might play an pathological and physiological role in the process of healing of gastric ulcer.

The effect of transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) gene transfection on the proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the mechanism was investigated to provide basis for accelerating articular cartilage repairing using molecular tissue engineering technology. TGF-β₁ gene at different doses was transduced into the rat bone marrow-derived MSCs to examine the effects of TGF-β₁ gene transfection on MSCs DNA synthesis, cell cycle kinetics and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results showed that 3 μl lipofectaminemediated 1 μg TGF-β₁ gene transfection could effectively promote the proliferation of MSCs best; Under this condition (DNA/Lipofectamine= 1μg/3μl) flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase in the³H incorporation, DNA content in S phase and the expression of PCNA. Transfection of gene encoding TGF-β₁ could induce the cells at G0/G1 phase to S1 phase, modulate the replication of DNA through the enhancement of the PCNA expression, increase the content of DNA at S1 phase and promote the proliferation of MSCs. This new molecular tissue engineering approach could be of potential benefit to enhance the repair of damaged articular cartilage, especially those caused by degenerative joint diseases.

The effect of transforming growth factor-β₂ (TGF-β₂) on phagocytosis in bovine trabecular meshwork cellsin vitro was investigated. After the cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0 ng/ml, 0.32 ng/ml, 1 ng/ml, 3. 2 ng/ml TGF-β₂ for 24 h, latex beads were added into the incubation medium, and the numbers of the latex beads in 20 adjacent cells were counted under a microscope 24 h later, after treatment with Wright’s stain. Our results showed that the average numbers of the latex beads in the trabecular meshwork cells treated with TGF-β₂ of different concentrations were 53. 1±1. 7 beads/cell, 56. 4±2. 9 beads/cell and 77. 9±6. 5 beads/cell respectinvely, in comparison with 45. 5 ±3. 3 beads/cell of the control group. TGF-β₂ significantly increased the number of the latex beads phagocytosed by cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells in a dose-dependent manner. TGF-β₂ could promote the phagocytosis of bovine trabecular meshwork cellsin vitro. It may be involved in the cellularity decrease of the trabecular meshwork in the patients of primary open angle glaucoma through promoting the phagocytosis of trabecular meshwork cells.

To study the changes in intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), MVD in 42 HCC specimens histologically verified was studied by using immunohistochemical method. Of all the specimens, 20 were obtained from the patients treated with surgical resection alone, 22 from those with second stage surgical resection after TACE. The results showed that the MVD in HCC tissues was 53. 4±21. 9 in the TACE group and 27. 6±9. 2 in the single operating group, respectively, with the difference being significant between them (P<0. 001). It was suggested that TACE might contribute to angiogenesis of HCC, possibly due to anoxic stress and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The safty, rationality and the practicality of enteral nutrition (EN) support in the postoperative patients with damaged hepatic function were investigated and the protective effect of EN on the gut barrier and the clinical implication studied. Seventy-six adult patients whose hepatic function were in Child B or C grade were randomly assigned in EN group (30 cases), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) group (26 cases) and control group (CON, 20 cases). The patients received different nutritional sopport. The signs of nutritional condition and hepatic function were massured at 1 day before, 5 days and 10 days after the surgical operation respectively. The changes in the urine lactulose (L) and mannitol (M) contents and L/M ratio were observed by using pulsed electrochemical detection (HPLC-PED) to acquire the defferent effects among the different nutritional support performence. The results showed that the patients in the EN group and TPN group had no worse hepatic function damage after operation. The patients in the EN group reached the positive nitrogen balance earlier, had a less weight loss than in the TPN group with the difference being significant (P<0. 05). There was no obvious change in L/M ratio in the postoperative patients in the EN group (P>0. 05), but there was significant difference in L/M between TPN group and CON group (P<0. 05). It was concluded that EN was a rational, safe, effective and practical nutrition support mathod in the patients with damaged hepatic function patients after surgical operation and EN can effectively protect the structure and function of gut barrier from sever infection.

