[A case of aconitum kusnezoffii intoxication with severe arrhythmia]

Aconitum kusnezoffii is a traditional Chinese medicine of Ranunculaceae family. Its toxicity is relatively strong, and its dosage is similar to that of poisoning. In clinical practice, poisoning events are often caused by excessive dosage or improper use. There is no specific antidote for kusnezoff root poisoning. Severe kusnezoff root poisoning can cause malignant arrhythmia and even death.A case of severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning was reported in January 2021, which was treated with nificaran hydrochloride for injection in the emergency medicine department of the First Hospital of Handan City. The patient developed ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and AS syndrome. In addition to conventional treatment, the patient did not have arrhythmia again after intravenous injection of 25 mg of nifekalan load and continuous pumping of 0.4 mg/kg/h for 7 hours, and did not relapse after discontinuation of nifekalan 24 hours later. It is suggested that the malignant arrhythmia caused by clinical severe kusnezoff monkshood poisoning can be controlled by nifekalan. Whether nifekalan is superior to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs still needs more accumulation and verification of clinical application data.

Efficacy and safety profile of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors in the management of heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Several guidelines have recommended the use of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) as replacement for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the management of heart failure. Till date, there are no reviews done that comprehensively cover different aspects of efficacy and safety parameters. Hence, we have performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on role of ARNIs for the management of heart failure patients. Searches were done in Embase, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Clinicaltrials.gov until June 2022. Risk of bias assessment was done with Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects model. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD)/mean difference (MD) and/or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was reported. In total, we analysed 34 studies, with almost all of them had a high risk of bias. Pooled RR was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.95) for all-cause mortality, 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.92) for cardiovascular mortality and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.70-0.87) for hospitalization. Pooled MD was 3.74 (95% CI: 1.93-5.55) for left ventricular ejection fraction, -2.16 (95% CI: -3.58 to -0.74) for left atrial volume index, -3.80 (95% CI: -6.60 to -1.00) for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and -1.16 (95% CI: -1.98 to -0.35) for E/E' ratio. Regarding adverse events, pooled RR was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.31-1.85) for symptomatic hypotension, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.78-1.11) for worsening renal function, 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94-1.26) for hyperkalaemia and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.67-2.50) for angioedema. ARNIs had beneficial efficacy and safety profile on the management of heart failure especially patients with reduced ejection fraction.

A multifunctional theranostics nanosystem featuring self-assembly of alcohol-abuse drug and photosensitizers for synergistic cancer therapy

Conventional treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiotherapy, have shown limited therapeutic efficacy, with severe side effects, lack of targeting and drug resistance for monotherapies, which limit their clinical application. Therefore, combinatorial strategies have been widely investigated in the battle against cancer. Herein, we fabricated a dual-targeted nanoscale drug delivery system based on EpCAM aptamer- and lactic acid-modified low-polyamidoamine dendrimers to co-deliver the FDA-approved agent disulfiram and photosensitizer indocyanine green, combining the imaging and therapeutic functions in a single platform. The multifunctional nanoparticles with uniform size had high drug-loading payload, sustained release, as well as excellent photothermal conversion. The integrated nanoplatform showed a superior synergistic effect in vitro and possessed precise spatial delivery to HepG2 cells with the dual-targeting nanocarrier. Intriguingly, a robust anticancer response of chemo-phototherapy was achieved; chemotherapy combined with the efficacy of phototherapy to cause cellular apoptosis of HepG2 cells (>35%) and inhibit the regrowth of damaged cells. Furthermore, the theranostic nanosystem displayed fluorescence imaging in vivo, attributed to its splendid accumulation in the tumor site, and it provided exceptional tumor inhibition rate against liver cancer cells (>76%). Overall, our research presents a promising multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform for the development of synergistic therapeutics for tumors in further applications.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 prevents pressure-overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) has been reported to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload is still elusive. We aimed to examine the role of sFRP2 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Following cardiac hypertrophy stimulated by aortic banding (AB), the expression of sFRP2 was downregulated in the hypertrophic ventricle. Adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) was injected through the tail vein to overexpress sFRP2 in the mouse myocardium. Overexpression of sFRP2 alleviated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis, as identified by the reduced cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, heart weight/body weight ratio, and left ventricular (LV) collagen ratio. Additionally, sFRP2 decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by pressure overload. Western blot showed that sFRP2 prevented the expression of active β-catenin. The Wnt/β-catenin agonist LiCl (1 mmol/kg) abolished the inhibitory effects of sFRP2 on cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased cross-sectional area and LV collagen ratio and the deterioration of echocardiographic data.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that decreased sFRP2 levels were observed in failing mouse hearts. Overexpression of sFRP2 attenuated myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis induced by hypertrophic stimuli by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We revealed that sFRP2 may be a promising therapeutic target for the development of cardiac remodeling.

[One case of severely scalded patient with pneumonia and sepsis]

In February 2018, one 54-year-old male patient with severe scald complicated with pneumonia and sepsis was transferred to Qingdao Municipal Hospital from other hospital. Drugs including cephalosporin, vancomycin, and imipenem/cilastatin combined with ciprofloxacin were used successively for anti-infective treatment, with no obvious effect. Multiple bacterial culture results of sputum, blood, and wound exudate showed infection of extensively drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On the 4th day of admission, the anti-infective treatment plan was adjusted, and plasma, red blood cell, and albumin were supplemented and nutritional support and symptomatic treatment were performed. At the same time, medication and drug-related adverse reaction were monitored. After treatment for more than 10 days, infection of the patient was effectively controlled and the condition gradually improved. The case suggests that severely burned patients are prone to have serious and fatal systemic infection, irregular use of antibiotics increases the risk of infection of extensively drug resistant bacteria, clear anti-infection idea and effective application of antibacterial drug can help to improve the success rate of infection treatment and are of important value in improving the prognosis of patients with severe burn.

