[Epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and the lag effect of average daily temperature on the epidemic of HFMD in Beijing]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Beijing and explore the short-term lag effect of daily average temperature on HFMD. Methods: The incidence data and meteorological data of HFMD were collected from Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing between January 2009 and December 2018. The dose-response relationship and short-term lag effect of temperature and HFMD incidence were explored by the distributed lag non-linear model (DNLM). Results: From 2009 to 2018, a total of 97 210 cases of HFMD were confirmed in Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing. The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng district was 71.83/100 000, which was the lowest in three districts. The total annual average incidence was 146.89/100 000 in the three districts. The cases were concentrated from May to July, with a small peak in October to November. The ratio of male to female was 1.49∶1, and the median age of the patients was 3.08 (1.89, 4.39) years old, which showed a decreasing trend in children under 6 years old (Z=-30.11, P<0.01). The DNLM showed that the cumulative relative risk (RR) curve had a bimodal distribution, with RR of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.05-1.76) and 1.35 (95%CI: 1.10-1.66), and the peak values appeared at 4 ℃ and 26 ℃, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng was the lowest in three districts of Beijing. In addition, the incidence of HFMD is seasonal, and the incidence is higher in spring and summer than that in autumn and winter. Daily average temperature had a lag effect on HFMD, which was different between high temperature and low temperature.

Involvement of putrescine in osmotic stress-induced ABA signaling in leaves of wheat seedlings

To elucidate one mechanism by which putrescine (Put) functions in plant signaling under osmotic stress, Put and ABA contents, and plasma membrane-NADPH oxidase (PM-NOX) activity were detected in wheat seedling leaves. Under osmotic stress, ABA and Put contents, PM-NOX activity, and PM-NOX-dependent O2.^- production all increased. The inhibitor tungstate (T) of ABA bio-synthesis reduced the increases in ABA and Put contents under osmotic stress. The inhibitor D-arginine (D-Arg) of Put bio-synthesis didn't reduce osmotic-induced increase of ABA, but it inhibited the increases of PM-NOX activity and O2 . ^- production, and the inhibitory effects were reversed by exogenous Put. These findings suggested that ABA might regulate Put biosynthesis, and Put might regulate PM-NOX activity. Treatments with three inhibitors imidazole (I), diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and pyridine (P) of PM-NOX reduced significantly not only O2 . ^- production, but also the stress-induced increase of Put content, which indicated that O2 . ^- production might regulate Put biosynthesis. Treatments with EGTA (Ca²⁺ chelator), La³⁺ and verapamil (V) (Ca²⁺ channel blockers) reduced significantly the stress-induced increase of Put content, which suggested that Ca²⁺ might regulate Put biosynthesis. With these findings, it could be concluded that Put was involved in ABA signaling induced by osmotic stress via regulating PM-NOX activity in wheat seedling leaves.

TM3-1 Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: consensus guidelines on investigation and management

Objectives

The aim was to capture interdisciplinary expertise from a large group of clinicians, reflecting practice from across the UK and further, to inform subsequent development of a national consensus guidance for optimal management of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Design

Consensus guideline critically reviewed by the Association of British Neurologists, British Association for the Study of Headache, the Society of British Neurological Surgeons and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Subjects

An initial UK survey of attitudes and practice in IIH was sent to a wide group of physicians and surgeons.

Methods

Between September 2015 and October 2017 a specialist interest group including neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-radiology, ophthalmology, nursing, primary care doctors, and patient representatives met. A comprehensive systematic literature review was performed to assemble the foundations of the statements.

Results

Over twenty questions were constructed: One based on the diagnostic principles for optimal investigation of papilloedema and twenty-one for the management of IIH. 3 main principles were identified:

to treat the underlying disease;

to protect the vision and

to minimise the headache morbidity.

Statements presented provide insight to uncertainties in IIH where research opportunities exist.

Conclusions

In collaboration with many different specialists, professions and patient representatives we have developed guidance statements for the investigation and management of adult IIH.

Comparison of gefitinib and platinum-based chemotherapy and only platinum-based chemotherapy to treat lung adenocarcinoma

To study the curative effects and safety for patients who adopt both gefitinib and platinum-based chemotherapy or only platinum-based chemotherapy in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, 80 EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma patients in stage IIIB/IV were divided into two groups. Half of them received both gefitinib and standard chemotherapy (group A), and the others (group B) received only standard chemotherapy. Overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and the related toxicities of both groups were recorded in order to take certain nursing measures for a variety of toxicities. Next, statistical methods were used to analyze the curative effects and safety of the two treatments. The results showed that ORR, DCR and median progression-free (mPFS) survival of the two groups of patients showed no statistical difference (P >0.05). However, group A (18.56 months) had a longer median overall survival (mOS) than group B (14.87 months), which was of statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Nausea and loss of appetite were common mild adverse reactions, and anemia and leukocytopenia were moderate common adverse reactions. The difference between these two groups of patients regarding adverse reactions was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, the two treatments have similar safety, but lung adenocarcinoma patients with drug resistance during stage IIIB/IV after using first-line gefitinib therapy have lower survival benefits than patients who take both gefitinib and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Relationship between transmembrane serine protease expression and prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in Eastern Europe and Asia, being the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of transmembrane serine protein in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and to correlate it with the clinical biological features of esophageal cancer. The expression of transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) mRNA and protein in carcinoma tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues and non-tumorous esophageal tissues was determined using PCR (qRT-PCR). The results show that both TMPRSS4 mRNA and protein expression were remarkably lower in adjacent normal tissues than in tumorous tissues. TMPRSS4 protein expression in esophageal carcinoma was correlated with patient demographic characteristics, tumor type, high TNM stages and overall survival (OS). Based on the experimental results, we conclude that TMPRSS4 is closely related to the occurrence, development and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Compensated Semimetal LaSb with Unsaturated Magnetoresistance

By combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and quantum oscillation measurements, we performed a comprehensive investigation on the electronic structure of LaSb, which exhibits near-quadratic extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR) without any sign of saturation at magnetic fields as high as 40 T. We clearly resolve one spherical and one intersecting-ellipsoidal hole Fermi surfaces (FSs) at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center Γ and one ellipsoidal electron FS at the BZ boundary X. The hole and electron carriers calculated from the enclosed FS volumes are perfectly compensated, and the carrier compensation is unaffected by temperature. We further reveal that LaSb is topologically trivial but shares many similarities with the Weyl semimetal TaAs family in the bulk electronic structure. Based on these results, we have examined the mechanisms that have been proposed so far to explain the near-quadratic XMR in semimetals.

