Serum fibroblast growth factor-2 levels complement vital biomarkers for diagnosing heart failure

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is important as it is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure due to its ability to promote cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy; however, the relationship between FGF2 concentration and heart failure is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether FGF2 could aid in distinguishing patients with heart failure from healthy controls and those with dyspnea without heart failure. Additionally, to evaluate the possible correlation between serum FGF2 levels and its diagnostic parameters in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

Plasma FGF2 concentration was measured in 114 patients with a complaint of dyspnea (enrolled in the study between January 2022 and August 2022). Based on heart failure diagnosis, the patients were assigned to three groups, as follows: heart failure (n = 80), non-heart-failure dyspnea (n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 36), following physical examination. Possible correlations between serum FGF2 levels and other prognostic parameters in patients with heart failure were analyzed.

RESULTS

Serum FGF2 levels were higher in patients with heart failure (125.60 [88.95, 183.40] pg/mL) than in those with non-heart-failure dyspnea (65.30 [28.85, 78.95] pg/mL) and healthy controls (78.90 [60.80, 87.20] pg/mL) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified FGF2 concentration as a significant predictor in heart failure diagnosis, with an area under the curve of 0.8693 (p < 0.0001). Importantly, in the heart failure group, serum FGF2 concentrations correlated with key prognostic parameters for heart failure, such as reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and elevated serum levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum FGF2 level is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart failure and could serve as a useful biomarker to complement vital diagnostic parameters for heart failure.

[Mechanism of cleft palate in C57BL/6N mice induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin]

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of cleft palate in mice induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Methods: The pregnant mice were randomly divided into TCDD-treated group (n=42) and control group (n=42). TCDD-treated group was given by gavage a single dose of TCDD (64 μg/kg) at 8: 00 AM on gestation day 10 (GD10) and the control group was given by gavage the isopyknic corn oil. At GD13-GD15, the fetal mice palate development was observed by HE staining. The mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation was detected by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescence. The localization and expression of maternally expressed gene3 (MEG3) in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells was detected by situ hybridization and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The key protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme were analyzed by Western blotting. The interaction of MEG3 and TGF-β receptor Ⅰ (TGF-βRⅠ) was examined by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP). Results: At GD13 and GD14, compared with the control group, the ratio of BrdU-positive cells in the palatal mesenchyme of TCDD-treated fetuses decreased significantly (GD13, t=6.66, P=0.003; GD14, t=6.56, P=0.003). However, at GD15, the ratio of BrdU-positive cells was significantly increased (t=-5.98, P=0.004). MEG3 was mainly expressed in the nuclei of fetal mouse palatal mesenchymal cells, and the expression of MEG3 in TCDD group was significantly increased at GD13, GD14 and GD15(GD13, t=39.28, P=0.012; GD14, t=18.75, P=0.042; GD15, t=28.36, P=0.045). At GD14, TCDD decreased the levels of p-Smad2 and Smad4 in embryonic palate mesenchymal cells (p-Smad2, t=9.48, P=0.001;Smad4, t=63.10, P=0.001), whereas the expression of Smad7 was significantly increased at GD14 (t=30.77, P<0.001). The results of the RIP experiment showed that the amount of TGF-βRⅠ-bound MEG3 in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells in the TCDD group (23.940±1.301) was higher than that in the control group (8.537±1.523)(t=24.55, P<0.001). Conclusions: MEG3 is involved in the suppression of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation, functioning at least in part via interacting with the TGF-βRⅠ protein and thereby suppressing Smad signaling in the context of TCDD induced cleft palate.

[Observation of human stapes and simulated stapedial lesion based on Micro-CT scanning]

Objective:The aim of this study is to understand the imaging morphology of the humerus morphology and its associated simulated lesions, and to provide information for related research. Method:Six adult cadaveric heads fixed by formaldehyde solution (12 sides of the tibia) were used. One of the cadaveric heads (two sides of the tibia) was perforated and fractured under the microscope.The remaining 5 (10 sides) were used. The humerus was used for morphological measurements of the tibia.The tibia (12 sides) was taken out, Micro-CT scan was performed, and two-dimensional and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed using software such as Mimics 17.0 software. Result:①Stapedial morphologic observation:the head,curs and footplate of the stapes and the adjacent structures can be well displayed on two dimensional structures.②Quantitative measurements and statistics: There were no significant statistic differences about the data that had been measured between the right ears and the left ears.③Micro-CT was more clearly in displaying the precise structure of human stapes and the stapedial minute lesion comparing with that of HRCT. Conclusion:Micro-CT can accurately and clearly display the structure, morphology and simulated lesions (model) of the tibia, which provides important reference materials and methods for related research.

[Children's non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals exposure to residential indoor dust around an e-waste dismantling area in South China]

Objective: To evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) in residential indoor dust for young children around an e-waste dismantling area in South China. Methods: A village around an e-waste dismantling area in South China was selected as a research site in October 2016. Convenience sampling method was used to select 36 houses in the village and 36 dust samples were collected by vacuum cleaner. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) in each sample were determined and expressed by the average value. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Risk Assessment (HRA) model, the American Toxicology and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Target-organ Toxicity Dose (TTD) approach and the ATSDR Binary Weight-of-Evidence (BINWOE) model. Results: The mean ± SD of concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn were (48.90±33.91), (5.95±3.89), (173.57±580.37), (412.71±1 190.00), (612.82±540.70), (297.41±293.22) and (1 052.81±1 156.48) mg/kg, respectively. The HI value of TTD (2.670) and BINWOE (2.933) were higher than the safety threshold of EPA recommended non-carcinogenic health risk. The HI value of TTD and BINWOE were 1.93 and 2.12 times higher than the HI value of HRA (1.386). Conclusion: There was non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) via residential indoor dust around the e-waste dismantling area for local children.