[Preliminary clinical study of direct renin inhibitor aliskiren in the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients with hypertension]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of direct renin inhibitor aliskiren for the treatment of severe patients of COVID-19 with hypertension. Methods: A retrospective case analysis of effectiveness and safety of aliskiren treatment to lower blood pressure in three severe and one critically ill patients of COVID-19 with hypertension. Results: Four patients, two males and two females, with an average age of 78 years (66-87 years), were referred to hospital mainly because of respiratory symptoms. Three cases were confirmed by 2019-nCoV nucleic acid and antibody detection (severe type), and one with cardiac insufficiency was clinically determined (critically ill type). The previous diagnosis of hypertension was clear. Two patients took calcium channel antagonist (CCB), one patient took angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and one patient took angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB). After admission, ACEI or ARB were discontinued, one patient with heart failure patient was treated by aliskiren combined with diuretic; 3 patients were treated with aliskiren combined with CCB. Two patients were stopped to use CCB due to low blood pressure after 1 to 2 weeks of using CCB and aliskiren. On the basis of comprehensive therapy combined with antiviral and oxygenation treatment, aliskiren antihypertensive treatment was taken for three to four weeks. The blood pressure control of four patients was satisfactory and there was no complaint of discomfort. The condition improved, and all patients had reached the discharge standard and were discharged. Conclusion: Our preliminary clinical data shows that aliskiren's antihypertensive therapy is effective and safe for severe COVID-19 patients complicated with hypertension. Further clinical aliskiren therapy study is required with more COVID-19 patients..

[Standardization and application on ribotyping library of Clostridioides difficile in China]

Objective: To establish a standard operation procedure (SOP) for ribosome genotyping (ribotyping) on Clostridioides (C.) difficile, supplement and verify ribotyping typing library, so as to improve the comparability of data between different laboratories and to develop surveillance network of C. difficil in China. Methods: Molecular typing of 54 reference strains from the United States and Europe of C. difficile were performed by using the SOP referencing correspondence from abroad and from our laboratory with a BioNumerics 7.6 software to estimate the reference library of types of C. difficile. Identification of 374 clinical and animal isolates of C. difficile from 13 cities in China between 2010 and 2018, to supplement the library information. Kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency. Results: Results of capillary electrophoresis of reference strains appeared clear and stable, which guaranteed the clustering results being fast and accurate. Results from the supplementary typing showed that there were 84 types of isolates, of which 25 RT types were consistent with reference strains from abroad, while 58 RT types were different from referenced types. In the 40 referenced types, 15 RT types were not found in this study. In the consistency evaluation, the Kappa value was 0.891 and (P<0.01), showing the two Molecular typing as consistent and with close resemblance. Conclusions: The result of capillary electrophoresis by applying SOP for ribotyping on C. difficile base on QIAxcel capillary electrophoresis system, appeared clear and stable. The standardized library seemed more easily used for comparability and data sharing between the laboratories.

Effect of bisacodyl on rats with slow transit constipation

The effect of bisacodyl on the treatment of rats with slow transit constipation (STC) was studied. Forty-five female Wister rats were divided into control group, STC group, and STC bisacodyl group. The immunohistochemical method was used to determine interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and the expression of c-Kit protein. Body mass and the number of defecations were significantly decreased in the STC group compared with the control group on the 100th day after diphenoxylate administration, while dry weight of feces was significantly increased and the intestinal transit time was prolonged. There were significant differences in the number of defecations, dry weight of feces, and intestinal transit time among the three groups. The number of defecations was higher, dry weight of feces was lower, and intestinal transit time was shorter in the STC bisacodyl group compared to the STC group. In addition, ICC basement membrane dissolution occurred in the colon wall of the STC group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells was destroyed, and the nucleus shrunken to different degrees. Moreover, c-Kit expression in the STC group was significantly lower than the control group. The connection between ICC and surrounding cells in the STC bisacodyl group was significantly stronger than the STC group, and the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit were increased. Bisacodyl could reduce the severity of STC in rats by increasing the number of ICC and the expression of c-Kit.

Surgical management of biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the liver

Biliary cystadenoma (BCA) and biliary cystadenocarcinoma (BCAC) are rare biliary duct neoplasms. This study investigated reasonable management strategies of cystic neoplasms in the liver. Charts of 39 BCA/BCAC patients (9 males, 30 female; median age 53.74 ± 14.50 years) who underwent surgery from January 1999 to December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. Cyst fluid samples of 32 BCA/BCAC patients and 40 simple hepatic cyst patients were examined for the tumor markers carbohydrate associated antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (N = 10), abdominal mass (N = 7), abdominal distension (N = 4), jaundice (N = 2), and fever (N = 3); the remaining patients showed no clinical symptoms. Liver resection (N = 17) or enucleation (N = 22) was performed in the 39 patients. Ultimately, 35 patients were diagnosed with intrahepatic BCA and four patients were diagnosed with BCAC. The median CA19-9 level was significantly higher in BCA/BCAC patients than in simple hepatic cyst patients. The median CEA levels in BCA/BCAC patients and controls were 6.83 ± 2.43 and 4.21 ± 2.91 mg/L, respectively. All symptoms were resolved after surgery, and only one BCAC patient showed recurrence. The incidence of intrahepatic cystic lesions was 1.7%. Increased CA19-9 levels in the cyst fluid is a helpful marker for distinguishing BCA/BCAC from common simple cysts. The presence of coarse calcifications is suggestive of BCAC. Complete surgical removal of these lesions yielded satisfying long-term outcomes with a very low recurrence rate.