Epidemiological analysis of pneumoconiosis in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and cases reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau

This study investigated the incidence and development of pneumoconiosis in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and cases reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control measures against pneumoconiosis. Data from pneumoconiosis cases were input into Excel and analyzed by SPSS version 17.0. There were 13,165 cases of pneumoconiosis through 2010. Coal workers accounted for the largest proportion of cases. From July 2006 through 2010, a total of 1233 new cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; most cases were reported in Urumqi. From 1981 to 2012, 3332 new cases of pneumoconiosis had been confirmed by the Urumqi Railway Bureau, including 77.73, 16.96, and 5.31% stage I, II, and III cases, respectively. In the last 30 years, the number of new pneumoconiosis cases peaked in 1986; most of them were silicosis cases. In addition, there were more than 200 cases of pneumoconiosis combined with pulmonary tuberculosis reported by the Urumqi Railway Bureau. The coal industry in Urumqi is the main industry in which occupational pneumoconiosis occurs in Xinjiang. Thus, substantial effort is still required to eliminate pneumoconiosis by 2030.

Sedative and hypnotic activity of N(6)-(3-methoxyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside (B2), an adenosine analog

N(6)-(3-methoxyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside (B2) is an N(6)-substitued adenosine analog. Previous studies have shown that B2 binds to the adenosine A1 and A2A receptors with moderate affinity and produces protective effects on serum deprivation-induced cell damage. However, central nervous system effects of B2 have not been studied. We aimed to investigate the sedative and hypnotic effects and the mechanism of action of B2 in mice. Our behavioral studies showed that oral administration of B2 decreased spontaneous locomotor activity and potentiated the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital in mice. Sleep architecture analyses revealed that B2 decreased wakefulness and increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in both normal mice and mice with caffeine-induced insomnia. Using immunohistochemistry, we showed that B2 increased c-Fos expression, a cellular marker for neuronal activity, in the ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) area, a sleep center in the anterior hypothalamus. Altogether, these results indicate that oral administration of B2 produces sedative and hypnotic effects. Furthermore, the activation of VLPO neurons may be involved in the central depressant effects of B2.

Early commitment of neural substrates for face recognition

We present evidence of a striking failure of plasticity in the neural substrates of face recognition, which suggests that the distinction between faces and other objects, and the localisation of faces relative to other objects, is fully determined prior to any postnatal experience. A boy who sustained brain damage at 1 day of age has the classic lesions and behavioural profile of adult-acquired prosopagnosia. He has profoundly impaired face recognition, whereas his recognition of objects is much less impaired. This implies that the human genome contains sufficiently explicit information about faces and nonface objects, or visual features by which they can be distinguished, that experience with these categories is not necessary for their functional delineation and differential brain localisation.

NHBA isolated from Gastrodia elata exerts sedative and hypnotic effects in sodium pentobarbital-treated mice

The rhizomes of Gastrodia elata have been used for the treatment of insomnia in oriental countries. N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside (NHBA) was originally isolated from G. elata. For the first time we report a detailed study on the effects and mechanisms of NHBA on its sedative and hypnotic activity. Adenosine, an endogenous sleep factor, regulates sleep-wake cycle via interacting with adenosine A₁/A(2A) receptors. Using radioligand binding studies and cAMP accumulation assays, our results show that NHBA may be a functional ligand for the adenosine A₁ and A(2A) receptors. NHBA significantly decreases spontaneous locomotor activity and potentiates the hypnotic effect of sodium pentobarbital in mice. Sleep architecture analyses reveal that NHBA significantly decreases wakefulness time and increases NREM sleep times. However, NHBA does not affect the amount of REM sleep. Pretreatment with the adenosine A₁ receptor antagonist DPCPX or the A(2A) receptor antagonist SCH 58261 significantly reverses the increase in sleeping time induced by NHBA in sodium pentobarbital treated mice. Immunohistochemical studies show that NHBA increases c-Fos expression in GABAergic neurons of the ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO), which suggests that NHBA activates the sleep center in the anterior hypothalamus. Altogether, these results indicate that NHBA produces significant sedative and hypnotic effects. Such effects might be mediated by the activation of adenosine A₁/A(2A) receptors and stimulation of the sleep center VLPO.

Induction of cell cycle arrest by GL331 via triggering an ATM-dependent DNA damage response in HepG2 cells

GL331, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, has been found to trigger DNA damage response (DDR) to induce cell cycle arrest. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully understood. This study investigated the molecular mechanism involved in the GL331-induced cell cycle arrest via DDR in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. As a result, GL331 could induce S arrest and up-regulate the phosphorylation of the histone H2AX variant (γ-H2AX). Ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein kinase (ATM) was activated by GL331 through its autophosphorylation at Ser1981, which led to the activation of DNA damage signaling pathways including p53/p21 and Chk2/Cdc25A cascades. The DNA damage cascades triggered by GL331 finally induced the inactivation of cyclin A/Cdk2 complexes to some extent. These phenomena could be reversed by ATM siRNA, followed by a partial disruption of S arrest. The present results suggested that the S arrest induced by GL331 via DDR was in an ATM-dependent manner to some degree.

Partial synthesis and biological evaluation of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids derivatives: potential modulators of multidrug resistance in cancer

A series of new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids was partially synthesized from tetrandrine and fangchinoline and evaluated for their ability to reverse P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. All the test compounds increased the intracellular accumulation rate of rhodamine 123 in MDR cells (Bel7402 and HCT8), and most exhibited more potent MDR-reversing activity relative to the reference compound verapamil. Compounds 8, 10, 13, and 14 enhanced intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin in Bel7402 and HCT8 cells.