[Mechanism of cleft palate in C57BL/6N mice induced by retinoic acid]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of cleft palate in mice induced by excessive all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). Methods: The pregnant mice were randomly divided into atRA-treated group (n=27) and control group (n=27). atRA-treated group was given by gavage a single dose of atRA (100 mg/kg) at 8: 00 AM on gestation day 10 (GD10) and the control group was given by gavage the isopyknic corn oil. At GD13-GD15, the fetal mice palate development was observed by HE staining. The mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation was detected by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. The expressions of Smad2, phospho-Smad2 (p-Smad2), Smad4 and Smad7 in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme were analyzed by Western blotting. Results: At GD13-GD15, compared with the control, the ratio of BrdU-positive cells in the palatal mesenchyme of atRA-treated fetuses decreased significantly (P<0.05), especially at GD14, atRA inhibition rate was (65.4±1.7)%. Moreover, atRA decreased the levels of p-Smad2 and Smad4 in embryonic palate mesenchymal cells, whereas the expression of Smad7 was significantly increased at GD14 and GD15. Conclusions: atRA may lead to cleft palate by inhibiting the activation of Smad signaling pathway and affecting the proliferation of palatal mesenchymal cells.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Singapore

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) in Singapore.

METHODS

The data used in this study were from two cross-sectional surveys of ESRD patients. HRQOL was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) instrument. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, kidney disease component summary (KDCS) score and its three scales (symptoms, effects, burden), and one health utility score [EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D)] were calculated and compared between CAPD and APD using multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

In total, 266 patients were included, with 145 on CAPD (mean age 60.8 years) and 121 on APD (mean age 57.4 years). After adjustment for all variables collected, APD patients had significant higher scores in PCS and KDQOL symptoms than CAPD patients, suggesting that APD was associated with better physical health and milder dialysis-related symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The HRQOL of CAPD and APD patients was largely equivalent in Singapore, but APD patients seemed to experience better physical health and be less bothered by dialysis-related symptoms.

[A retrospective analysis of 200-cases of otosclerosis]

Objective:To identify the audiological improvement postoperatively and improve the understand of otosclerosis for a better performance of personalized surgical treatment.Method:We retrospectively reviewed a series of 200 cases after surgery for ototsclerosis.The clinical characteristics,pre-and postoperative audiometric results,signs of Carhart notch, Gelle test and the characteristics of high-resolution computed tomography of temporal bone were analyzed retrospectively.Result:73% of patients had tinnitus, while 4% had sense of ear fullness,80.79% had Carhart notch,92.09% had negative result in Gelle test and 45.66% had positive signs on computed tomography. 68% of the patients revealed a type A tympanogram with only 22% type As.Fifty-six cases with laser stapedotomy achieved a the air bone gap at 250 Hz,500 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz and 4 kHz of 25.54,16.25,13.75,6.34,15.96 dB,respectively. The bone conduction thresholds at 250 Hz,500 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz improved 2.05,1.51,3.75 and 3.93 dB,respectively. At 4 kHz, bone conduction threshold increased by 1.34 dB.The improvement of bone conduction threshold at 250 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz was significantly but for the revisions at 500 Hz and 4 kHz.Conclusion:The diagnosis of otosclerosis should be based on the combination of medical history, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, Carhart notch, Gelle test and high resolution computed tomography of temporal bone.Surgical technique of stapedotomy with Piston artificial auditory ossicle implantation could improve not only the air conduction threshold, but also the bone conduction threshold at 250 Hz,1 kHz,2 kHz.

[Reconstruction of tympanomastoid using autogenous mastoid cortical bone]

The reconstruction of tympanomastoid, such as scutum, lateral wall of attic, posterior wall of external auditory canal, mastoid cortex and auditory ossicular bone, is an important method to restore the function of middle ear and improve the living quality of patients. At present, there are a lot of new materials used to reconstruct the tympanomastoid, the autogenous mastoid cortical bone is still one of selective materials, we will introduce our experiences and review the related research about those reconstructions using this material in this paper.

Lugol chromoendoscopic screening for esophageal dysplasia/early squamous cell carcinoma in patients with esophageal symptoms in low-risk region in China