Inhibition of tumor vasculogenic mimicry and prolongation of host survival in highly aggressive gallbladder cancers by norcantharidin via blocking the ephrin type a receptor 2/focal adhesion kinase/paxillin signaling pathway

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a newly-defined tumor microcirculation pattern in highly aggressive malignant tumors. We recently reported tumor growth and VM formation of gallbladder cancers through the contribution of the ephrin type a receptor 2 (EphA2)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Paxillin signaling pathways. In this study, we further investigated the anti-VM activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) as a VM inhibitor for gallbladder cancers and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on tumor growth, host survival, VM formation of GBC-SD nude mouse xenografts, and vasculogenic-like networks, malignant phenotypes i.e., proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of GBC-SD cells. Expression of VM signaling-related markers EphA2, FAK and Paxillin in vivo and in vitro were examined by immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that after treatment with NCTD, GBC-SD cells were unable to form VM structures when injecting into nude mouse, growth of the xenograft was inhibited and these observations were confirmed by facts that VM formation by three-dimensional (3-D) matrix, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were affected; and survival time of the xenograft mice was prolonged. Furthermore, expression of EphA2, FAK and Paxillin proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts was downregulated. Thus, we concluded that NCTD has potential anti-VM activity against human gallbladder cancers; one of the underlying mechanisms may be via blocking the EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathway.

Norcantharidin inhibits tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of human gallbladder carcinomas by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. Recently, we reported VM existed in gallbladder carcinomas (GBCs) and the formation of the special passage through the activation of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. GBC is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with disappointing treatments and a poor prognosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has shown to have multiple antitumor activities against GBCs, etc; however the exact mechanism is not thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the anti-VM activity of NCTD as a VM inhibitor for GBCs and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on proliferation, invasion, migration, VM formation, hemodynamic and tumor growth of GBC-SD cells and xenografts were respectively done by proliferation, invasion, migration assays, H&E staining and CD31-PAS double stainings, optic/electron microscopy, tumor assay, and dynamic micro-MRA. Further, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RT-PCR were respectively used to examine expression of VM signaling-related markers PI3-K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 in GBC-SD cells and xenografts in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

After treatment with NCTD, proliferation, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were inhibited; GBC-SD cells and xenografts were unable to form VM-like structures; tumor center-VM region of the xenografts exhibited a decreased signal in intensity; then cell or xenograft growth was inhibited. Whereas all of untreated GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed VM-like structures with the same conditions; the xenograft center-VM region exhibited a gradually increased signal; and facilitated cell or xenograft growth. Furthermore, expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP products from sections/supernates of 3-D matrices and the xenografts, and expression of PI3-K, MMP-2, MM1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts were all decreased in NCTD or TIMP-2 group; (all P < 0.01, vs. control group); NCTD down-regulated expression of these VM signaling-related markers in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

NCTD inhibited tumor growth and VM of human GBCs in vitro and in vivo by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. It is firstly concluded that NCTD may be a potential anti-VM agent for human GBCs.

Aesthetic and sensory reconstruction of finger pulp defects using free toe flaps

BACKGROUND

This study illustrates aesthetic and sensory reconstruction of finger pulp defects with free toe flaps from the lateral aspect of the great toe or the medial aspect of the second toe.

METHODS

Between August 2007 and July 2010, free toe flaps were harvested and used for 21 fingers of 21 patients. The average patient age was 34.5 years (range 19-62 years). The soft tissue defects were found in the thumb of 6 patients, the index finger of 7 patients, the middle finger of 5 patients, and the ring finger of 3 patients. The donor site was the great toe for 9 patients and the second toe for 12 patients. The average flap size was 2.8 × 2.0 cm (range 1.7 × 1.7 to 3.5 × 3.0 cm). Restoration of the sensitivity, aesthetic appearance, and mobility of the injured fingers compared with the opposite side was assessed using appropriate tools during the follow-up time.

RESULTS

All the flaps in this series survived completely, with a high survival rate of 100 %. No urgent operative revision necessitated by postoperative thrombosis of the vessels was performed during the follow-up period. During a mean follow-up period of 18.4 months (range 12-24 months), the average static two-point discrimination score for the injured finger pulp was 4.8 mm (range 3-7 mm), and the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire score was 4.9 mm. The mean range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint in the injured finger was 69.7°.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of free microvascular flaps from the great toe or the second toe is a useful and reliable technique for finger pulp defect reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Contribution of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathways to tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of gallbladder carcinomas

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a new tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. We previously reported VM in human gallbladder carcinomas, 3-D matrices in vitro and nude mouse xenografts in vivo of highly aggressive GBC-SD cells and its clinical significance. In this study, we further studied the underlying mechanisms of VM in gallbladder carcinomas via the 3-D matrix in vitro, the nude mouse xenografts in vivo of GBC-SD or SGC-996 cells, immunohistochemistry (H&E staining and CD31-PAS double staining), electron microscopy, expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, PI3K, Ln-5γ2, EphA2, FAK and Paxillin-P proteins/mRNAs determined by SABC, ELISA, immunofluorescence, western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. It was shown that all of untreated highly aggressive GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed vasculogenic-like structures within 2 weeks of seeding and injecting, and facilitated the growth of tumor cells or xenografts; whereas poorly aggressive SGC-996 cells or GBC-SD cells treated by TIMP-2 were unable to form the vasculogenic-like structures with the same conditions; and tumor xenograft growth was inhibited. Expression of MMP-2, MT1-MMP proteins/mRNAs from sections and supernates of 3-D matrix in vitro, expression of PI3K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP, Ln-5γ2, EphA2, FAK and Paxillin-P proteins/mRNAs from sections of xenografts in vivo in untreated GBC-SD group was upregulated significantly (all P<0.001); however, expression of these VM signal-related proteins/mRNAs in the SGC-996 group and GBC-SD treated by the TIMP-2 group was significantly downregulated (all P<0.001). Thus, we identified for the first time that highly aggressive GBC-SD cells formed VM in vitro and in vivo through the upregulation of PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and/or EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling. PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 and EphA2/FAK/Paxillin as key signaling pathways in a coordinated manner contributed to tumor growth and VM of gallbladder carcinomas and provided novel targets that could be potentially exploited for therapeutic intervention of human gallbladder carcinomas.