[Advances in the study of p53 in response to DNA damage]

p53 (encoded by TP53) is undoubtedly one of the most extensively studied genes and proteins. It is a highly potent transcription factor which, under normal circumstances, is maintained at low level. Both genotoxic and non-genotoxic stresses can induce p53 stabilized leading to changes in the expression of p53-responsive genes. The biological outcome inducing this pathway can be either growth arrest and apoptosis or senescence to maintain the integrity of the genome or to delete the damaged cells. The biochemical activity of p53 itself and the cellular environment govern the choice between these outcomes in a cell type- and stress-specific manner. So, p53 is a pivotal tumour suppressor and a mainstay of our body's natural anticancer defence. This review could provide some useful information for further study on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and its progression, and also could contribute to the discovery of antitumor agents.

Weight gain and recurrence in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether weight gain is associated with recurrence in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

METHODS

Medical records of adult patients with IIH seen between 1993 and 2009 at 2 university hospitals were reviewed to identify those with and without recurrence. Patients with documented height and weight at presentation and at subsequent visits were studied. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare mean body mass index (BMI) and percent weight change between the groups of patients with recurrence and without recurrence. The signed-rank test was used for comparing BMI within groups at the various time points.

RESULTS

Fifty women with IIH were included in the analyses: 26 had IIH recurrence and 24 did not. Patients with recurrence had greater BMI at the time of recurrence compared to BMI at diagnosis (p = 0.02, signed-rank test). They also demonstrated a greater degree of weight gain between initial resolution and recurrence (BMI change +2.0 kg/m(2) [-1.5 to 10.8]) compared to patients without recurrence (-0.75 kg/m(2) [-35 to 3.6], p = 0.0009, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Patients without recurrence demonstrated stable weights (0%[95% CI -9.6 to 10.1%]), while patients with recurrence demonstrated a 6% weight gain ([-3.5 to 40.2%], p = 0.005), with an average rate of BMI gain of 1.3 kg/m(2)/year vs -0.96 kg/m(2)/year in those without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Patients with IIH recurrence had significant increases in BMI compared to patients without recurrence in this cohort. Patients with resolved IIH should be advised that weight gain may be a risk factor for IIH recurrence.

CSF opening pressure in children with optic nerve head edema

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that an abnormal CSF opening pressure (OP) in children was greater than 28 cm H(2)O. Since elevated intracranial pressure can cause optic nerve head edema (ONHE), we would expect that most patients with ONHE would have an OP greater than 28 cm H(2)O. This study describes the range of OP for children with ONHE and compared them to age-matched controls without ONHE.

METHODS

Case subjects were children (1-18 years of age) enrolled in a prospective study of CSF OP that demonstrated ONHE at time of lumbar puncture and that the ONHE later resolved. Patients with ONHE secondary to infectious, inflammatory, or ischemic conditions were excluded. Control subjects from the same study, but without ONHE, were matched to cases.

RESULTS

Of the 472 subjects enrolled in the study, 41 OP measurements were obtained from 33 patients with ONHE who did not have any exclusionary criteria and matched to 41 control subjects without ONHE. Case subjects had a significantly higher OP (mean, 41.4 cm H(2)0; range, 22-56) than control subjects (mean, 18.9 cm H(2)O; range, 9-29; p < 0.01). Forty of 41 (97.6%) case subjects and 2 of 41 (4.8%) control subjects had OP measures >28 cm H(2)O.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with ONHE not related to infectious, inflammatory, or ischemic causes typically have an OP >28 cm H(2)O, significantly higher than age-matched controls without ONHE. This study provides further support to our previously published findings that suggests an abnormal OP in children is typically above 28 cm H(2)O.

FLZ, a novel HSP27 and HSP70 inducer, protects SH-SY5Y cells from apoptosis caused by MPP(+)

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play an essential role in various neurodegenerative diseases. Manipulation of upregulation of HSPs in cells has been demonstrated to provide a therapeutic strategy to counteract the misfolding and aggregation of proteins that resulted in neurodegenerative disease. Our previous studies have shown that FLZ, a synthetic novel derivative of squamosamide from a Chinese herb, had potent neuroprotective effect against several experimental Parkinson's disease (PD) models. However, the mechanism of its neuroprotective effect is still not clarified. The present study demonstrated that FLZ induced HSP27 and HSP70 proteins and mRNA expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Further studies showed that FLZ treatment stimulated the activation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) and its regulatory kinase Akt. Inactivation of Akt pathway by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the expression of HSP27 and HSP70 induced by FLZ. Moreover, the inducing effects of FLZ on HSP27, HSP70, and HSF1 were all blocked by quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP biosynthesis. The cytoprotective effect of HSP27/HSP70 induced by FLZ against MPP(+) was assessed in SH-SY5Y cells. The pretreatment of FLZ significantly induced the accumulations of HSP27/HSP70 and suppressed the apoptosis caused by MPP(+) in SH-SY5Y cells. However, the protective effects of FLZ against MPP(+) were significantly blocked by quercetin, which indicated that the cytoprotective action of FLZ against MPP(+)-induced apoptosis is at least partially mediated by its induction of HSP27/HSP70. These results provide new evidence for elucidating the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of FLZ against PD.

[Neurodegenerative conformational disease and heat shock proteins]

Many major neurodegenerative diseases are associated with proteins misfolding and aggregation, which are also called "neurodegenerative conformational disease". The interaction of gene mutation and environmental factors are probably primary events resulting in oligomer and aggregate formations of proteins. Moreover, the dysfunctions of protein control systems, i.e. the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy-lysosomal system, also contribute to the neurodegenerative process. The present review mainly summarizes protein misfolding and aggregation in the development of neurodegenerative conformational disease and the underling mechanisms, as well as upregulation of heatshock proteins as a promising treatment method for this kind of disease.

Long-term deprivation of gonadal hormone accelerates brain aging in mice

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of long-term deprivation of gonadal hormone on brain aging in mice to develop a model of gonadectomy-accelerated brain aging.