Detection of esophageal dysplasia/early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is essential for improving 5-year survival. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether Lugol chromoendoscopy improves the detection of esophageal dysplasia/early ESCC in patients with esophageal symptoms in a low-incidence region in China. Eligible patients were randomly assigned into two groups who received routine endoscopy or Lugol chromoendoscopy. During endoscopy, between one and five biopsies were taken from visible lesions for routine endoscopy, or unstained areas of >0.5 cm in diameter for Lugol chromoendoscopy. In total, 812 patients were enrolled, 395 for routine endoscopy and 417 for Lugol chromoendoscopy. The overall detection rate of esophageal dysplasia/early ESCC was 10.6% (86/812), the detection rates were 7.3% (29/395) and 13.7% (57/417) in routine and chromoendoscopy groups, respectively (χ²=8.58, P=0.003). The detection rates were 8.3% (48/580), 17.2% (17/99) and 16.5% (22/133), respectively, in patients with reflux, dysphagia and globus sensation symptoms. In the chromoendoscopy group, 213 patients had unstained lesions of >0.5 cm, the detection rates of dysplasia/early carcinoma were 5.3% (4/76) in those with lesions of 0.5-1.0 cm, and 37.2% (51/137) in those with lesions >1.0 cm (χ²=21.46, P<0.001). These results indicate that Lugol chromoendoscopy improves the detection rate of esophageal dysplasia/early carcinoma in patients with esophageal symptoms compared with routine endoscopy. We propose that Lugol chromoendoscopy must therefore be considered in addition to routine endoscopy in patients with esophageal symptoms.

Clinical value of concurrent radiochemotherapy in cervical cancer and comparison of ultrasonography findings before and after radiochemotherapy

Herein, we investigated the clinical value of concurrent radiochemotherapy for patients with advanced cervical cancer and its effects on adverse clinical symptoms. Forty patients with cervical cancer were recruited from January 2011 to January 2014 for this study. Participants were randomly allocated into a test or control group, with 20 patients in each group. Patients in the test group were treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy, whereas patients in the control group received only traditional radiotherapy. At the end of the observation period, clinical efficacy in the two groups was compared. Patients were followed up for 2 years, and the rates of recurrence, survival, and complications were compared; ultrasonographic findings before and after radiotherapy were also correlated. Patients in the test group who received concurrent radiochemotherapy showed significantly higher clinical efficacy than the control group at the end of treatment cycles. After 2 years of follow-up, the rates of recurrence, mortality, and complications were all significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Comparison of ultrasonographic findings before and after radiochemotherapy showed that the size of the tumor was significantly smaller in patients after concurrent radiochemotherapy. Compared with traditional radiotherapy, concurrent radiochemotherapy significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Concurrent radiochemotherapy also enhanced the rate of survival and decreased the rate of relapse, with enhanced clinical safety and no significant side effects. Thus, concurrent radiochemotherapy can be more broadly applied in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer.

Association of IL-1, IL-18, and IL-33 gene polymorphisms with late-onset Alzheimer׳s disease in a Hunan Han Chinese population

Interleukin (IL)-1 plays an important role in Alzheimer׳s disease (AD), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-1 gene have been shown to be associated with AD susceptibility. IL-18 and IL-33 are proinflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family, and increasing evidence has accumulated to support their crucial role in AD pathogenesis. To examine whether SNPs in IL-1α (rs1800587), IL-1β (rs1143627), IL-18 (rs187238), and IL-33 (rs11792633) are associated with late-onset Alzheimer׳s disease (LOAD) in a Hunan Han Chinese population, we carried out a case-control study involving 201 LOAD patients and 257 healthy controls. No significant differences were found in genotype frequencies of rs1800587 between LOAD patients and controls (P=0.079), but the T allele of rs1800587 was associated with a significantly increased risk of LOAD (P=0.032, odds ratio (OR)=1.592). Significant differences in genotype (P=0.004) and allele (P=0.001) frequencies of rs11792633 were found between LOAD patients and controls, but not for rs1143627 (P=0.535, 0.262, respectively) or rs187238 (P=0.257, 0.139, respectively). The T allele of rs11792633 was found to be a protective factor for LOAD (OR=0.648). These findings suggest that the IL-1α SNP rs1800587 and IL-33 SNP rs11792633, but not the IL-1β SNP rs1143627 or the IL-18 SNP rs187238, contribute to LOAD susceptibility in the Hunan Han Chinese population. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.

Using an abnormal increase in postexercise systolic blood pressure to diagnose coronary artery disease in gerontal patients

Data from 66 patients ≥ 60 years old with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied to determine the diagnostic value of an abnormal increase in postexercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) for detecting CAD in gerontal patients. Treadmill exercise testing (TET) and selective coronary angiography (CAG) were carried out and SBP was measured pre-TET and at each minute during a 6-min post-TET recovery phase. Abnormal increase in postexercise SBP was defined as a higher SBP compared with that measured earlier during the 6-min post-TET period. An abnormal increase of ≥ 7 mmHg in postexercise SBP had a statistically significantly better specificity, and also showed higher sensitivity and accuracy, than ST-segment depression ≥ 1 mV in identifying gerontal patients with CAD. The combination of ST-segment depression and abnormal SBP resulted in further improvement of the specificity for detecting CAD. It is concluded that measurement of abnormal increase in postexercise SBP may be a sensitive indicator of gerontal CAD.