Subchronic toxicity study of GH transgenic carp

A subchronic toxicity study of GH (growth hormone) transgenic carp was carried out with 60 SD rats aged 4 weeks, weight 115∼125 g. Ten male and 10 female rats were allotted into each group. Animals of the three groups (transgenic carp group (GH-TC), parental carp group (PC) and control group) were fed soy- and alfalfa-free diet (SAFD) with 10% GH transgenic carp powder, 10% parental carp powder or 10% common carp powder for 90 consecutive days, respectively. In the end of study, animals were killed by exsanguination via the carotid artery under diethyl ether anesthesia, then weights of heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, thymus, brain, ovaries and uterus/testis were measured. Pathological examination of organs was determined. Endocrine hormones of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid hormone (T4), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) levels were detected by specific ELISA kit. Parameters of blood routine and blood biochemical were measured. The weights of the body and organs of the rats, food intake, blood routine, blood biochemical test and serum hormones showed no significant differences among the GH transgenic carp-treated, parental carp-treated and control groups (P>0.05). Thus, it was concluded that at the dose level of this study, GH transgenic carp showed no subchronic toxicity and endocrine disruption to SD rats.

Overexpression of HIF-1α in primary gallbladder carcinoma and its relation to vasculogenic mimicry and unfavourable prognosis

As a novel mode of tumor neovascularization, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been reported to increase tumor-related mortality in many different solid tumors. In the present study, two established human gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) cell lines (highly aggressive GBC-SD and poorly aggressive SGC-996) cultured on a three-dimensional matrix were assessed for the ability of VM channel formation under normoxic or hypoxic conditions. In addition, the relationship between HIF-1α gene expression and VM channel formation of GBC cells in vitro was measured using the small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique, western blotting and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. Furthermore, H&E and CD31/periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were used to observe VM in GBC tissue samples. Additionally, all seventy-one specimens with VM and non-VM were stained for hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed simultaneously. We found that hypoxia could induce more VM channel formation and elevated HIF-1α expression in highly aggressive GBC-SD cells. HIF-1α siRNA efficiently knocked down HIF-1α expression and GBC VM networks under either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. VM was present in human primary GBC and overexpression of HIF-1α was significantly correlated with depth of invasion and perineural involvement in the non-VM group. Moreover, VM and HIF-1α were independent factors for the overall survival of GBC patients and correlated with decreased survival. In conclusion, VM was present in human GBC. As a critical mediator in VM formation, high expression of HIF-1α was associated with VM and tumor progression in GBC patients.

An assessment of androgenic/anti-androgenic effects of GH transgenic carp by Hershberger assay

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the androgenic and anti-androgenic effects of GH (growth hormone) transgenic carp in male rats.

METHODS

Hershberger assay was carried out in castrated male SD rats aged 4-5 weeks. Testosterone propionate (TP) (0.4 mg/kg BW) was administrated for a positive control, GH transgenic carp (3.0 g/kg BW)+TP (0.4 mg/kg BW), parental carp (3.0 g/kg BW) + TP (0.4 mg/kg BW), and flutamide (Flu) (3.0 g/kg BW) were used for negative controls, and vehicle was administered orally for a blank control. All groups were administrated for 10 consecutive days. At the end of the test, animals were anesthetized, then weights of accessory sex organ were measured. Serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels were detected.

RESULTS

The weights ratios of the accessory sex organs and body weights showed no significant differences between the solvent control and the GH transgenic carp-treated groups. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and T of the rats treated with GH transgenic carp + TP showed no significant changes, compared with those treated with TP only.

CONCLUSION

GH transgenic carp does not have any androgenic agonist or antagonist properties in vivo screening tests.

Near room-temperature formation of a skyrmion crystal in thin-films of the helimagnet FeGe

The skyrmion, a vortex-like spin-swirling object, is anticipated to play a vital role in quantum magneto-transport processes such as the quantum Hall and topological Hall effects. The existence of the magnetic skyrmion crystal (SkX) state was recently verified experimentally for MnSi and Fe(0.5)Co(0.5)Si by means of small-angle neutron scattering and Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. However, to enable the application of such a SkX for spintronic function, materials problems such as a low crystallization temperature and low stability of SkX have to be overcome. Here we report the formation of SkX close to room temperature in thin-films of the helimagnet FeGe. In addition to the magnetic twin structure, we found a magnetic chirality inversion of the SkX across lattice twin boundaries. Furthermore, for thin crystal plates with thicknesses much smaller than the SkX lattice constant (as) the two-dimensional SkX is quite stable over a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields, whereas for quasi-three-dimensional films with thicknesses over as the SkX is relatively unstable and observed only around the helical transition temperature. The room-temperature stable SkX state as promised by this study will pave a new path to designing quantum-effect devices based on the controllable skyrmion dynamics.

The chemokine receptor 7 regulates cell adhesion and migration via beta1 integrin in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Migration and adhesion of tumor cells are essential prerequisites for the formation of metastases in malignant diseases. Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) has been shown to regulate integrin which can then facilitate adhesion of cancer cells to and/or migration through the extracellular matrix (ECM). In order to identify the connection between CCR7 and beta1 integrin, and the influence on cell adhesion and migration in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We use adhesion assays, migration assay, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis to find whether beta1 integrin can be activated by CCL19 (CCR7's ligand) and its role in SCCHN. The experiments were performed in the metastatic SCCHN cell line PCI-37B after pre-incubation of the cells with CCL19 and beta1 integrin inhibitors RGD-peptide. Our results demonstrate that CCR7 favours PCI-37B cell adhesion and migration, and induces reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and up-expression of beta1 integrin protein. beta1 integrin inhibitor RGD-peptide can block all these effects. Taken together, our data indicate that CCR7 regulate cell adhesion and migration via beta1 integrin in metastatic SCCHN, and these results can provide a basis for new strategies in preventing metastases of SCCHN.

