Low-dose polystyrene microplastics exposure impairs fertility in male mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity by affecting prostate function

The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) on male fertility are receiving more and more attention. However, the impact of low-dose MPs exposure on the reproductive function of male mice is still unclear. In this study, we exposed male mice to low-dose MPs (25-30 μg/kg body weight/day) or low-dose MPs combined with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Our results showed that low-dose MPs exposure or HFD feeding significantly reduced sperm quality and the number of offspring born, while low-dose MPs exposure combined with HFD feeding further enhanced the above effects. The combination of low-dose MPs exposure and HFD feeding resulted in a notable elevation of inflammatory level within the prostate of mice and induced apoptosis of prostate epithelium and a decrease in nutrients (zinc, citrate) in seminal plasma fluid. Our findings in this study could provide valuable clues for better understanding the influence of low-dose MPs exposure on the reproductive system under metabolic disorders and facilitate the development of the prevention of reproductive toxicity caused by MPs exposure.

Modulation effect of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation on REM and NREM sleep

Previous studies have shown that modulating neural activity can affect rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can effectively modulate neural activity. However, the modulation effect of TUS on REM and NREM sleep is still unclear. In this study, we used ultrasound to stimulate motor cortex and hippocampus, respectively, and found the following: (i) In healthy mice, TUS increased the NREM sleep ratio and decreased the REM sleep ratio, and altered the relative power and sample entropy of the delta band and spindle in NREM sleep and that of the theta and gamma bands in REM sleep. (ii) In sleep-deprived mice, TUS decreased the ratio of REM sleep or the relative power of the theta band during REM sleep. (iii) In sleep-disordered Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice, TUS increased the total sleep time and the ratio of NREM sleep and modulated the relative power and the sample entropy of the delta and spindle bands during NREM and that of the theta band during REM sleep. These results demonstrated that TUS can effectively modulate REM and NREM sleep and that modulation effect depends on the sleep state of the samples, and can improve sleep in sleep-disordered AD mice.

The application of thromboelastogram in detection of indexes of antiplatelet therapy for coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the application value of thromboelastogram (TEG) in antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery intervention.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 90 cases of coronary interventional treatment was conducted in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2012. Cases were divided into three groups, according to the kind of coronary heart disease: angina pectoris (AP) group (30 cases), unstable angina pectoris (UAP) group (30 cases) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group (30 cases). TEG changes in patients between the three groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The differences in international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) indexes among the three groups of patients were statistically significant (P<0.05), but these indexes significantly decreased in the AMI group. Furthermore, D-D, Fgb, Angle and MA indexes significantly increased in the UAP and AMI groups, compared with the AP group; while TEG regular parameter K and R values were markedly reduced. Coagulation graphics were higher in the UAP and AMI groups than in the AP group (χ²=4.261, 3.908; P<0.05), suggesting that the difference was statistically significant. In 11 cases of ischemic events, arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet inhibition rate was 63.63%, while adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet inhibition rate was 36.37% (χ²=5.026; P<0.05); suggesting that ADP-induced platelet inhibition rate was markedly reduced. This is the main risk of ischemic events within three months after percutaneous coronary intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of indexes of antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery intervention is helpful for antiplatelet medication, thus can effectively reduce the incidence of ischemic events.

Abstract 3525: Targeting Group VIA phospholipase A2 using small molecules for ovarian cancer treatment

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) causes estimated 13,850 deaths in 2010 in the United State. More effective treatment regimens are urgently required for this deadly disease. We and others have obtained ample evidence indicating that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plays an important role in EOC development. We have recently shown that the levels of LPA and several other bioactive lipids in the tumor environment of EOC are regulated by Group VIA calcium-independent phospholipase A2 beta (iPLA2β) expressed in tumor microenvironment, suggesting that targeting iPLA2β in both host and tumor cells will likely to be beneficial. To test this idea, we used bromoenol lactone (BEL), a selective inhibitor of iPLA2β in vivo, and found that BEL significantly inhibited EOC tumorigenesis and metastasis in mouse xenograft models using human SKOV3 and HEY ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of BEL with paclitaxel (PTX), one of the mostly commonly used therapeutics in EOC, almost completely blocked tumor development in the xenograft mouse model. BEL showed very low or no detectable cytotoxic effects in mice. Another iPLA2 inhibitor, FKGK11, also inhibited tumor development in the xenograft mouse model, supporting that the major target of action was iPLA2. The combinational effects of BEL and PTX in vivo likely stem from their distinct cellular effects. BEL and FKGK11 reduced adhesion, migration, and invasion of EOC cells in vitro; the reduced ability appears to increase the vulnerability of tumor cells to PTX. In summary, this is the first attempt to target iPLA2 using a small inhibitor molecule for cancer treatment in vivo. In addition, the work is also rather unique by targeting activity of the same molecule (iPLA2) in both host and tumor cells. These results provide an important basis for development of new treatment modalities for EOC.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3525. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3525