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins in curcumin-treated MCF-7 cells

Curcumin (CM), a well-known dietary pigment derived from Curcuma longa L., possess anticancer activities against a variety of tumors including human breast carcinoma. In combination with docetaxel, CM has been used in breast cancer management in the clinic. In order to explore the possible mechanism of anticancer activity of CM, in the present study, we aimed to identify proteins involved in the anticancer activity of CM in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 using the two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE)-based proteomic analysis. MCF-7 cells were cultured at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5.0% CO(2). All the following experiments were repeated three times. Cell viability assay showed that after a 48-h incubation CM dose-dependently inhibited cell growth with an IC(50) value of 47.42 μM. Treatment of CM at 47.42 μM for 48 h induced apoptosis as determined by nuclear morphologic changes of Hoechst stained cells and flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V-FITC/PI stained cells. Proteomic analysis identified 12 differentially expressed proteins which contributed to multiple functional activities such as DNA transcription, mRNA splicing and translation, amino acid synthesis, protein synthesis, folding and degradation, lipid metabolism, glycolysis, and cell motility. Among them 7 proteins were up-regulated and 5 down-regulated. The up-regulated ones were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. The down-regulated proteins, TDP-43, SF2/ASF and eIF3i, as well as up-regulated ones, 3-PGDH, ERP29, and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase IB subunit beta positively contribute to the anticancer activity of CM in MCF-7 cells. These molecules are implicated in the bioactivities of CM for the first time. The findings of this study would shed new insights for systematically understanding the mechanisms of CM in breast cancer intervention.

Increased tau phosphorylation and beta amyloid in the hipocampus of mouse pups by early life lead exposure

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal lead exposure on the learning and memory ability and expression of tau protein phosphorylation (P-tau) and beta amyloid protein (Abeta) in hippocampus of mice offspring. Pb exposure initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Pb acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% groups. On the 21 th of postnatal day, the learning and memory ability of the mouse pups was tested by Water Maze test and the Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of the offspring were also determined. The expression of P-tau and Abeta in hippocampus was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of all exposure groups were significantly higher than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). In Water Maze test, the performances of 0.5% and 1% groups were worse than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). The expression of P-tau and Abeta was increased in Pb exposed groups than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). Tau hyper-phosphorylation and Abeta increase in the hippocampus of pups may contribute to the impairment of learning and memory associated with maternal Pb exposure.

Serum peptide profiles during progression of chronic hepatitis B virus infection to liver failure

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients with liver failure have a poor prognosis, and no satisfactory biomarkers are available for diagnosis before the end-stage. We explored serum peptide profiling for diagnosis and prediction of progression to liver failure in HBV-infected patients. Serum samples (164) from healthy subjects (n = 20), or subjects with chronic hepatitis B without cirrhosis and liver failure [chronic hepatitis B subjects without cirrhosis and liver failure (CHB); n = 33], with compensated liver cirrhosis (compensated liver cirrhosis (LC); n = 35), with acute-on-chronic liver failure [acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF); n = 38] or with chronic liver failure [chronic liver failure (CLF), n = 38] were applied to ClinProt magnetic beads, and bound peptides/proteins were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Our classification diagnostic models of liver disease were generated based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Quick Classifier Algorithm (QC). Differentially expressed peptides were found among all test groups, with patterns of difference that readily distinguished between healthy and various HBV-associated liver disease samples. The model generated seven characteristic peptide peaks at 4053 m/z, 3506 m/z, 4963 m/z, 9289 m/z, 2628 m/z, 3193 m/z and 6432 m/z, giving overall predictive capability of 54.27%. Two-way comparisons of LC, ACLF or CLF vs CHB had predictive capabilities of 79.8%, 91.41% and 97.99%, respectively. Comparisons of ACLF or CLF vs LC were predictive at 87.72% and 82.18%, respectively and ACLF vs CLF was predictive at 75.05%. These classification diagnostic models generated by different peptide peaks were further validated in blinded tests with 67-100% accuracy. Serum peptide patterns vary during progression of chronic HBV infection to liver failure and may be used to distinguish different stages of the disease.

Aortoesophageal fistula: A case misdiagnosed as esophageal polyp

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and fatal disorder. It is also a life-threatening cause of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Thoracic aortic aneurysm is the most common cause of AEF. Management of a patient with this disorder requires rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention, which is considered the best way to save the patient’s life. We report a case of AEF misdiagnosed as esophageal polyp.

Early-life lead exposure affects the activity of TNF-alpha and expression of SNARE complex in hippocampus of mouse pups

This study aims to investigate the effects of maternal lead exposure on learning and memory ability and the protein expression of TNF-alpha and SNARE complex (SNAP-25, VAMP-2, and Syntaxin 1A) in hippocampus of mice offspring. Pb exposure was initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Pb acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% groups, respectively. On the PND21, the learning and memory ability of mouse pups was tested by water maze test, and the Pb levels in their blood and hippocampus were also determined. The protein expression of TNF-alpha and SNARE complex in hippocampus was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of all exposure groups were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05). In the water maze test, the performances of 0.5% and 1% groups were worse than that of control group (P < 0.05). The expression of TNF-alpha, Syntaxin 1A, and VAMP-2 was increased in Pb-exposed groups comparing control group (P < 0.05), but the expression of SNAP-25 was decreased (P < 0.05). Up-regulation of TNF-alpha and disturbance of SNARE expression in the hippocampus of pups may contribute to impairment of learning and memory ability associated with maternal Pb exposure.

Effects of the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 on human esophageal cancer cells: inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been shown to be upregulated in a variety of tumors so that COX-2 may be a potential target in the treatment of cancer. In order to further explore the mechanism, we used RNA interference to study effects of the inhibition of COX-2 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) lines. Western blot analysis demonstrated that COX-2 expression was significantly reduced in ESCC cells treated with the COX-2-specific siRNA. Furthermore, the COX-2 siRNA treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in ESCC cells. In addition, the combination treatment of COX-2 siRNA and acidum acetil salicylicum (aspirin) has a synergistic effect. Therefore, this combination has potential as an anticancer therapy for the treatment of ESCC.