Estrogen receptor α and β expressions in hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis in rats exposed lactationally to soy isoflavones and bisphenol A

OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to investigate the uterotrophic activities of lactational exposure to combination of soy isoflavones (SIF) and bisphenol A (BPA) and to examine estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expressions in hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis and uterus.

METHODS

Maternal rats that were breeding about 8 litters were randomly divided into four groups with seven dams in each group. Dams in different treatment groups received corn oil (control), 150 mg/kg BW of SIF, 150 mg/kg BW of BPA or combination of 150 mg/kg BW of SIF and 150 mg/kg BW of BPA, respectively, from postnatal day 5 to 11 (PND5-11) by gavage. On PND12 and PND70, 10 female litters were killed and hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus were collected. ERα and ERβ expressions in these organs were detected with Western blotting assay. And vaginal opening time and estrus cycle were examined in animals fed for PND70.

RESULTS

On PND12, the relative uterine weight of rats treated with ISF or BPA or their combination was significantly higher than that of untreated rats (P<0.05). But the relative uterine weight of rats in the co-exposure group was slightly lower than that in the group only exposed to SIF or BPA. On PND 70, however, the relative uterine weight in each treatment group was not statistically different from that in the control group (P>0.05). Vaginal opening time and estrus cycle in groups treated with SIF or BPA or their combination were similar to those in the control group (P>0.05). Exposure to SIF or BPA or their combination could up-regulate or down-regulate ERα and ERβ expressions in hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus on PND12 and PND70. These regulation patterns for ERα and ERβ were different in different organs at different time points.

CONCLUSION

Lactational exposure to ISF or BPA or their combination could induce uterotrophic responses in neonate rats, which disappeared in later life. But these data fail to suggest a possibility for synergic actions between SIF and BPA. It was also demonstrated that the uterotrophic effects of SIF and BPA exposure might, at least, involve modification of ERα or ERβ expressions in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis.

Subchronic toxicity study on soy isoflavones in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the subchronic toxicity of soy isoflavones (SIF) in male rats.

METHOD

Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats per group. SIF were given to rats in different groups by gavage at dose of 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 g/kg bw, respectively for 13 weeks. Clinical manifestations, body weight, and food consumption were observed weekly. At the end of the study, urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were tested, and histopathological examinations were performed.

RESULTS

No mortality, ophthalmic abnormalities or treatment-related clinical signs were identified during the study. As compared with the control group, significantly lower body weights and food consumption were observed in 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg bw groups. In clinical chemistry tests, triglyceride was significantly decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased in all SIF-treated groups. Total testosterone levels were significantly lower in 0.50, 1.50, and 4.5 g/kg bw dose groups than in the control group. Microscopic examination showed that the mammary glands exhibited hyperplasia and excreted latex in rats of the 4.5 g/kg bw group. No changes attributable to treatment of SIF in other parameters were found.

CONCLUSION

SIF at high dosages caused significant endocrine disruption in male rats. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SIF to male rats in this study is considered to be 0.20 g/kg bw.

[Relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure with peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage in coke oven workers]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between lymphocyte DNA damage and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure in coke oven workers.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-five coke oven workers and 30 controls were selected in this study. Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis was used to evaluate the lymphocyte DNA damage, HPLC was employed to measure 1-hydroxypyrene levels in spot urine samples which were obtained at the end of a workweek (4 days of 8 hours/day) and personal information including occupational exposure, age, sex, smoking and drinking status was collected by the questionnaire.

RESULTS

The lymphocyte DNA damage level expressed as olive moment in coke oven workers was significantly higher than that of controls [2.47 (0.22 approximately 46.68) vs 0.94 (0.42 approximately 4.21), P < 0.01], and correlation between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations and olive moment was found (Spearman Partial correlation coefficient = 0.22, P < 0.01) in coke oven workers. The 1.9 of olive moment value was used as the limit to determine whether the subject DNA damage was positive. The coke oven workers had significantly higher risk in DNA damage (adjusted OR = 5.38, 95% CI = 2.07 approximately 14.08) than did controls, and dose-response relationships were also found between external exposure (exposure category) or internal doses (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene) and DNA damage.

CONCLUSION

There are dose-effect and dose-response relationships between PAHs exposure and lymphocyte DNA damage in coke oven workers.

Genetic polymorphism of the accessory gene regulator (agr) locus in Staphylococcus epidermidis and its association with pathogenicity

Staphylococcus epidermidis has become one of the most important causes of nosocomial infections in recent years. The staphylococcal accessory gene regulator (agr) is the most important locus responsible for the regulation of virulence factors, and it has been shown to be polymorphic. The aim of this study was to investigate the agr locus and its genetic polymorphisms in different Chinese S. epidermidis isolates and the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and pathogenicity. Specific PCR was used to amplify the different agr groups. Results were confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis. agr mutations were detected and three agr groups of S. epidermidis were determined. Of the isolates, 12 % were pathogenic S. epidermidis and 17 % had naturally occurring agr mutations (P > 0.05). Pathogenic S. epidermidis isolates comprised 68.2 % agr group I, 19.3 % group II and 12.5 % group III, while isolates from healthy controls comprised 39 % agr group I, 51 % group II and 10 % group III (P < 0.01). The percentages of agr locus mutants and the three agr groups in different hospitals showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). The percentage of agr group I S. epidermidis isolated from catheters and blood was higher than that isolated from the other clinical specimens. This is the first study to investigate the genetic polymorphism of agr in S. epidermidis in China. The mean percentage of agr locus mutants was 14.9 % (12 % in clinical specimens; 17.7 % in controls). Genetic polymorphism of agr in S. epidermidis was linked to its pathogenicity; group I was associated with pathogenicity, while most isolates from healthy subjects were group II. The mechanism is to be investigated.