METHODS

Male and female mice at 2 months old were orchiectomized (ORX) or ovarectomized (OVX) bilaterally or sham operated, and then they were fed for 10 months. The spatial learning and memory ability was tested using Morris Water Maze. The biomarkers of brain neuropathology were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Ovarectomy mildly impaired spatial learning and memory of mice, while the impairment in ORX-mice was not significant. The amount of Nissl bodies decreased in the hippocampus and cortex of gonadectomied mice. The expression of beta-amyloid (Aβ), beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 and phosphorylated-Tau increased in gonadectomied mice. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreased in the brain of OVX-mice, but neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) showed no change. We detected no decrease of NGF, BDNF or NT-3 in ORX-mice. TrkA expression decreased and p75(NTR) increased in the brain of gonadectomied mice. In all the above tests, there were no significant differences between young (2 months old) and sham operated (12 months old) mice. Alternations in the brain aging parameters were more obvious in OVX-mice than in ORX-mice.

CONCLUSION

Long-term gonadal hormone deprivation by young-age gonadectomy accelerated mouse brain aging, which could serve as a valuable mouse model to study brain aging and aging-related pathological changes.

Synthesis and MDR inhibitory activity evaluation of derivatives of schizandrin A

Eighteen schizandrin A derivatives, possessing an acyl group at 7-OH and/or halogen(s) at C-4 and C-11, were designed and synthesized for evaluation of their in vitro ability to inhibit multidrug resistance (MDR). They exhibit weak ability to restore the intracellular Rhodamine 123 in human hepatocarcinoma MDR cell lines Bel7402 and HCT8 relative to the reference drug verapamil.

Involvement of HSP70 in the protection of bicyclol on apoptosis of HepG2 cells intoxicated by d-galactosamine

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), the best known endogenous factors, play important roles in the cytoprotection and repair of cells and tissues against the harmful effects of stress and insults. In this study, RNAi technology was used to identify whether HSP70 was involved in the protection of bicyclol against d-galactosamine (d-GaIN)-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. As a result, bicyclol induced HSP70 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HepG2 cells. Bicyclol markedly alleviated apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in HepG2 cells intoxicated by d-GaIN. The degradation of inhibitory kappa B, phosphorylation of inhibitory kappa B kinase, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding activity were all inhibited by bicyclol in HepG2 cells intoxicated by d-GaIN. In addition, bicyclol decreased the nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. The inhibitory effects of bicyclol on all the above biomarkers were attenuated when the HSP70 gene was silenced accordingly. Our data also showed that MG132 (inhibitor of NF-kappaB) and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (inhibitor of iNOS) inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis induced by d-GaIN. These in vitro results suggested that HSP70 partially contributed to the hepatoprotection of bicyclol through suppressing the NF-kappaB-iNOS pathway.

Scutellarin protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in mice

This paper investigates the effect of natural scutellarin on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice and its mechanism of action. Mouse ALI was induced by the injection of LPS (15 mg/kg) via the tail vein, and mice were intraperitoneally injected with 50 and 25 mg/kg of scutellarin before the LPS injection. The lung index, serum NO2(-)/NO3(-), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were determined using kits. The lung lesions were examined by light microscope. The mRNA levels of TNF-alpha, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and FasL in pulmonary tissues were detected by RT-PCR. c-Fos, c-Jun, IkappaB, and iNOS proteins were detected by the western blotting method. Pretreatment with 25 and 50 mg/kg of scutellarin significantly reduced lung injury induced by LPS, which expressed in the decrease in lung morphological lesions, serum NO2(-)/NO3(-), TNF-alpha levels, lactate dehydrogenase release, and total protein in the lavage fluid of bronchoalveolar of the lung. The mRNA level of TNF-alpha, iNOS, the protein content of c-Fos, iNOS, and the activation of NF-kappaB in pulmonary tissues were all inhibited, while the lung glutathione level increased. In conclusion, scutellarin has protective action against LPS-induced lung damage in mice, and its underlying mechanism might be the inhibition of IkappaB alpha degradation and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA.

[The role of vitagene in aging and Alzheimer's disease and relevant advances of pharmacological study]

Free radical hypothesis of aging emphasized that the age-related accumulation of free radicals results in cell injury. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease characterized by impaired cognition and memory of the elderly. Aging is a key risk factor in AD. Substantial evidence suggests that imbalance between free radical formation and clearance promotes AD pathogenesis. The brain overcomes oxidative stress by inducing expression of a set of genes called vitagenes. The protein products of vitagenes include heat shock proteins, heme oxygenases and thioredoxin systems, which serve as endogenous lifeguard of cells. This paper is a review of the expression and function of vitagenes in aging and AD brain, as well as relevant pharmacological study.

Inhibitory effect of anti-hepatitis drug bicyclol on invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97-H cells with high metastasis potential and its relative mechanisms

To assess the anti-invasion effect of bicyclol (1) and its mechanism in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) MHCC97-H cells with high metastatic potential. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of 1 to MHCC97-H cells and its inhibitory effect on the adhesion of these cells to laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN). The anti-invasion effect of 1 was detected in an experiment using a transwell chamber. Transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nm23-H1, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) mRNAs was determined by an RT-PCR assay. The secretion and expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. At concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 mumol/l, 1 obviously inhibited the adhesion of the MHCC97-H cells to LN and FN. The rates of inhibition of MHCC97-H cell invasion by 50 and 100 mumol/l for 1 were 37.3 and 50.2%, respectively. Drug 1 also decreased the expressions of VEGF, nm23-H1, and uPAR mRNA and the secretion of AFP in MHCC97-H cells. At low cytotoxic concentrations, the anti-hepatitis drug 1 demonstrated a significant anti-invasive effect in human HCC MHCC97-H cells with high metastatic potential. The inhibition of the expressions of VEGF, nm23-H1, and uPAR should contribute, at least in part, to the anti-invasion property of 1.

Benign recurrent sixth (abducens) nerve palsies in children

Sixth nerve palsy can occur as a result of elevated intracranial pressure, neoplasm or trauma. Reports from tertiary centres indicate that between 5% and 16% of referred cases have no ascribed aetiology and are classified as benign. Rarely, these benign palsies can recur. A retrospective chart review of a cohort of 253 paediatric patients with sixth nerve palsies was analysed and uncovered 30 cases of benign sixth nerve palsy, nine of which recurred. Our data and review of other studies on the subject imply that a new onset sixth nerve palsy presenting in children can be benign in approximately 13% of cases, so a thorough history and physical examination to evaluate for any other neurological symptoms or signs followed by MRI of the brain with and without contrast is recommended.