In order to investigate the roles of Yiqitongyanghuatan (YQTYHT) recipe in reducing the levels of serum cholesterol and plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO), platelet aggregation function (PAgF) and platelet adhesion function (PAdF), the area of atherosclerotic plague coverage in aorta and the thickness of plague, 32 male Japanese white rabbits were divided into 4 groups. The results showed that the YQTYHT recipe could significantly lower the levels of serum cholesterol and tryglyceride, plasma LPO, and PAgF and PadF. The area of atherosclerotic plague coverage in aorta and the thickness of plague in the YQTYHT-fed rabbits were decreased as compared with that in the high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. The above roles might contribute to the main mechanism of YQTYHT against atherosclerosis.

To investigate the feasibility of using free fetal DNA from maternal plasma as the source of fetal material in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, SRY gene of free DNA in maternal blood of 65 samples were analyzed by using primer extension preamplication (PEP) and probe microplate hybridization techniques. The results showed that the detection rate of SRY gene in maternal blood from women carrying male fetuses detected by probe microplate hybridization alone and probe microplate hybridization with PEP were 76. 09 % (35/46) and 95. 65 % (44/46) respectively, and there was a significant difference between them. The non-detection rate of SRY gene in blood samples from women carrying female fetus was 100 % (19/19). It is indicated that probe microplate hybridization was an effective method in detecting trace fetal DNA from maternal plasma and the sensitivity could be substantially improved by combined use of the two techniques. Analysis of fetal DNA in maternal plasma can serve as an alternative for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.

To observe the effect of growth hormone on serum leptin levels, serum leptin concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 12 prebutal children with growth hormone deficiency 1, 3 and 6 months before and after the treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH). For comparison, 34 normal prepubertal children were also investigated. Relationship between leptin levels and body mass index (BMI) was observed at the same time. Our results showed that serum leptin level in normal prepubertal children was 1. 22±0. 34 ng/ml; the pretreatment serun leptin levels in GHD children was 3. 08±2. 41 ng/ml, which was significantly different from those 1, 3 and 6 months after GH treatment (i. e. 1. 64±1. 37 ng/ml,1. 57±1. 40 ng/ml and 1. 35±0. 89 ng/ ml respectively) (allP<0. 001). Our results suggested that r-hGH has a suppressive effect on leptin expression.

Clinical characteristics of transmitted transfusion virus (TTV) infection and its pathogenicity in children were evaluated. Serum TTV DNA from 118 children (mean age: 7. 8±2. 8 years) was detected by nested PCR. The product of PCR was cloned and sequenced. The positive rate for serum TTV-DNA in 20 healthy children, 9 cases of acute hepatitis, 51 cases of chronic hepatitis, 24 cases of nephritis or nephrotic syndrome and 14 cases of hypoplastic anemia or acute leukemia was 20%, 11%, 29%, 42% and 21% respectively, but there was no significant difference in TTV-DNA frequency among them (P>0 05). Of the 16 patients receiving immunosuppressive agent for a long time, 7 (44%) were positive for TTV-DNA, and of the 17 cases not receiving immunosuppressive agent, 5 (29%) were positive with the difference being not significant (P>0. 05). Essential characteristics were pathogen-carrier or asymtomatic infection in children with TTV infection. Long-term employment of immunosuppressive agent did not increase the incidence in TTV infection. There was still high prevalence in TTV infection in healthy children not receiving blood product, suggesting the possibility of non hematogenous transmitted transfusion in TTV transmission.