[A study on the relationship between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level and early genetic effect among coke oven workers]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level and cytokinesis-block micronucleus and the olive moment of comet assay in peripheral blood lymphocyte in coke oven workers.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-three workers from a coke plant and 28 referents without occupational PAH exposure were recruited in this study. Urinary level of 1-hydroxypyrene was measured by alkaline hydrolysis combined with high performance liquid chromatography as an internal exposure dose, and the DNA and chromosomal damage of peripheral blood lymphocyte were evaluated with comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus method. Personal information including occupational history, age, sex, smoking and alcohol drinking, was collected by questionnaire.

RESULTS

There existed a good correlationship between the urinary level of 1-hydroxypyrene and frequency of micronuclei per 1 000 binucleated cells or the olive moment of comet assay in the study subjects, after adjusting for sex, age, smoking and alcohol drinking (r > 0.25, P < 0.01). One hundred and sixty-one subjects were divided into three groups by their urine 1-hydroxypyrene level (expressed as 0.30 - 2.44, 2.45 - 7.09 and 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr), and the geometric means of their urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene were 1.14, 4.32 and 12.49 micro mol/mol Cr, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking and alcohol drinking by multiple nonparametric analysis of covariance, the median of olive moment of comet assay in the group of 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr was 3.67, significantly higher than that in the groups of 0.30 - 2.44 and 2.45 - 7.09; and the micronuclei frequencies in the groups of 2.45 - 7.09 and 7.10 - 33.10 micro mol/mol Cr were 8.00 per thousand and 7.50 per thousand, respectively, significantly higher than that in the group of 0.30 - 2.44 micro mol/mol Cr (6.00 per thousand ).

CONCLUSIONS

The comet assay of peripheral blood lymphocyte was more suitable to detect the PAHs-induced early genotoxicity, than the cytokinesis-block micronucleus.

alpha-Adducin gene and essential hypertension in China

Adducin is a membrane skeletal protein that is involved in the regulation of membrane ion transport and cellular signal transduction. Essential hypertension has been linked to alpha-adducin gene locus, and association of a polymorphism of the gene has been found in some studies, but results of linkage or association studies on alpha-adducin gene are controversial among different populations. This study was designed to examine the linkage between alpha-adducin gene locus and essential hypertension and to reveal the relationship between an alpha-adducin gene polymorphism (Gly460Trp) and essential hypertension in a Chinese population. For the linkage study, one hundred and six Chinese nuclear families were recruited, including 417 hypertensive patients in all 474 individuals. Those samples were genotyped at D4S412 and D4S3038. The distances between the two microsatellite markers and the alpha-adducin gene locus are less than 3cM. Parametric, non-parametric linkage (NPL) analyses using the GENEHUNTER software were carried out. Sib transmission-dise- quilibrium test (S-TDT), as well as transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT). was also implemented with TDT/S-TDT Program 1.1. Serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), fasting glucose and lipids were determined as phenotypes. In an association study, 138 hypertensive and 121 normotensive subjects were genotyped at Gly460Trp of the alpha-adducin gene to examine a possible association between this polymorphism and blood pressure or other phenotypes. We fail to find the linkage between the two markers and essential hypertension by parametric, NPL analysis or TDT/S-TDT study. With the use of the simple association and the multivariate logistic regression analyses, we also fail to reveal a significant association between the Gly460Trp polymorphism in alpha-adducin gene and the blood pressure variation, or blood biochemical indices studied. The frequency of the 460Trp allele in Chinese (46-48%) is similar to that found in Japanese (54-60%) while the allele frequency is less common in Caucasian (13%-23%). These findings suggest that in our Chinese population, alpha-adducin 460Trp variant may not play an important role in the etiology of EH. And the negative results of linkage and TDT/ S-TDT further supports this conclusion.

Inhibitory role of GDP on saikosaponin (I) stimulated enzymes secretion and rising of [Ca2+]i in rat pancreatic acini

AIM

To study the role of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) on enzyme secretion and rising of [Ca2+]i in saikosaponin (I) [SA(I)] stimulated rat pancreatic acini.

METHODS

Cell membrane of isolated rat pancreatic acini were permeabilized using streptolysin O (SLO). Enzymes secretions were indicated by detecting total protein secretions. Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured using Fluo-3 in SPEX spectrofluorimeter.

RESULTS

The inhibition of GDP on SA(I) stimulated enzymes secretion increased with increasing GDP concentration. There were two peaks in the time course of increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by SA(I) 10 micromol/L. After adding GDP 5 mmol/L, [Ca2+]i rose gradually without the two peaks. In permeabilized acini, the accumulation of enzymes stimulated by SA(I) in 30 min reduced by 57 % compared with intact acini. GDP 5 mmol/L decreased the initial rate of secretion.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of GDP on increase in [Ca2+]i reduces SA(I) stimulated enzymes secretion in pancreatic acini.

[Isokinetic concentric dynamometry of knee flexors and extensors in young male]

Objective. To investigate the effects of different moving speeds on isokinetic dynamometry of knee flexors and extensors, and to provide normative data for comparative purposes in strength evaluations. Method. Thirty healthy male were tested at 60, 180, and 240 deg/sec angular velocities using a REV9000 testing and rehabilitation system. Result. Both PT (peak torque) and PT/BW (peak torque/body weights) showed significant differences (P< 0.01, P< 0.05) between flexors and extensors, and declined significantly with increased speed (P< 0.001). Peak torque differences between dominant and nondominant knee (Di%) was 10%. TPT (time to peak torque) tended to decrease as moving speeds increased (P< 0.001). APT (angle of peak torque) were 50%-70% for quadriceps, and 32%-45% for hamstrings; H/Q (hamstrings peak torque/quadriceps peak torque) was 50%-60%; WF (work fatigue) was 65%. Conclusion. The results provided a reference for strength evaluations in space medicine and space physiology, especially under simulated weightlessness and microgravity.