Pediatric optic neuritis: brain MRI abnormalities and risk of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Optic neuritis is often the initial presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS). As established by the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial, an abnormal baseline brain MRI is a strong predictor of MS after isolated optic neuritis in adults. However, the rate of conversion to MS after optic neuritis in children based upon brain MRI findings is unknown.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of children (<18 years) presenting with optic neuritis between 1993 and 2004 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Children with a history of demyelinating disease or prior optic neuritis were excluded. Symptoms, ophthalmologic findings, MRI findings, and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 29 consecutive children with idiopathic optic neuritis. Eleven patients (38%) had white matter T2/FLAIR lesions in the brain (not including the optic nerves). Eighteen patients were followed for more than 24 months, and 3 of the 18 (17%) developed MS. All 3 patients had an abnormal brain MRI scan at their initial presentation of optic neuritis. None of the patients with a normal brain MRI scan at presentation developed MS over an average follow-up of 88.5 months. Patients with one or more white matter lesions on MRI were more likely to develop MS (3/7 vs 0/11, p = 0.04, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with brain MRI abnormalities at the time of the diagnosis of optic neuritis have an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. Larger collaborative studies are needed to further define the prognosis for childhood optic neuritis.

Induction of overexpression of the 27- and 70-kDa heat shock proteins by bicyclol attenuates concanavalin A-Induced liver injury through suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB in mice

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones critical for cell survival under adverse environmental conditions and for normal cellular homeostasis. Bicyclol, a novel antihepatitis drug, has been shown to protect against liver injury in animals. However, it is unclear how bicyclol protects against liver injury. We recently found that bicyclol is an inducer of HSPs. We wondered whether bicyclol regulated the expression of HSPs to produce a liver protection in vivo. Thus, this study was designed to address these questions using a mouse model with concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver injury. Oral administration of bicyclol markedly alleviated ConA-caused liver injury in mice as indicated by the reduction of serum aminotransferases, liver necrosis, and the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria and hepatic DNA fragmentation. Correlated with this, bicyclol induced the increase of mRNA and protein levels of hepatic 27- and 70-kDa HSPs (HSP27 and HSP70) in the mice. Correspondingly, the elevated HSP27 and HSP70 suppressed inhibitor kappaB degradation and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation that were caused by ConA. The protective effects of bicyclol on ConA-induced mouse liver injury were markedly attenuated by quercetin, an inhibitor of HSPs synthesis. Our results suggest that the antihepatitis drug bicyclol may protect against liver injury by inducing the expression of hepatic HSP27 and HSP70 and consequently inhibit the transcription factor NF-kappaB-mediated apoptosis and necrosis in liver tissue.

Giant anisotropy of the magnetoresistance and the 'spin valve' effect in antiferromagnetic Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4)

We have studied anisotropic magnetoresistance (MR) and magnetization with a rotating magnetic field (B) within the CuO(2) plane in lightly doped AF Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4). A giant anisotropy in the MR is observed at low temperature, below 5 K. The c-axis resistivity can be tuned over about one order of magnitude just by changing the B direction within the CuO(2) plane, and a scaling behavior for the out-of-plane and in-plane MR is found. A 'spin valve' effect is proposed for explaining the giant anisotropy of the out-of-plane MR and the evolution of the scaling parameters with the external field. It is found that the field-induced spin-flop transition of the Nd(3+) layer under high magnetic field is the key to understanding the giant anisotropy. These results suggest that a novel entanglement of charge and spin dominates the underlying physics.

Schisanhenol attenuated ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation in bovine aorta endothelial cells in vitro

The aim of this paper was to investigate the protective effect of schisanhenol (Sal) isolated from Schisandra rubriflora Rhed, on human ox-LDL-induced bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro. The BAECs were cultured with ox-LDL (200 microg/ml) in the presence and absence of Sal (10 and 50 micromol L(- 1)) for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of ox-LDL was evaluated by LDH leakage, cell viability and morphological change. Cell apoptosis was estimated by DNA ladder, chromatin condensation, and flow cytometry assay. The intracellular ROS production was detected by using DCF, a ROS probe, with laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Sal was shown to reduce LDH leakage and increase cell viability. Sal also attenuated ox-LDL-induced BAECs apoptosis as indicated in typical internucleosomal DNA degradation (DNA ladder), condensed chromatin, and the sub-G1 peak appearance in flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, Sal was shown to inhibit ROS generation in BAECs with stimulation of ox-LDL. The results indicated that the anti-apoptosis effect of Sal on BACSs might be related to its inhibition of ROS generation.

Pinocembrin prevents glutamate-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells via decrease of bax/bcl-2 ratio

Pinocembrin is the most abundant flavonoids in propolis, and has been proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property. To assess the protective effects of pinocembrin on neurons, SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were pretreated with pinocembrin for 2 h followed by co-treatment with glutamate (2 mM) for 12 h. Cell viability was determined by(3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte-trazolium bromide assay, and apoptosis was confirmed by cell morphology, capillary zone electrophoresis and flow cytometry assay. Cell morphology was evaluated with Hoechst33258/PI dye. Treatment with pinocembrin (10(-5), 10(-6), 10(-7) mol/l) increased cell viability dose-dependently, inhibited LDH release and attenuated apoptosis. Intracellular free [Ca(2+)] was increased after glutamate exposure, and this increase was attenuated in cells treated with pinocembrin. bax mRNA expression increased remarkably following glutamate exposure and pinocembrin treatment manifested a reduction effect. bcl-2 mRNA expression changes were not detected in groups with or without pinocembrin. Western blotting results indicated that pinocembrin treatment reduced the expression of Bax and had no effect on Bcl-2, thus decreased the Bax-Bcl-2 ratio, which is in consistent with the gene expression result. Pinocembrin could also down-regulate the expression of p53 protein, and inhibit the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Thus we conclude that pinocembrin exerts its neuroprotective effects in glutamate injury model partly by inhibiting p53 expression, thus Bax-Bcl-2 ratio, and the release of cytochrome c.