Isolation and characterization of lipopeptide antibiotics produced by Bacillus subtilis

AIMS

Antibiotics from Bacillus subtilis JA show strong pathogen inhibition ability, which has potential market application; yet, the composition of these antibiotics has not been elucidated. The aim of this paper is to isolate and identify these antibiotics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The antagonistic activity of JA was tested in vitro; it exhibited strong inhibition against some important phytopathogens and postharvest pathogens. Crude antibiotic production was extracted with methanol from the precipitate by adding 6 mol l(-1) HCl to the bacillus-free culture broth. The crude extract was run on Diamonsil C18 column (5 microm, 250 x 4.6 mm) in HPLC system to separate the antibiotics. Major antibiotics were classified into three lipopeptide families according to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analysis. Subsequently, the classification of antibiotics was confirmed with typical collision-induced dissociation fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

Three kinds of antibiotics were isolated from B. subtilis JA and were identified to the lipopeptide families, surfactin, iturin and fengycin. These compounds could function as biocontrol agents against a large spectrum of pathogens.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provided a reliable and rapid method for isolation and structural characterization of lipopeptide antibiotics from B. subtilis.

Effects of cyclooxygenase-2 non-selective and selective inhibitors on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of aspirin and nimesulide on cell proliferation, apoptosis and its potential mechanisms in EC9706 and EC109 esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. EC9706 and EC109 cells were incubated with varying concentrations of aspirin and nimesulide, and the effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were monitored by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays were used to investigate expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. Prostaglandin E2 production was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Pretreatment with aspirin and nimesulide inhibited EC9706 and EC109 cell growth in a time and dose-dependent manner, accompanied with a decrease of prostaglandin E2 production. In EC9706 cells, the mechanism of aspirin and nimesulide induced growth inhibition was a consequence of cell cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) check point. In EC109 cells, growth arrest was by induction of apoptosis, associated with downregulation of Bcl-2, but not Bax. In conclusion, aspirin and nimesulide could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor may be a promising therapeutic agent for human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Clinical and endoscopic features of Chinese reflux esophagitis patients

AIM: To analyze the clinical and endoscopic features of Chinese patients with reflux esophagitis (RE).

METHODS: A total of 1405 RE patients were analyzed retrospectively. Data on gender, age, presence/absence of H pylori infection and associated esophageal hiatal hernia were collected. Esophagitis was divided into different grades according to Los Angeles Classification.

RESULTS: Of 18823 patients, 1405 were diagnosed as RE. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.75:1 (P < 0.01). The mean age of male and female patients was significantly different (P = 0.01). The peak age at onset of the disease was 40-60 years. According to Los Angeles Classification, there were significant differences in the age of patients with grades A and B compared to patients with grades C and D (P < 0.01). Two hundred and seventy-seven patients were infected with H pylori, the infection rate was low (P < 0.01). Complication of esophageal hiatal hernia was found to be significantly associated with the severity of esophagitis and age in 195 patients (P < 0.01). Esophageal mucosa damages were mainly located at the right esophageal wall.

CONCLUSION: The peak age of onset of RE is 40-60 years and higher in males than in females. The mean age of onset of RE is lower in males than in females. The infection rate of H pylori is significantly decreased in patients with esophagitis. Old age and esophageal hiatal hernia are associated with more severe esophagitis. Right esophageal mucosal damage can occur more often in RE patients.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of nucleosides and nucleobases in Ganoderma spp. by HPLC–DAD-MS

A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) analytical method was developed for detection of the nucleosides and nucleobases in two species of Lingzhi, the dried sporophore of Ganoderma lucidum and G. sinense. The method, combining advantages of both DAD and MS, was successfully used to qualitatively identify for six nucleosides namely, adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, uridine and five nucleobases namely, adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, thymine and uracil in Lingzhi samples. Quantitative analyses showed that uridine was the most abundant nucleoside in these Lingzhi samples and the contents of nine target analytes were found to be different in pileus and stipes of the fruiting bodies and among the different species of G. spp. The established method might apply as an alternative approach for the quality assessment of Lingzhi.

Evaluation of acute bis(7)-tacrine treatment on behavioral functions in 17-day-old and 30-day-old mice, with attention to drug toxicity

Bis(7)-tacrine was evaluated for efficacy on memory retention in mice 17 days of age and 30 days of age. The tests used were a passive-avoidance response test and a measure of spontaneous motor activity. Also, possible drug-induced hepatotoxicity and acute drug toxicity were evaluated. Behavioral studies were performed using a step-through task and an open-field test with a 24-h interval between training and evaluation tests. Bis(7)-tacrine (0.06-20 micromol/kg) was subcutaneously injected 30 min prior to the first session of both test types. During the training session of the step-through task, bis(7)-tacrine treatment reduced (by 46%, P<0.01) the number of avoidable electric shocks (footshocks) only at a high dose of 20 micromol/kg in mice 17 days of age, but dose-dependently decreased the number of footshocks (10-56%, P<0.001) in mice 30 days of age. Bis(7)-tacrine treatment at all doses tested did not produce any detectable changes in retention latency in mice 17 days of age, but the drug significantly prolonged retention latency at low doses (1.25 and 2.50 micromol/kg), and not high doses (5-20 micromol/kg), in mice 30 days of age. In the open-field test, bis(7)-tacrine decreased spontaneous motor activity in the acquisition session only at a high dose of 20 micromol/kg in mice 17 days of age and 30 days of age (by 28 and 45%, respectively), but did not affect spontaneous motor activity in the recall session. Bis(7)-tacrine treatment at a dose of 20 micromol/kg produced a more potent hepatotoxic effect in mice 30 days of age than in mice 17 days of age, (P<0.05), and the drug caused acute toxicity with comparable potencies in mice of both age groups. In conclusion, mice 30 days of age seemed to be more sensitive than mice 17 days of age to bis(7)-tacrine-induced cognitive function enhancement and hepatotoxicity. Bis(7)-tacrine appears to be more potent and more selective as a cognitive function-enhancing agent than tacrine.

