Comparison of laparoscopic and open inguinal-hernia repair in elderly patients: the experience of two comprehensive medical centers over 10 years

PURPOSE

The safety of laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair must be carefully evaluated in elderly patients. Very little is known regarding the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients under surgical and medical co-management (SMC). Therefore, this study evaluated the safety of the laparoscopic approach in elderly patients, especially patients with multiple comorbidities under SMC.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2021, patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent open or laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair during hospitalization were consecutively enrolled. Postoperative outcomes included major and minor operation-related complications, and other adverse events. To reduce potential selection bias, propensity score matching was performed between open and laparoscopic groups based on patients' demographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 447 elderly patients who underwent inguinal-hernia repair were enrolled, with 408 (91.3%) underwent open and 39 (8.7%) laparoscopic surgery. All postoperative outcomes were comparable between open and laparoscopic groups after 1:1 propensity score matching (all p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to the traditional care group (n = 360), a higher proportion of the SMC group (n = 87) was treated via the laparoscopic approach (18.4% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.00). In the laparoscopic approach subgroup (n = 39), patients in the SMC group (n = 16) were older with multiple comorbidities but were at higher risks of only minor operation-related complications, compared to those in the traditional care group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic inguinal-hernia repair surgery is safe for elderly patients, especially those with multiple comorbidities under SMC.

Deletion in KRT75L4 linked to frizzle feather in Xiushui Yellow Chickens

Bird feathers are the product of interactions between natural and artificial selection. Feather-related traits are important for chicken selection and breeding. Frizzle feather is characterized by the abnormally development of feathers in chickens. In the current study, frizzle feather characteristics were observed in a local breed called Xiushui Yellow Chicken in Jiangxi, China. To determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie frizzle feather in Xiushui Yellow Chicken, four populations of three breeds (Xiushui Yellow Chicken with frizzle feathers, Xiushui Yellow Chicken with normal feathers, Guangfeng White-Ear Yellow Chicken, and Ningdu Yellow Chicken) were selected for whole-genome resequencing. Using a comparative genome strategy and genome-wide association study, a missense mutation (g.5281494A>G) and a 15-bp deletion (g.5285437-5285451delGATGCCGGCAGGACG) in KRT75L4 were identified as candidate mutations associated with frizzle feather in Xiushui Yellow Chicken. Based on genotyping performed in a large Xiushui Yellow Chicken population, the g.5285437-5285451delGATGCCGGCAGGACG mutation in KRT75L4 was confirmed as the putative causative mutation of frizzle feather. These results deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for frizzle feather, as well as facilitating the molecular detection and selection of the feather phenotype in Xiushui Yellow Chickens.

Introduction to DOK2 and its potential role in cancer

Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease that modern medicine ultimately aims to overcome. Downstream of tyrosine kinase 2 (DOK2) is a well-known tumor suppressor gene, and a member of the downstream protein DOK family of tyrosine kinases. Through a search of original literature indexed in PubMed and other databases, the present review aims to extricate the mechanisms by which DOK2 acts on cancer, thereby identifying more reliable and effective therapeutic targets to promote enhanced methods of cancer prevention and treatment. The review focuses on the role of DOK2 in multiple tumor types in the lungs, intestines, liver, and breast. Additionally, we discuss the potential mechanisms of action of DOK2 and the downstream consequences via the Ras/MPAK/ERK or PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.

Interaction Between Chinese Medicine and Warfarin: Clinical and Research Update

Background: Warfarin is a commonly used oral anticoagulant. It has a narrow therapeutic window and wide variation in individualized dosing, and is used clinically for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. Due to the widespread use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China and the complex composition and diverse mechanisms of action of TCM, the combination of TCM and warfarin in patients has led to fluctuations in the international normalized ratio of warfarin or bleeding. To ensure rational clinical use, we summarize the TCMs with which warfarin interacts and the possible mechanisms, with a view to providing a clinical reference. Aim of the study: To summarize the mechanisms by which Chinese herbal medicines affect the enhancement or weakening of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, to provide theoretical references for clinicians and pharmacists to use warfarin safely and rationally, and to avoid the adverse effects associated with the combination of Chinese herbal medicines and warfarin. Methods: A computerized literature search of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (WOS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WANFANG Data was performed. Key words used in the literature search were "warfarin", "Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese patent medicine" etc. and their combinations in a time limit from January 1, 1990 to May 1, 2021. A total of 64 articles were obtained following the selection process, including clinical reports, pharmacological experiments and in vitro experiments which were reviewed to determine the mechanism of the anticoagulant effect of herbal medicine on warfarin. Results: The mechanisms affecting the anticoagulant effect of warfarin are complex, and herbal medicines may enhance and diminish the anticoagulant effect of warfarin through a variety of mechanisms; thus, clinical use needs to be cautious. Some herbal medicines have shown inconsistent results in both in vivo and ex vivo experiments, pharmacology and clinical studies, and should be the focus of future research. Conclusion: With the widespread use of TCM, the combination of warfarin and TCM is more common. This article will promote clinicians' knowledge and understanding of the TCMs which interact with warfarin, in order to avoid the occurrence of adverse clinical treatment processes, and improve the efficacy and safety.

The Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula Attenuates Chemotherapy-Induced Anorexia in Mice With H22 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Ciji-Hua’ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which specifically targets different aspects of chemotherapy-induced adverse effects in patients with cancer. In our clinical application, CHB-II-F significantly alleviated chemotherapy-induced anorexia (loss of appetite) and improved the quality of life for patients with tumor during and after chemotherapy. However, the mechanism of CHB-II-F in alleviation of chemotherapy-induced anorexia remains to be further investigated.

Aim of Study: To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of CHB-II-F on chemotherapy-induced anorexia in the mice model of H₂₂ hepatoma.

Materials and Methods: A total of 72 Kunming mice of SPF grade were inoculated subcutaneously with H₂₂ hepatoma cells into the right anterior armpit of the mice. After 1 week of seeding, mice were injected intraperitoneally with a high dose of 5-fluorouracil (200 mg/kg 5-FU) to establish the model of chemotherapy. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: untreated group, 5-FU group, 5-FU plus Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule (YZXJC) group, and three groups of 5-FU plus different concentrations of CHB-II-F. All the mice in each group were treated for 14 days. The body weight, food intake, tumor volume, and tumor weight of mice were measured, and pathological examinations of tumor tissue, stomach, and duodenum were carried out. Expressions of serum Leptin, Neuropeptide Y (NPY), epidermal cell growth factor (EGF), Motilin (MTL), Orexin A (OXA), Gastrin (GAS), Ghrelin, Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and jejunum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were examined. The protein and mRNA levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), Orexin receptor 1 (OX1R), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript peptide (CART), Agouti gene-related protein (AgRP), Leptin receptor (Ob-R), and Ghrelin receptor (GHSR) were examined in hypothalamus, and the protein levels of substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in duodenum were measured.

Results: The combination of CHB-II-F and 5-FU could enhance the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on tumor. The tumor inhibition rates of 5-FU group, YZXJC group, CHB-II-F(H) group, CHB-II-F(M) group, and CHB-II-F(L) group were 58.88, 28.08, 54.96, 37.69, and 28.61%, respectively. Compared with untreated group and 5-FU group, CHB-II-F significantly increased the body weight and food intake of tumor-bearing mice; increased the content of NPY, Orexin A, Ghrelin, GAS, MTL, EGF, and PGE₂ in serum and the activity of SOD in jejunum; and decreased the content of Leptin in serum and the content of MDA in jejunum. Compared with untreated group and 5-FU group, CHB-II-F also enhanced the expression of OX1R, GHSR, NPY, and AgRP protein and gene and decreased the expression of Ob-R, POMC, and CART protein and gene in hypothalamus of mice, and the gene expression was consistent with the protein expression. In addition, CHB-II-F decreased the expression of 5-HT and SP protein in duodenum.

Conclusion: In the murine model of H22 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving chemotherapy, CHB-II-F enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on tumor, significantly improves the pathological injury of gastrointestinal tract caused by chemotherapy, and regulates the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. It may alleviate chemotherapy-induced anorexia by affecting appetite regulatory factors in the feeding area of hypothalamus central nervous system and peripheral appetite regulatory factors.