[Heat shock proteins: new target in cytoprotective and tumor therapy]

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) form the most ancient defense system in all living organisms. These proteins act as molecular chaperones by helping the refolding of misfolded proteins and assisting their elimination if they become irreversibly damaged. HSPs interact with a number of cellular systems and form efficient cytoprotective mechanisms. HSPs allow cells to adapt to gradual changes in their environment and to survive in otherwise lethal conditions. The events of cell stress and cell death are linked, and HSPs induced in response to stress appear to function at key regulatory points in the control of apoptosis. HSPs include antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins that interact with a variety of cellular proteins. Their expression levels can determine the fate of the cell in response to death stimulus. On the other hand, HSPs are overexpressed in tumor cells, and the inhibition of HSP90 has recently been regarded as a very promising tool to combat various cancers. HSPs can be secreted to circulatory system from a variety of cell types in response to stress. The secreted exogenous proteins act as cytokines and have potential modulatory functions in immune system. Cell surface-bound HSP70 can render tumor cell more sensitive to natural killer cell-mediated cytolytic attack. Therefore, modulator of chaperone activities is becoming a new target of drug development, such as in apoptosis and tumor immunity fields.

[Biology of thioredoxin and its association with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease]

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a crucial protein for antioxidative defense, as well as a redox regulator of the intra- and extracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we focus on mammalian Trx and its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on the evidence of neuroprotective effects of Trx, up-regulation of Trx may be a good strategy for prevention and treatment of AD and PD.

The novel squamosamide derivative FLZ protects against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced apoptosis through inhibition of related signal transduction in SH-SY5Y cells

Compound FLZ is a synthetic novel derivative of squamosamide. Previous pharmacological study found that FLZ improved the abnormal behavior and the decrease of dopamine content in striatum in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model mice. 6-OHDA can cause Parkinsonism in experimental animals. The purpose of this paper was to study the protective action of FLZ against 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis and alternations of related signal transduction. The results indicated that FLZ at concentrations of 0.1 microM and 1 microM prevented 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, and inhibited the increase of cytochrome c and Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release and activation of Caspase 3 and NF-kappaB. The results suggested that FLZ has potential neuroprotective effect on 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells through regulating related signal-transduction.

The novel squamosamide derivative (compound FLZ) attenuated 1-methyl, 4-phenyl-pyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced apoptosis and alternations of related signal transduction in SH-SY5Y cells

Compound FLZ (cFLZ) is a synthetic novel derivative of natural squamosamide. Previous pharmacological study found that cFLZ improved the abnormal behavior and the decrease of dopamine content in striatum in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MPTP) model mice. 1-Methyl 4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) is the active metabolite of MPTP to cause Parkinsonism in experimental animals. The purpose of this paper was to further study the protective action of cFLZ against MPP+-induced apoptosis and alternations of related signaling transduction. The results indicated that cFLZ at concentrations of 0.1 microM and 1 microM prevented 100 microM MPP+-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, and inhibited the release of cytochrome C and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and the activation of caspase 3 and NF-kappaB as well as alpha-synuclein gene and protein expressions. The results suggest that cFLZ possesses potent neuroprotective activity and may be a potential anti-Parkinson's disease drug worthy for further study.

[Inhibitory effect of dimethyl dicarboxylate biphenyl on invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line MHCC97-H with high metastasis potential and its mechanisms]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Invasion and metastasis is the main cause of the poor prognosis and high mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Inhibiting invasion and metastasis is an effective approach to reduce the development and mortality of HCC. Dimethyl dicarboxylate biphenyl (DDB) is an old anti-hepatitis drug used in clinics. This study was to assess the inhibitory effect of DDB on adhesion and invasion of HCC cell line MHCC97-H with high metastasis potential, and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of DDB to MHCC97-H cells and the inhibitory effect of DDB on the adhesion of MHCC97-H cells to laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN). The inhibitory effect of DDB on the invasion of MHCC97-H cells was detected by transwell chamber experiment. The mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nm23-H1, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The secretion and expression of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

DDB at non-cytotoxic concentrations (10, 50 and 100 micromol/L) obviously inhibited the adhesion of MHCC97-H cells to LN and FN. The inhibition rates of the invasion of MHCC97-H cells were 25.8% and 32.3% after treatment of 50 and 100 micromol/L DDB, respectively; 50 and 100 micromol/L DDB also decreased the mRNA levels of VEGF, nm23-H1, and uPAR in MHCC97-H cells. The inhibition rates of AFP secretion of MHCC97-H cells were 16.5%, 17.5%, and 48.5% after treatment of 50, 100, and 200 micromol/L DDB, respectively; it also decreased the expression of AFP in MHCC97-H cells.

CONCLUSION

DDB, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, may obviously suppress the invasion of MHCC97-H cells through inhibiting VEGF, nm23-H1, and uPAR expression.

Magnocellular and parvocellular visual pathways have different blood oxygen level-dependent signal time courses in human primary visual cortex

PURPOSE

The magnocellular and parvocellular pathways (M and P pathways) are the major pathways of the visual system, with distinct histologic and physiologic properties that may also have different metabolic characteristics. We hypothesize that the differences of the 2 visual pathways would also manifest as differences in the signal time course of blood oxygen level-dependent functional MR imaging (BOLD fMRI). The differences in BOLD signal time course may provide insight into the metabolic requirements of the 2 pathways.

METHODS

Eleven fMRI sessions on 6 subjects were performed using stimuli that preferentially activated the 2 pathways. Regions commonly activated by both the M and P stimuli in the primary visual cortex (V1) were determined, and the contrast elicited by the stimulus, time-to-peak (TTP), and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the BOLD signal time course were measured.

RESULTS

The functional stimuli activated cortical regions described previously in the literature, such as V1, V4, and V5. Within V1, the TTP of the signal time course of the 2 stimuli were statistically different, with the P stimulus generating TTPs that were on average 12% faster than the M stimulus (P = .0037).

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated the ability to functionally differentiate the M and P stimuli in a commonly activated anatomic region. Because the BOLD response is dependent on the ratio of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in the blood, the difference in the BOLD time course between the 2 stimuli suggests that the oxygen demand of the 2 pathways may be different.