To investigate the validity and accuracy of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) using a novel balloon phantom, validation of TDI myocardial velocity measurements has been carried out indirectly from conventional M-mode images. However it is not a true and independent gold standard. We described a new TDI validation method by using a specially developed left ventricular balloon model mounted in a water bath and constructed using two pear-shaped balloons. It was connected to a pulsatile flow pump at 8 stroke volumes (50–85 ml/beat). The displacement and velocity of the balloon walls were recorded simultaneously by video imaging and TDI on a GE-Vingmed System Five with a 5 MHz phased array probe at the highest frame rates available. Conventional M-mode and 2-D imaging verified that our balloon model mimicked the shape and wall motion of left ventricle. There was a good correlation and agreement between the maximum video excursion of the anterior and posterior walls of the phantom and the results of the temporal integration of digital distance data by TDI (Anterior wall: r=0. 97, SEE=0. 24 mm,x± s=0. 04±0. 24 mm; Posterior wall: r=0. 95, SEE = 0. 22 mm, −x±s−0. 03±0. 24 mm). Analysis of the velocity profile by the TDI method showed that the velocity at each measured point was correlated well with the velocity obtained from the video images (Anterior wall: r=0. 97, SEE = 0. 30 mm, −x±s= 0. 04±0. 28 mm; Posterior wall: r=0. 97, SEE = 0. 30 mm, −x±s = 0. 04 + 0. 28 mm). Our balloon model provided a new independent method for the validation of TDI data. This study demonstrated that the present TDI system is reliable for measuring wall motion distance and velocity.

To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in prenatal diagnosis, 134 pregnant women with high-risk factors in second and third trimester were examined by 3DUS. The results showed that 3DUS could provide more diagnostic information, exclude the abnormalities and enhance the confidence level of physician in 102 normal pregnant women. 3DUS was helpful in the diagnosis in 17 (60. 7 %) of 28 cases of fetal anomalies. However, 3DUS was not useful in evaluating intrauterine growth retardation in 4 cases. It is conclucded that 3DUS is helpful in prenatal diagnosis.

In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimentional contrast-enhanced MR angiography and MRI for pulmonary sequestration, 5 patients with pulmonary sequestration underwent 3D fast imaging by steady state precession (FISP) with a contrast medium and breath holding following chest radiography, CT and MR scans. The reconstructed MR angiography was performed using maximum intensity projection (MIP) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) techniques. It was found that the chest radiography showed pulmonary sequestration as a persistent area of opacity in the posterior basal segment of the left lower lobe, which was close to mediastinum in 2 cases and close to diaphragma in 3 cases. CT revealed a soft issue mass beyond descending aorta and lobar emphysema around the pulmonary sequestration. And the supplying vessel was documented in 2 cases on enhanced CT. MRI demonstrated a hyperintensity mass with respect to normal lung parenchyma on T1WI and T2WI, and the origin of the supplying vessel in 3 cases. The reconstructed CE MRA using MIP or MRP techniques clearly showed the supplying vessel and its course, branches as well as draining vessels. It was concluded that 3D CE MRA of demonstrating the supplying and draining vessels to pulmonary sequestration, together with plain MRI, can provide a diagnosis and aid in surgical planning without the need for DSA.

The potent antioxidative potential of propofol during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in adults was investigated. The selected 30 patients receiving open heart surgery under CPB were randomly divided into group A and group B. The patients in the group A and group B were given propofol (0. 1 mg. kg⁻¹, min⁻¹ and fentanyl (5 μg. kg⁻¹, min⁻¹) respectively to maintain anesthesia after aorta was cross-clamped. Blood samples were drawn pre-anesthesia, pre-CPB, at 30 min of CPB, at the end of CPB, at 1 h after CPB, at the end of operation, at 12 and 24 h postoperatively. RBC suspension was prepared and erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) activities, total erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized GSH (GSSG) were assayed and GSH/GSSG ratio was calculated. In the group A, G-6-PD and PFK activities and GSH/GSSG ratio were almost uneventfully during CPB and postoperatively. In the group B, G-6-PD activity was increased and PFK activity and GSH/GSSG ratio decreased significantly from 30 min of CPB until 12 h postoperatively. It was demonstrated that propofol could obviously attenuate free radical activity during CPB, while fentanyl has no effect on free radical reduction. Propofol could be beneficial as an anesthetic in patients presenting pathologies associated with free radical reactions during CPB.