Pharmacokinetic study of rhizoma Curcumae oil and rhizoma Curcumae oil-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in pigs after oral administration

Pharmacokinetics of rhizoma Curcumae oil-pure drug (RCO-PD) and its β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (RCO-βCD) were studied in a randomized two-way crossover design following a single oral administration of the two formulations. Germacrone concentrations in plasma were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detector. The concentrations vs. time data were analyzed by a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic method. The result showed that germacrone in both groups was rapidly absorbed followed by a slow elimination. The main parameters in RCO-PD group were as follows: t(1/2λz) 6.63±1.08 h, C(max) 2.50±0.34 μg/mL, MRT 7.19±0.93 h, and AUC(0-∞) 13.92±2.75 mg/L·h, while in RCO-βCD group, t(1/2λz) 6.77 ± 0.67 h, C(max) 2.98±0.24 μg/mL, MRT 8.87±0.76 h, and AUC(0-∞) 21.60 ± 1.95 mg/L·h, respectively. The above results indicated that C(max), T(max), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-∞), and MRT in RCO-βCD group were significantly different from RCO-PD group, and the relative bioavailability of RCO-βCD group is significantly higher while compared to RCO-PD group (F=156%, with its 90% confidence interval of 145-169%).

[Lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion treated with Santong tuina therapy: a multi-central randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the difference in the efficacy on lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (LIDP) between Santong tuina therapy and conventional tuina therapy.

METHODS

Multi-central, random and controlled clinical trial was carried out. One hundred and twenty cases of LIDP were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each one. In observation group, Santong tuina therapy was used. In control group, conventional tuina therapy was adopted. The clinical efficacy was observed in two groups, and lumbar vertebral function was scaled before and after treatment in two groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 95.0% (57/60) in observation group and was 96.7% (58/60) in control group, without significant statistical difference in comparison (P > 0.05). The cured and markedly effective rate was 81.7% (49/60) in observation group and was 63.3% (38/60) in control group, indicating significant statistical difference in comparison (P < 0.05). The self-comparison of lumbar vertebral function before and after treatment presented statistical significance in either observation group (12.25 +/- 3.15, 25.56 +/- 5.27) or control group (13.32 +/- 3.26, 20.46 +/- 4.25, both P < 0.05); additionally, there was significant difference in the comparison between groups after treatment (P < 0.05). The therapy adopted in observation group improved lumbar vertebral function much significantly.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of LIDP, Santong tuina therapy achieves much better clinical efficacy as compared with conventional tuina therapy.

Efficacy of oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOX4) versus doxorubicin in advanced HCC: Updates on the EACH study

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Background: In Asia, where hepatitis B is very common, patients often present with locally advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their prognosis is poor. The EACH study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX4 vs. doxorubicin as palliative systemic chemotherapy in advanced HCC.

Methods: The open-label, randomized, multicenter phase III study was conducted in 371 patients in China, Taiwan, Korea and Thailand, who had locally advanced or metastatic HCC and were ineligible for resection. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 i.v. d1; LV 200 mg/m2 i.v. h0–h2 d1 and d2; 5FU 400 mg/m2 i.v. bolus h2, then 600 mg/m2 over 22 hours d1 and d2 q2w) or doxorubicin (50 mg/m2 i.v. q3w). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR) by RECIST and safety. Data from final and follow-up analyses of the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and selected subgroup analyses are presented.

Results: At the final analysis, median OS with FOLFOX4 (N = 184) was 6.40 months (95% CI: 5.30, 7.03) vs. 4.97 months (95% CI: 4.23, 6.03) with doxorubicin [N = 187; p = 0.0695 using a stratified log-rank test; statistical significance (p = 0.0425) was achieved at the post hoc follow-up analysis conducted 7 months later]. Median PFS with FOLFOX4 was 2.93 months (95% CI: 2.43, 3.53) vs. 1.77 months with doxorubicin (95% CI: 1.63, 2.30; p = 0.0002). The RR was 8.2% vs. 2.7% of patients with FOLFOX4 and doxorubicin, respectively (p = 0.0233), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 52.2% vs. 31.6% (p < 0.0001). In the Chinese sub-population, OS, PFS, RR and DCR were significantly improved with FOLFOX4 vs. doxorubicin at both the final and follow-up analyses. In the other subgroups analyzed, the OS and PFS benefits of FOLFOX4 vs. doxorubicin were generally consistent.

Conclusions: In the ITT population, median OS was greater with FOLFOX4 than doxorubicin throughout the study and statistical significance was achieved after continued follow-up. FOLFOX4 can benefit patients with advanced HCC, as it significantly increases median OS, PFS, RR and DCR compared with doxorubicin.