Evaluation of acute tacrine treatment on passive-avoidance response, open-field behavior, and toxicity in 17- and 30-day-old mice

The potential of tacrine in altering cognitive/behavioral function as well as in causing toxicity was evaluated in mice of 17 and 30 days of age. Cognitive and behavioral studies were performed using a step-through passive avoidance task and a habituation open-field test with a 24-h retention interval. Tacrine was subcutaneously injected (1.25-80 micro mol/kg) 30 min prior to the first session of both tests. During the training session in step-through task, tacrine treatment dose-dependently decreased the number of footshocks, with IC(50) values being 7.8 and 23.3 micro mol/kg in 17- and 30-day-old mice, respectively. Treatment with tacrine at a low dose (5 micro mol/kg) significantly prolonged the retention latency in 17-day-old mice only, but it shortened the retention latency at high doses of 20 and 40 micro mol/kg in 17- and 30-day-old, respectively. During the acquisition session in the open-field test, tacrine treatment dose-dependently decreased the locomotor activity in 17- and 30-day-old mice, with IC(50) values being 15.1 and 24.7 micro mol/kg, respectively. High doses of tacrine invariably increased the locomotor activity during the recall session. Tacrine treatment at a dose of 40 micro mol/kg caused a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity in 17- and 30-day-old mice at 6 h post-dosing, with the extent of stimulation in 30-day-old mice being more prominent. In conclusion, tacrine was more potent in enhancing/disrupting the cognitive function, inhibiting locomotor activity as well as in causing hepatotoxicity in 17-day-old than in 30-day-old mice.

Enhancement of the Gibberella zeae growth inhibitory lipopeptides from a Bacillus subtilis mutant by ion beam implantation

Bacillus subtilis JA antagonized the growth of Gibberella zeae. In order to reduce growth of this fungi pathogen to a greater extent, low-energy ion beam implantation was applied in mutant breeding. We studied the effects of different energies and different doses of nitrogen ion implantation. The mutant strain designated as JA026 was obtained showing higher inhibition activity in the screening plate. Its inhibition zone against indicator organism increased by 14.3% compared to the original strain. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) analysis indicated that the antifungal lipopeptides produced by the mutant were identical to those produced by the wild-type strain. The mutant strain exhibited favorable properties including the high yield of antifungal lipopeptides production and faster growth over the parent strain, which suggested that this strain would be a promising biocontrol candidate in agriculture.

Characteristics and therapeutic efficacy of sulfasalazine in patients with mildly and moderately active ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the characteristics and short-term efficacy of sulfasalazine (SASP) in patients with mildly and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with mildly and moderately active UC were recruited, 106 patients in 1993-1995, and 122 patients in 2000-2002, they were assigned as the 1990s group (n = 106) and the 2000s group (n = 122), prospectively. The general characteristics, clinical manifestations, colonoscopic and histological data were compared between the two groups. The short-term efficacy and safety of SASP 3 g per d were evaluated.

RESULTS: Between 2000s and 1990s groups, the gender ratio of men to women was 1:1.18 and 1:1.04, 57.4% and 50.9% of the patients were between 30 and 49 years old. The gender ratio and age of UC patients were not sign-ificantly different. The total course of 50.0% and 37.1% of UC patients was less than 1 year (P<0.05), 10.6% and 31.2% of the cases had a duration of more than 5 years (P<0.05) in 2000s and 1990s groups, respectively. The most common clinical type was first episode in 2000s group and chronic relapse in 1990s group. The patients showed a higher frequency of abdominal pain and tenderness in 1990s group than in 2000s group. Erosions were found in 84.4% and 67.9% of patients in 2000s and 1990s groups (P<0.05). Rough and granular mucosa (67.9% vs 43.4%, P<0.05) and polyps (47.2% vs 32.8%, P<0.05) were identified in 1990s group more than in 2000s group. There were no significant differences in clinical, colonoscopic and histological classifications. After SASP (1 g thrice per d) treatment for 6 wk, the clinical, colonoscopic and histo-logical remission rates were 71.8%, 21.8% and 16.4%, respectively. In 79 patients with clinical remission, 58.2% and 67.1% remained grade 1 in colonoscopic and histological findings, respectively. The overall effects in first episode type (complete remission in 10, 18.9%, partial remission in 28, 52.8%, and improvement in 9, 17.0%) were better than in chronic relapse type (complete remission in 3, 7.5%; partial remission in 16, 40.0%; and improvement in 15, 37.5%) and chronic persistent type (complete remission in 1, 5.9%; partial remission in 6, 35.3%; and improvement in 6, 35.3%) respectively (P<0.05). In 110 patients treated with SASP, 18 patients (16.4%) had adverse reactions. Except for two cases of urticaria and one case of WBC decrease, none of the patients had to stop the treatment because of severe adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION: Patients with mildly and moderately active UC in 2000s group had a shorter disease course, milder clinical manifestations, more first episode type and higher frequency of acute mucosal lesions in colonoscopy than in 1990s group. The patients in 1990s group had higher proportion of chronic relapse type and chronic mucosal change in colonoscopy than in 2000s group. The short-term efficacy of SASP could be mainly remission of clinical manifestations. But more than half of the patients still had light inflammation in colonoscopy and histology. The overall effects of SASP in first episode type were better than those in other types. SASP was a safe and effective drug to treat mildly and moderately active UC.