Effects of Coeloglossum. viride var. bracteatum extract on memory deficits and pathological changes in senescent mice

Previous studies have shown that injection of D-galactose could result in senescent performances in animals, that injection of NaNO2 could cause ischaemia and hypoxia in many organs, and combined injection of D-galactose and NaNO2 make normal mice taking on senescent performances in a shorter period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CE, an extract from a Tibetan medicinal herb, Coeloglossum. viride (L.) Hartm. var. bracteatum (Willd.), on senescent mice. The step-down test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory function of mice. The activities of superoxide dismutase, adenosine triphosphatase, monoamine oxydase and the content of malondialdehyde were measured to determine the impairment of brain. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 proteins in mouse hippocampus were studied by immunohistochemical staining. The data demonstrated that D-galactose and NaNO2 treated mice had significant deficits in learning and memory function. The reduced activities of superoxide dismutase, adenosine triphosphatase, increased activities of monoamine oxydase and level of malondialdehyde were also found. Bax and caspase-3 positive cells increased while Bcl-2 positive cells decreased remarkably. Treatment of CE (2.5, 5 mg.kg(-1)) ameliorated the memory impairment; rectified the biochemistry and neural system changes in mice. These results suggest that CE offers promise as a tool for treatment of senescence-related diseases.

Different effects of nine clausenamide ennatiomers on liver glutathione biosynthesis and glutathione S-transferase activity in mice

AIM

To study the effects of nine synthetic clausenamide with different stereo structures on liver glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in mice.

METHODS

The nine test compounds were racemic mixtures and their ennatiomers of clausenamide, neoclausenamide and epineoclausenamide. Mice were administered clausenamide 250 mg/kg once daily for 3 consecutive days, ig, and were killed 24 h after the last dosing. The mouse liver cytosol GSH and GST were determined with related biochemical methods.

RESULTS

Nine clausenamides exhibited different effects on liver GSH and GST. Of nine clausenamides, only (+) and (+/-)clausenamide markedly increased liver cytosol GSH content. The mechanism of increasing liver GSH content of (+)clausenamide is mainly due to stimulating the key limiting enzyme gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) activity for GSH biosynthesis. The other test clausenamides had no such effect on liver GSH. All of the nine clausenamides induced a significant increase of GST activity.

CONCLUSION

The effects of clausenamide ennatiomers on liver GST and GSH varied with the alterations of their spatial structures. (+)Clausenamide stimulated liver GSH biosynthesis through enhancing gamma-GCS activity.

Protective effects of compound FLZ on beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced mouse hippocampal injury and learning and memory impairment

AIM

To study the protective effects of compound FLZ, a novel synthetic analogue of natural squamosamide, on learning and memory impairment and lesions of the hippocampus caused by icv injection of beta-amyloid(25-35)(Abeta(25-35)) in mice.

METHODS

Mice were icv injected with the Abeta(25-35) (15 nmol/mouse), and then treated with oral administration of 75 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg of FLZ once daily for 16 consecutive days. The impairment of learning and memory in mice were tested using step-down test and Morris water maze test. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the expressions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Bax, and Bcl-2 in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus were measured by biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. The pathological damages of hippocampus were observed using a microscope.

RESULTS

FLZ (75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg) significantly attenuated Abeta(25-35)-induced impairment of learning and memory in the step-down test and Morris water maze test. FLZ also reduced pathological damages to the hippocampus induced by Abeta(25-35). Furthermore, FLZ prevented the increase of AChE and Bax, and the decrease of Bcl-2 immunoreactive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and reduced the increase of MDA content in the hippocampus in mice injected with Abeta(25-35).

CONCLUSION

FLZ has protective action against the impairment of learning and memory and pathological damage to the hippocampus induced by icv injection of Abeta(25-35) in mice.

Chemopreventive effect of bicyclol on malignant transformation of WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells and its effect on related signal transduction in vitro

The preventive effect of bicyclol, a novel anti-hepatitis drug, on hepatocarcinogenesis and its mechanism of action was studied in vitro. The results clearly indicated that bicyclol at non-toxic doses prevented the malignant transformation of WB-F344 cells (WB cells) induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Furthermore, bicyclol inhibited proliferation of quiescent WB cells stimulated by TPA and blocked TPA-induced down-regulation of the gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that bicyclol exhibited a remarkable reversing effect on TPA-induced cPKC-alpha and phosphor-ERK1/2 expressions. In addition, bicyclol attenuated TPA-induced IkappaB-alpha degradation. In conclusion, our results support that bicyclol has chemopreventive action against hepatocarcinogenesis through inhibition of related signal transduction.

Effects of bicyclol on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism of action

The aim was to investigate the suppressive effect of bicyclol on hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in mice and the mechanism of its action. Hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg kg(-1) day(-1) on three consecutive days of each week for 4 or 5 weeks. In the prophylactic experiment, bicyclol (100 and 200mg.kg(-1)) was administered by gavage in association with DMN injection. For the therapeutic experiment, mice were firstly injected with DMN for 5 weeks as in the prophylactic experiment, and then the mice in drug groups were orally administered bicyclol (100 and 200mg.kg(-1)) once daily for 5 weeks. As a result, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, hydroxyproline (Hyp), prolidase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta(1)), type I collagen in serum and the score of liver fibrosis all significantly increased in the hepatic fibrosis model group in comparison with those in control group. The treatment with bicyclol markedly reduced all the above criteria. Bicyclol also attenuated the decrease of body weight of mice, serum total protein and albumin. In addition, bicyclol treatment inhibited liver TGFbeta(1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) mRNA expression in the prophylactic experiment. Similarly, bicyclol reduced TIMP-1 levels in liver and serum and increased collagenase activity in the liver in the therapeutic experiment. The result suggest that bicyclol attenuates DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Its mechanisms of action may be related to the hepatoprotective and anti-inflammation properties, the down-regulation of liver TGFbeta(1) and TIMP-1 expression and the increase of net collagenase activity in liver.

Toxicity of novel anti-hepatitis drug bicyclol: A preclinical study

AIM: To study the toxicity of bicyclol to animals.