[Table: see text]

Tacrolimus for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with pure class V nephritis

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of pure membranous (class V) lupus nephropathy remains unsatisfactory. We studied the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in the treatment of membranous nephritis secondary to SLE.

METHODS

We recruited 18 consecutive SLE patients (tacrolimus group) with recently confirmed biopsy-proven class V lupus nephritis. They were treated with a tailing dose of oral prednisolone and tacrolimus 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/day for 6 months, followed by maintenance prednisolone and AZA. The rate of resolution of proteinuria and SLEDAI were compared with 19 historical controls treated with oral cyclophosphamide or AZA (control group). All patients were followed for 12 months.

RESULTS

Baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups. For the tacrolimus group, the complete and partial remission rates were 27.8 and 50.0%, respectively at 12 weeks; for the control group, they were 15.8 and 47.4%, respectively (overall chi-square test, P = 0.5). However, tacrolimus group had faster resolution of proteinuria than the control group by the general linear model with repeated measures (P = 0.032). At 12 weeks, proteinuria was reduced by 76.2 +/- 17.0% for the tacrolimus group and 47.1 +/- 51.1% for the control group (P = 0.028). Serial change in renal function and SLEDAI score did not differ between the groups. During the study period, four patients of the tacrolimus group, and 11 of the control group, developed lupus flare (P = 0.027). There was no serious adverse effect in the tacrolimus group.

CONCLUSIONS

A 6-month course of tacrolimus is a safe and effective treatment of pure class V (membranous) lupus nephritis. As compared with conventional cytotoxic treatment, tacrolimus possibly results in a faster resolution of proteinuria, and a lower risk of lupus flare within 1 yr. The long-term effect and optimal regimen of tacrolimus require further study.

The expression of P-gp, Bcl-2 and VEGF in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and their significance

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Background: To investigate the expression of P - gp,Bcl-2 and VEGF in epithelial ovarian carcinoma as well as their significance. Methods: Expression of P- gp,Bcl-2 and VEGF were examined in 72 epithelial ovarian carcinoma by immunohistochemisty (method of S - P) . Results: The positive expressions of P - gp,Bcl-2 and VEGF in patients with ovarian carcinoma were 51.4%,54.2%,56.9% respectively .Compared with those in ovarian benign tumors and normal controls, such expression level were significantly higher ( P < 0.05). The expression of P - gp was positively correlated with the expression of VEGF( P <0. 05) while the expression of VEGF was positively correlated with the expression of Bcl-2 ( P <0. 05). Univariate analysis showed worse disease-free survival in the patients with positive expression of P-gp or VEGF than in those with negative expression of P -gp or VEGF( P < 0. 05). Multivariate analysis of clinical and pathological data by Cox-regression method showed that the expression of P - gp or VEGF and co- expression of these three indexes were correlated with poor prognosis. Conclusions: Over-expression of P - gp,Bcl-2 and VEGF is correlated with drug resistance of clinical chemotherapy and survival rate in ovarian cancer . To examine these 3 indexes in ovarian cancer is helpful to evaluate response to clinical chemotherapy as well as to predict the prognosis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A partial genome assay for quantitative trait loci in wheat (Triticum aestivum) using different analytical techniques

F1 plants between two intervarietal chromosome substitution lines of European spring wheat varieties, 'Sicco' ('Chinese Spring 5B') and 'Highbury' ('Chinese Spring 5B'), were used to produce 114 doubled haploid lines, 45 by the Hordeum bulbosum technique and 69 by anther culture. These two sets of lines were characterized for variation at a range of morphological, isozyme and RFLP marker loci, and genetic maps were developed with emphasis on chromosomes 6B, 7A, 7B and 7D. A subset of lines, scored for production traits in field trials in 1986 and 1987, were analysed for quantitative trait loci (QTL). The performance of the lines for the quantitative traits studied showed no overall differences due to the method of production of the lines. QTL were located on the linkage map for ear emergence time, height, tiller weight, yield and 50-grain weight using four analytical methods. Many of these effects showed genotype x year interaction.

Attenuation of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs by a new xanthine derivative (HWA448)

We examined the effect of a new xanthine derivative, HWA448, on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on two occasions, separated by 10 days. Two weeks after the second injection, the animal was placed in a two-chambered whole body plethysmograph and specific airway resistance (SRaw) was monitored for 10 min after an aerosol inhalation of BSA. HWA448 prevented the increase in SRaw after challenge (at 5 and 20 mg/kg i.p.). Aminophylline also prevented the increase in SRaw at 20 mg/kg, but not at a 5-mg/kg dose. The concentration of HWA448, which produced 50% relaxation of the tracheal rings constricted with 0.1 mM of histamine, was 49.9 microM as compared with 18.2 microM in aminophylline. HWA448 has a protective effect on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and may be a useful agent in the therapy of bronchial asthma.