COX-2 mRNA expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma before and after treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

AIM: To investigate the potential relationship between COX-2 mRNA expression and human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to explore the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on ESCC.

METHODS: Frozen specimens of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 22) and adjacent normal esophageal squamous epithelium were examined for COX-2 mRNA expression by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After incubated with aspirin or nimesulide, proliferation of human esophageal squamous cancer cells (EC-9706 and EC-109) was quantified by MTT assay, and COX-2 mRNA expression in these cells was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTS: Of 22 cancer specimens, COX-2 mRNA was expressed in 12 cases(54.5%). However, in all the samples of adjacent normal esophageal squamous epithelium, COX-2 mRNA expression were not detected. Both aspirin and nimesulide inhibited EC-9706 cell proliferation and COX-2 mRNA expression. However, aspirin also inhibited EC-109 cell proliferation and COX-2 mRNA expression while nimesulide did not.

CONCLUSION: COX-2 mRNA is frequently expressed in human ESCC and COX-2 may play an important role in carcinogenesis of ESCC. NSAID may be helpful in prevention and treatment of this cancer.

A Randomised, Controlled Comparison of Low-Dose Polyethylene Glycol 3350 plus Electrolytes with Ispaghula Husk in???the Treatment of Adults with Chronic???Functional Constipation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 plus electrolytes (PEG+E; Movicol((R))) with that of ispaghula husk (psyllium; Konsyl((R))) in the treatment of constipation.

PATIENTS

Male or female adults with chronic functional constipation.

METHODS

This was a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. Study treatment was either PEG+E 13.8g/sachet dissolved in water twice daily or ispaghula husk 3.5g/sachet dissolved in water twice daily for a period of 2 weeks. Assessments were at baseline and after 1 and 2 weeks' therapy and by patient daily diary card. The primary outcome measures were weekly defaecation rate, stool consistency according to the Bristol Stool Form scale, time to first defaecation, and overall efficacy, which combined defaecation rate, stool consistency and difficulty on defaecation. Adverse effects were recorded and laboratory assessments were performed before and at the end of the treatment period.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were randomised to each treatment group. Treatment was highly effective in 50/63 patients in the PEG+E group compared with 26/63 in the ispaghula husk group, and the overall efficacy rates were 92% and 73%, respectively (p = 0.005). PEG+E increased the mean weekly defaecation rate from 1.18 (SD 0.77) at baseline to 7.95 (SD 3.49) after 1 week and 8.48 (SD 3.55) after 2 weeks. In the ispaghula husk group the mean weekly defaecation rate increased from 1.33 (SD 0.68) at baseline to 5.33 (SD 2.81) after 1 week and to 5.71 (SD 2.49) after 2 weeks. The treatment differences for defaecation rates were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). Two weeks of treatment with PEG+E or ispaghula husk normalised stools in 55/63 (87.3%) and 42/63 (66.7%) of patients (p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse effects did not differ between groups and none were serious or required any treatment. Laboratory evaluations found no adverse effect from either treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that low-dose PEG 3350 plus electrolytes is more effective and more rapid in its onset of action than ispaghula husk, and is equally well tolerated.

Differences in endoscopic classification of early colorectal carcinoma between China and Japan: A comparative study

AIM: To compare the differences in the endoscopic classification of early colorectal carcinoma (CRC) between Japan and China.

METHODS: Ten cases of early CRC were included in the study. After reviewing the color pictures of these cases, 5 Japanese endoscopists and 5 Chinese endoscopists made their classificatory diagnosis individually using the current Japanese classification, and indicated their findings on which the diagnosis was based.

RESULTS: Some lesions diagnosed by the Japanese endoscopists as IIa or IIa plus IIc, were classified as Is or Isp by the Chinese endoscopists. For superficial lesions consisting of elevation plus central depression, IIa plus depression, IIa plus IIc or IIc plus IIa were classified according to the ratio of elevated area/depressed area. However, international as well as interobserver difference still existed in the classification of such lesions. In addition, most Chinese endoscopists overlooked slightly depressed part on the top of a protruded lesion. Laterally spreading tumor, a special type of IIa, was identified as LST by some Japanese endoscopists.

CONCLUSION: Discrepancies on macroscopic classification for early CRC do exist between Japanese and Chinese endoscopists, which are found not only in terminology but also in recognition of some lesions. In order to develop a universal classification, it needs for international communication and cooperation.