[Independent risk factors of atrial thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and low CHA2DS2-VASc scores]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors of atrial thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF)with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores at admission (≤1 for male and ≤2 for female patients).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 10 382 patients with NVAF undergoing transesophageal echocardiography in our hospital from 2009 to 2019, and enrolled 48 NVAF patients with thrombosis as the observation group and another 240 NVAF patients without thrombosis as the control group.The baseline characteristics, biochemical indicators, and echocardiographic findings of the patients were analyzed using univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The baseline data did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05).Compared with those in the control group, the patients with atrial thrombosis had an increased left atrial diameter (LAD; P < 0.001), a greater likelihood of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; P < 0.001), significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP; P < 0.05) and uric acid (P < 0.001), and greater standard deviation of red blood cell distribution width(RDW-SD; P < 0.001).LAD(P < 0.001), HCM(P < 0.05)and CRP(P < 0.05) were identified as the independent factors affecting the occurrence of atrial thrombosis in patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.

CONCLUSIONS

LAD enlargement, HCM, and an elevated CRP level are independent risk factors for atrial thrombosis in NVAF patients with low CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores.Active anticoagulation therapy should be administered for these patients once these risk factors are detected to prevent the occurrence of stroke.

Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Management of Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is one kind of acute respiratory tract infection caused by the virus. There have been many outbreaks of viral pneumonia with high contagiousness and mortality both in China and abroad, such as the great influenza in 1918, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus in 2003, the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in 2009, and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012 and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019. These outbreaks and/or pandemic have significant impact on human life, social behaviors, and economic development. Moreover, no specific drug has been developed for these viruses. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of viral pneumonia during these outbreaks especially in SARS and SARS-CoV-2 because studies suggest that TCM formulations may target several aspects of the disease and may have lesser side effects than manufactured pharmaceuticals. In recent years, a lot of clinicians and researchers have made a series of in-depth explorations and investigations on the treatment of viral pneumonia with TCM, which have understood TCM therapeutic mechanisms more specifically and clearly. But critical analysis of this research in addition to further studies are needed to assess the potential of TCM in the treatment of viral pneumonia.

Chinese Patent Medicines in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging and rapidly evolving disease, with no recommended effective anti-coronavirus drug treatment. Traditional Chinese Patent Medicines (CPMs) have, however, been widely used to treat COVID-19 in China, and a number of clinical practice results have shown them to have a significant role in its treatment. Consequently, numerous guidelines and expert consensus have recommended the use of CPMs to treat COVID-19.

Aim of the Study

The objectives of this review are to provide up-to-date information on the pharmacology and clinical research on CPMs in the treatment of COVID-19, discuss the research findings, and to better guide clinical application and scientific research on CPMs in the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods

The frequencies of CPM recommendations by guidelines and expert consensus for treatment of COVID-19 in China were ranked. This report identifies the top 10 CPMs, which include Huoxiang Zhengqi capsule (HXZQC), Lianhua Qingwen capsule (LHQWC), Jinhua Qinggan granule (JHQGG), Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC), Tanreqing injection (TRQI), Xiyanping injection (XYPI), Xuebijing injection (XBJI), Shenfu injection (SFI), Shengmai injection (SMI), and Angong Niuhuang pill (AGNHP). Relevant studies from 2000 to 2020 on these top 10 CPMs, covering usage, dosage, mechanism, curative effect, and precautions, were collected from pharmacopoeia, reports, and theses via library and digital databases (including PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Elsevier).

Results

The properties of the top 10 CPMs included antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic, anti-acute lung injury, anti-shock, immune regulation, and enhancement of pulmonary function. In addition, clinical research results and Chinese treatment data showed that the CPMs had good therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19, and adverse reactions were minimal.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the characteristics of the top 10 CPMs and precautions that should be taken may help clinicians to rationally improve therapeutic efficacy, and promote the role of Chinese Medicine in the control of the COVID-19 global epidemic.

Medication with caution: Analysis of adverse reactions caused by a combination of Chinese medicine and warfarin sodium tablets

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

With the extensive recent use of warfarin and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in combination, TCM has been found to affect warfarin's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Warfarin is a widely used oral anticoagulant, which has a narrow therapeutic window and a high likelihood of interacting with other drugs and resulting in serious adverse reactions. Contrary to widespread public expectations, TCM, despite being natural, is not always safe.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To report the adverse drug reactions (ADR) resulting from the use of Chinese medicine and warfarin sodium tablets in combination.

METHODS

According to a hospital ADR monitoring report, we collected data on four clinical cases involving warfarin and single Chinese herbal medicine, warfarin and proprietary traditional Chinese medicine product, warfarin and Chinese medicinal injection, and warfarin and compound decoction. The Naranjo ADR score evaluation scale was used to analyze the relationships between warfarin and Chinese medicines.