METHODS: Acute toxicity test was performed in Kunming strain mice that were orally given bicyclol at the doses of 3 and 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. Wistar rats were orally administered bicyclol at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight. Death and clinical symptoms of animals were recorded within 7 d. Sub-acute toxicity test was carried out in rats that were treated with various doses of bicyclol (150, 300, 600 mg/kg) once daily for 14 d. Animal behaviors, blood biochemical markers, blood and urine pictures were examined. Chronic toxicity test was conducted in 80 Wistar rats of both sexes. The animals were orally administered with various doses of bicyclol [150, 300, 600 mg/kg, 100-400 folds corresponding to the proposed therapeutic dose (1.5 mg/(kg·d)) of bicyclol for patients] once daily for 6 mo except for Sunday. The control group was given the same volume of 0.2% sodium carboxyl methylcellulose (Na-CMC). Twenty-one beagle dogs received bicyclol (25, 75, 225 mg/kg, 16.6, 50, 150 folds corresponding to the proposed therapeutic dose of bicyclol for patients) once a day for 6 mo except for Sunday. The body weight, food intake, urine and feces, blood picture, blood biochemical markers, and pathological examination of main organs were determined. Mutagenicity and teratogenicity were determined. Mutagenicity assay included Ames’s test, chromosome aberration test in CHL cells and micronucleus test in mice. For the teratogenicity assay, pregnant Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were treated with 0.2, 1.0 g/kg bicyclol once daily from the 7th d of gestation for 10 d.

RESULTS: The oral LD₅₀ of bicyclol was over 5 g/kg in mice and rats. No noticeable alterations in subacute and chronic toxicity of rats and dogs were demonstrated. No mutagenicity and teratogenicity of bicyclol were found.

CONCLUSION: Bicyclol has no detectable chronic toxicity as well as mutagenicity and teratogenicity in animals.

Metamagnetic transition in Na 0.85 CoO2 single crystals

We report the magnetization, specific heat, and transport measurements of a high quality Na(0.85)CoO2 single crystal in applied magnetic fields up to 14 T. At high temperatures, the system is in a paramagnetic phase. It undergoes a magnetic phase transition below approximately 20 K. For the field H||c, the measurement data of magnetization, specific heat, and magnetoresistance reveal a metamagnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic state to a quasiferromagnetic state at about 8 T at low temperatures. However, no transition is observed in the magnetization measurements up to 14 T for H perpendicular c. The low temperature magnetic phase diagram of Na(0.85)CoO2 is determined.

Antioxidative effect of schisanhenol on human low density lipoprotein and its quantum chemical calculation

AIM

To investigate the effect of schisanhenol (Sal) on copper ion-induced oxidative modulation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL).

METHODS

The antioxidative activity of eight schisandrins (DCL) on microsome lipid peroxidation induced by Vit C/NADPH system was first observed, and then, the effect of Sal on Cu2+-induced human LDL oxidation was studied. The generation of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipofuscin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), consumption of a-tocopherol as well as electrophoretic mobility of LDL were determined as criteria of LDL oxidation. Finally, the quantum chemical method was used to calculate the theoretical parameters of eight DCL for elucidating the difference of their antioxidant ability.

RESULTS

Sal was shown to be the most active one among eight schizandrins in inhibiting microsome lipid oxidation induced by Vit C/NADPH. Sal 100, 50, and 10 micromol/L inhibited production of MDA, lipofuscin and ROS as well as the consumption of a-tocopherol in Cu2+-induced oxidation of human LDL in a dose-dependent manner. Sal also reduced electrophoretic mobility of the oxidized human LDL. Further study of quantum chemistry found that Sal was the strongest one among eight DCL to scavenge O2, R, RO and ROO radicals.

CONCLUSION

Sal has antioxidative effect on human LDL oxidation. The mechanism of Sal against LDL oxidation may be through scavenging free radicals.

Inhibition of Fas/FasL mRNA expression and TNF-α release in concanavalin A-induced liver injury in mice by bicyclol

AIM: Bicyclol, 4,4’-dimethoxy-5,6,5’,6’-dimethylene-dioxy-2-hydroxymethyl-2’-carbonyl biphenyl, is a new anti-hepatitis drug. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of bicyclol on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced immunological liver injury in mice and its mechanism.

METHODS: Liver injury was induced by injection of Con A via tail vein of mice and assessed biochemically and histologically. Serum transaminase and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Liver lesions were observed by light microscope. Expressions of TNF-α, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA in the livers were measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS: Serum transaminase level and liver lesions in Con A-induced mice were markedly reduced by oral administration of 100, 200 mg/kg of bicyclol. TNF-α level in serum was also reduced by bicyclol. Con A injection induced up-regulation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, Fas and FasL mRNA expression in liver tissues. Bicyclol significantly down-regulated the expression of IFN-γ, Fas and FasL mRNA, but only slightly affected TNF-α mRNA expression in liver tissues.

CONCLUSION: Bicyclol protects against Con A-induced liver injury mainly through inhibition of Fas/FasL mRNA expression in liver tissues and TNF-α release in mice.

Damaging effect of cigarette smoke extract on primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and its mechanism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cellular effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on primarily cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

METHODS

The effects of CSE (5%-20%) and nicotine (10(-4) mol/L) on HUVEC viability, proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis were observed.

RESULTS

CSE decreased HUVEC survival rate and angiogenesis after 24 h as well as its proliferation after 48 h in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CSE induced apoptosis of HUVEC as indicated in condensation of nuclear chromatin and the presence of hypodiploid DNA. HUVEC incubated with CSE for 24 h gave a significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 as well as the decline in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio accompanied with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and excess cytosolic calcium. Our study also observed that p53 protein level decreased, rather than increased in cells treated with CSE. Nicotine had no discernible inhibitory effects on the above indices of HUVEC.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to CSE other than nicotine causes inhibition of viability, proliferation and differentiation of HUVEC. CSE-induced HUVEC injury is mediated in partthrough accelerated apoptosis but independent of p53 pathway. It appears that mitochondria have played a key role in the apoptosis of HUVEC induced by CSE.