[Analysis of the spectrum of damage effects of low energy N+ ions on cytosine aqueous solution]

Low energy N+ ions were produced by gas arc-discharge and the ions were accelerated into cytosine (C) aqueous solution. Changes in UV and infrared spectra of C after this kind of ions' action were investigated. UV spectra showed that absorption at 259 nm gradually decreased and lambda max of C solution moved toward the longer wavelength with the time. Thus, it was deduced that C was damaged and some fragments including -NO2 and -NH2 groups might have been produced. Judging from the IR spectra, the disappearance of the peak of 3,005 cm-1 confirmed the formation of -NO2 groups. All these results revealed that N+ ions caused various damages on C molecules and many new substances were formed. These new substances were not synthesized only by combination of the damage fragments in the solution, but also by "deposition" of N+ from outside.

[Establishment of a method for GUS gene transferring into wheat (Triticum astivum L.) embryos by low energy ion beam implantation]

Physical parameters influencing transformation of wheat mediated by low energy ion beam, including type of ion, parameters of ion energy, dose and dose rate, were studied. Ar+ was regarded as suitable ions implanted in transformation. 20-25 keV of energy, 4.68 x 10(16) ions/cm2 of dose, 2.6 x 10(15) ions/cm2 of dose rate were chosen as appropriate implantation parameters. The suitable culture conditions for induction and growth of callus and the optimal selection scheme were established, After implantation and selection, resistant calli and hygromycin-resistant plantlets were obtained from three varieties. Molecular analysis data proved that GUS gene had integrated into the wheat genome. The mature embryo transformation efficiency of wherat variety Yangmai 5, Yangmai 158, Wanmai 32 reached 9.5%, 10.8%, 11.2% measured in produced hygromycin-resistant callus and 1.4%, 3.4%, 1.7% measured in regenerated plants, respectively, This experiment provides a basis for further investigation of wheat transformation system. Low energy ion beam mediated transformation can be extended to other plant recalcitrant to Agrobacterium tumefaciens as soon as methodological parameters are optimized.

[Breeding of arachidonic acid producting strain by ion implantation]

With ion implantation, a high-yield arachidonic acid producting strain(Mortierella alpina) I49-N18 was selected, whose biomass was 30.80 g/L. The lipid component of biomass was 25.8%, in which AA content was 45.37%. The results showed that selected high-yield strain was steady on 250 L fermentor, whose AA yield was 4.0 g/L.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Annona muricata]

Annonaceous acetogenin (or polyketide) is a kind of potential antineoplastic agents from Annonaceae plants. Two new acetogenins, Muricatalicin (I) and muricatalin (VI), a mesitoate of a new acetogenin, annonacin-B mesitoate (Vb), and three known acetogenins, annonacin (II), annonacin-A (III) and annonacin-10-one (IV) have been isolated from Annona muricata L. The structures and relative stereochemistry of I, VI and Vb were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and examination of their acetates and/or mesitoate.

Cyclocariosides II and III: two secodammarane triterpenoid saponins from Cyclocarya paliurus

Two new secodammarane triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. Based on chemical and spectral analysis they were assigned as (20S)-20-hydroxy-24-O-alpha-L-arabino-pyranosyl-3,4- secodammar-4(28),11,25-trien-3-oic acid, named cyclocarioside II and 25-hydroxy-(20S,24R)-epoxy-12R-O-beta-D- quinovopyranosyl-3,4-secodammar-4(28)-en,3-oic acid, named cyclocarioside III.

Rational use of methotrexate in maintenance therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This study was undertaken to research the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of methotrexate (MTX). Plasma concentrations were measured by fluorescent spectrometry in 20 normal SD rats, and 28 measurements were done in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Both rats and children were divided into four groups. Either 20 mg/m2 or 40 mg/m2 of MTX was given IV or PO in each group. The plasma MTX concentrations were measured within 8 hours after administration. The concentration versus time curves were fitted by MCPKP program for pharmacokinetics (PK) and the parameters calculated. After PO administration, the peak concentration, duration of therapeutic concentration and bioavailability were much lower than that after IV administration. The differences were more obvious at 40 mg/m2 dosage. The higher the PO dosage, the lower the bioavailability. Absorption of PO MTX in children with ALL varied widely and uniform concentration was not expected even after equal dosage. Drug concentration was not necessarily increased with dosage. It is our conclusion that drug concentrations and PK parameters should be measured in patients receiving PO MTX therapy.

[Clinical observation on hypercortisolism treated with amino-glutethimide]

We reported the clinical results in 13 cases of hypercortisolism treated with amino-glutethimide (AG), which was developed by Tiantsin Research Institute of Medical Industry. Of the thirteen cases nine were confirmed by surgery and histology, and the others were diagnosed clinically. Clinical improvements have been achieved in ten of the thirteen cases over a therapeutic course of 8 to 12 wk with a daily dosage of 1.0 to 2.0 g of AG. Plasma and urinary corticosteroids, as well as plasma testosterone levels were significantly decreased after one-month treatment followed, however, by somewhat return and fluctuation. The high levels of blood glucose and serum insulin were declined after therapy consistent with the decrement of corticoids. Serum potassium levels in hypokalemic patients returned to normal after one month of therapy. Radial bone mineral contents in patients with low bone density returned or closed to normal after three-month treatment. The main side effects of AG are anorexia, nausea, drowsy, tierdness, skin rashes, etc, which are mild and transient. Adrenal hypofunction was seen in one case after treatment.