Coordinate expression of OPN and associated receptors during monocyte/macrophage differentiation of HL-60 cells

Promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells promoted by PMA to differentiate along the monocyte pathway adhere to tissue culture plates. To explore the regulation of adhesion molecules in cells promoted to differentiate, the expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN) and expression of associated cell surface receptors, CD44 and integrin subunits alpha(v), beta3, beta1, were examined. Results were as follows: 1) PMA induced OPN mRNA and OPN secretion into media; 2) untreated cells expressed beta1 and CD44 mRNA, and PMA induced alpha(v), and beta3 mRNA and increased beta1 and CD44 mRNA expression; 3) PMA increased levels of alpha(v), beta3, beta1 and CD44 protein on the cell surface; and 4) retinoic acid, which promotes granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells, did not affect OPN, alpha(v), beta3, beta1, or CD44 mRNA or protein expression. These data suggest that induction of OPN and associated receptors may play a role during monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.

In vitro binding of MX2 (KRN8602) and epirubicin to human plasma protein

This study compares the human plasma protein binding characteristics of MX2 and epirubicin. The binding characteristics were determined by equilibrium dialysis at various concentrations of the drugs. The binding dissociation constant (Kd), binding capacity (Bmax) and partitioning constant (Kp) were obtained by Scatchard analysis of the free and bound drugs in the dialysis compartments. Our results have demonstrated that plasma protein binds epirubicin or MX2 in an unsaturable appearance over the concentration up to 150 mumol/l. At the same concentrations, plasma protein binds more epirubicin than MX2. The nature of the interaction may consist of two classes of specific binding, and a partitioning. The binding dissociation constants were 18 and 17.5 mumol/l for the higher binding class (Kd1) and 315.8 and 316.9 mumol/l for the lower binding class (Kd2), respectively, for epirubicin and MX2. The respective maximum binding capacities (Bmax) of plasma protein for epirubicin and MX2 were significantly different, 0.045 and 0.029 mumol/g protein for the higher binding class (Bmax1), and 0.39 and 0.29 mumol/g protein for the lower binding class (Bmax2). The partitioning constants (Kp) were 21.5 x 10(-5) and 20 x 10(-5) litres/g protein for epirubicin and MX2, respectively. The results suggest that plasma protein binds epirubicin or MX2 with a similar affinity, but has less binding sites for MX2. One contributing mechanism to the difference in activity noted between epirubicin and MX2 may be changes in free drug fractions.

[In vitro culture of neonatal mouse calvaria as a model for study of bone resorption]

We established the in vitro culture system of neonatal mouse calvaria. Bone resorption was determined by the following examinations; (1) the release of calcium from the calvaria into the medium was measured by use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the treated to control ratio was calculated and used as an index of bone resorption; (2) the concentration of osteocalcin in the cultured medium was determined by radioimmunoassay; (3) histological examination. By combined use of the examinations, we were able to objectively determine the bone resorption of cultured calvaria.

Randomized study of chemoembolization as an adjuvant therapy for primary liver carcinoma after hepatectomy

From April 1990 to December 1993, 140 patients were recruited to a randomized study to evaluate transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) as an adjuvant therapy for primary liver carcinoma after hepatectomy. This study investigated the principle, techniques and results of TACE. The results showed that the intrahepatic recurrence rate was 48.9% in the patients who underwent radical resection only, but only 21.3% in the patients who also underwent TACE 3-4 weeks after hepatectomy (P < 0.01). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year survival rates were 72.3%, 52.7%, 35.1%, and 35.1% respectively for the patients who underwent radical resection only, and were 97.9%, 85.5%, 69.5%, and 56.9% for the patients who also underwent TACE 3-4 weeks after radical resection (P < 0.001). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year survival rates were 38.9%, 0%, 0%, and 0% for the patients who underwent palliative resection only, and were 68.3%, 32.3%, 21.5%, and 21.5% respectively for the patients undergoing TACE 3-4 weeks after palliative hepatectomy (P < 0.001).

[Effects of calcitonin and indomethacin on bone resorption mediated by interleukin-1]

The effects of calcitonin and indomethacin on bone resorption stimulated by interleukin-1 (IL-1) were studied in cultured neonatal mouse calvariae. The results showed that calcium release from cultured calvariae was significantly increased after adding 20 ng/ml IL-1 (P < 0.01). The increase of calcium release stimulated by IL-1 was blocked by both calcitonin at the concentration of 10, 100, 1,000 ng/ml and indomethacin (10(-6), 10(-5) mol/L). The stimulation of calcium release by IL-1 was also blocked even adding 10 mol/L indomethacin 5 hours after adding IL-1 into the culture. These data showed that both calcitonin and indomethacin can inhibit bone resorption stimulated by IL-1. Thus, it is possible that calcitonin and indomethacin may be used as a therapeutic agent to block inflammatory bone resorption mediated by IL-1.

[Evaluation of chemoembolization as an adjuvant therapy for primary liver carcinoma after surgical resection]

In order to decrease the intrahepatic recurrence rate after surgical resection of hepatoma, from October 1989 to December 1992, 219 patients were recruited to a prospective trial to evaluate transcatheter hepatic arterial chemo-embolization (TCE) as a postoperative adjuvant therapy for primary liver carcinoma. These patients who underwent radical or palliative resection were divided into 3 groups: (1) Resection of tumor; (2) TCE three to four weeks after resection; (3) Relapse after resection plus TCE. This study presented the principle, techniques and results of TCE. The intrahepatic recurrence rate was 58.6% in group I and 9.5% in group II (P < 0.001). The 1-, 2-, 3-year-survival rates were 67.2%, 52.0%, 42.8% of the patients in group I, while 95.2%, 84.7%, 67.7% in the patients in group II (P < 0.05). The 1-, 2-, 3-year-survival rates were 21.5%, 0%, 0% of the patients who underwent palliative. resection only, while 66.7%, 41.7% of the patients in group III (P < 0.001). Taken together, adjuvaut chemoembolization helps decrease the recurrence rate and increase the survival rate in patients with primary liver cancer treated with surgical resection.

Effects of parathyroid hormone and estradiol on proliferation and function of human osteoblasts from fetal long bone. An in vitro study

The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (0.01 nM-10 nM) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2, 1 nmol-10 nM) alone or in combination on 3H-thymidine incorporation, alkaline phosphatase and adenylate cyclase activities were investigated in human fetal osteoblasts using serum-free monolayer primary cultures. The results showed that PTH inhibited cell proliferation while E2 promoted it. On alkaline phosphatase activity, PTH showed a complex results while E2 were slightly inhibitory. PHT-E2 combination suggested that E2 could alter the effect of PTH alone, also potentiated the anabolic and antagonize the catabolic effects of PTH on bone formation.

Ageing of glutathione reductase in the lens

The distribution of glutathione reductase activity in concentric layers from the lens has been determined as a function of age for 16 species. Primate lenses have almost ten times the level of glutathione reductase found in other species. Comparison with the activity of hexokinase revealed that this is not due to a higher overall rate of metabolism in these lenses. By contrast, the higher activity found in bird and fish lenses reflects a higher metabolic activity in these tissues. In all species, a gradient of activity was observed with the highest specific activity in the outermost cortical fibres, decreasing to virtually no activity in the inner parts of the tissue. No alterations were found in this gradient with increasing age, other than an increase in the amount of nuclear tissue essentially devoid of activity. The maximum activity in the outer cortical fibres was the same, regardless of the age of the lens. The time taken, in different species, for the specific activity to decrease by half, was estimated from the rate of protein accumulation. This time was found to vary from a few days to several years, indicating that the decrease in activity is not due to ageing but rather, it is related to the maturation of fibre cells. These observations are discussed in terms of current concepts of lens ageing and cataract formation.

Effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on bone resorption mediated by interleukin-1

We examined the effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide CGRP on the bone resorption stimulated by IL-1 alpha after neonatal mouse calvaria were cultured in vitro and bone resorption was determined by measuring the release of calcium into the medium after alpha 48-hour incubation. CGRP (10(-9)-10(-8) M) blocked completely the IL1 alpha-mediated increase in bone resorption and inhibited the basal bone resorption. In accordance with the effects of calcitonin on osteoclasts, CGRP caused cessation of lamellipodia activity and gradual retraction of lamellipodia when added into the culture medium. Quantitative analysis showed that CGRP (10(-6) M) caused a gradual reduction of osteoclastic surface area and convex perineum. These data show that CGRP inhibits IL1 alpha mediated bone resorption because of its direct regulation of osteoclast activity.

On the interaction of alpha-crystallin with membranes

The interaction of human and bovine alpha-crystallins with bovine lens membranes was evaluated using binding curves and Scatchard plots constructed from scans of SDS-PAGE gels and/or from the association of [14C]-leu alpha-crystallin with the membranes. No differences were observed for total bovine, normal human 19 and 88 year old and cataractous alpha-crystallins. In each case, interaction takes place through two distinct processes, a) a high affinity (Kd = 1 x 10(-8) M) binding with low capacity (25 mg alpha-crystallin/g membrane protein) and b) partitioning (Kp = 0.25 l/g membrane protein). Loss of the high-affinity binding component was observed for bovine nuclear alpha-crystallin. Contrary to previous reports, it is concluded that cataract formation does not affect the ability of human alpha-crystallins to interact with bovine lens membranes. Reanalysis of previously published data supports this conclusion.

[The relationship between ambulatory blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertension]

The relationship between ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were investigated in 137 consecutive subjects (54 healthy normotensives and 83 uncomplicated patients with essential hypertension) who underwent 24-hour noninvasive ABP monitoring and M-mode echocardiography. In the normotensive group, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was not correlated with average daytime (6AM-10PM) or nighttime (10PM-6AM) systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) except for age (r = 0.405, P < 0.01). In the hypertensive group, however, LVMIs were significantly correlated with average daytime SBP (r = 0.315, P < 0.01), nighttime SBP (r = 0.408, P < 0.01) and DBP (r = 0.304, P < 0.01). Furthermore, significant inverse correlations were found between LVMI and percentage of nocturnal reduction of daytime SBP (r = -0.393, P < 0.01) and DBP (r = -0.308, P < 0.01). The results suggest that the average levels of ABP, particularly, the level of ABP during night and the loss of circadian variation of blood pressure, would be responsible for the development of LVH. The control of blood pressure and restoration of circadian blood pressure variation might be necessary for the reversal of LVH in hypertensive patients.

[Nuclear morphometry and DNA cytometry in the grading of malignant tumors of the salivary gland]

Nuclear morphometry and DNA cytometry were performed in 6 normal salivary glands and 37 malignant tumors of the salivary gland. Multivariate discrimination analysis was used to grade the malignant salivary gland tumors. The discrimination rate was 100% for normal salivary gland, benign tumor, high malignant carcinoma and low malignant carcinoma. It was 66.7% for borderline malignancies. These results indicate that quantitative cytological analysis is effective and reproducible in the grading of salivary gland tumors. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that there was a very complicated correlation between DNA content and nuclear morphometric parameters of salivary gland tumors.