RESULTS

Fluctuations in the international normalized ratio (INR) were accompanied by bleeding in some patients who regularly and simultaneously utilized warfarin and Chinese medicine. The potential risk of bleeding due to the interaction between TCM and warfarin is easily and often overlooked by both Western and TCM doctors.

CONCLUSIONS

Warfarin in combination with different traditional Chinese herbal medicines poses risks of INR fluctuations and adverse reactions such as bleeding. In the future, the safety awareness regarding reasonable administration of warfarin and herbal medicine should be emphasized.

Noninvasive imaging evaluation of tumor immune microenvironment to predict outcomes in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The tumor immune microenvironment can provide prognostic and predictive information. A previously validated ImmunoScore of Gastric Cancer (IS_GC) evaluates both lymphoid and myeloid cells in the tumor core and invasive margin with immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens. We aimed to develop a noninvasive radiomics-based predictor of IS_GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study including four independent cohorts of 1778 patients, we extracted 584 quantitative features from the intratumoral and peritumoral regions on contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. A radiomic signature [radiomics ImmunoScore (RIS)] was constructed to predict IS_GC using regularized logistic regression. We further evaluated its association with prognosis and chemotherapy response.

RESULTS

A 13-feature radiomic signature for IS_GC was developed and validated in three independent cohorts (area under the curve = 0.786, 0.745, and 0.766). The RIS signature was significantly associated with both disease-free and overall survival in the training and all validation cohorts [hazard ratio (HR) range: 0.296-0.487, all P < 0.001]. In multivariable analysis, the RIS remained an independent prognostic factor adjusting for clinicopathologic variables (adjusted HR range: 0.339-0.605, all P < 0.003). For stage II and stage III disease, patients with a high RIS derived survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy {HR = 0.436 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.253-0.753], P = 0.002; HR = 0.591 (95% CI 0.428-0.818), P < 0.001, respectively}, whereas those with a low RIS did not.

CONCLUSION

The RIS is a reliable tool for evaluation of immunoscore and retains the prognostic significance in gastric cancer. Future prospective studies are required to confirm its potential to predict treatment response and select patients who will benefit from chemotherapy.

Bazhu Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medical Formula, Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging. There are currently no effective treatments for AD. Bazhu decoction (BZD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been employed clinically to alleviate AD. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Here we found that middle- and high-doses of BZD ameliorated the behavioral aspects of 5xFAD transgenic mice in elevated plus maze, Y maze and Morris water maze tests. Moreover, BZD reduced the protein levels of BACE1 and PS1, resulting in a reduction of Aβ plaques. We also identified a beneficial effect of BZD on oxidative stress by attenuating MDA levels and SOD activity in the brains of 5xFAD mice. Together, these results indicate that BZD produces a dose-dependent positive effect on 5xFAD transgenic mouse model by decreasing APP processing and Aβ plaques, and by ameliorating oxidative damage. BZD may play a protective role in the cognitive and anxiety impairments and may be a complementary therapeutic option for AD.

Whole-genome SNP data unravel population structure and signatures of selection for black plumage of indigenous chicken breeds from Jiangxi province, China

Ten indigenous chicken breeds were originally distributed in Jiangxi Province, China, and they define a critical component of Chinese chicken genetic resources. We have investigated the population genetics of seven Jiangxi chicken breeds using 600K chicken BeadChip SNP data. To provide a genome-wide perspective for the population structure of all 10 Jiangxi chicken breeds, we herein genotyped 78 additional individuals from the seven breeds and 63 chickens from three uninvestigated breeds-Yugan Black (YG), Nancheng Black (NC) and Wanzai Yellow using 55K chicken SNP arrays. We then explored merged data of 17 101 SNPs from 235 individuals to infer the population structure of the 10 breeds. We showed that NC and YG are two regional populations of the same breed, as individuals from the two populations clustered together to form a branch separate from the other breeds in the neighbor-joining tree, they always grouped together in multidimensional principal component analyses and they displayed an identical pattern of ancestral lineage composition. Hence, NC and YG should be considered a single breed in the state-supported conservation scheme. Moreover, we conducted a genome scan for signatures of selection for black plumage. bayescan and hapflk analyses of two contrasting groups (three black-feathered breeds vs. six non-black-feathered breeds) consistently detected 25 putative regions under selection. Nine pigmentation- associated genes (DCT, SLC24A5, SLC30A4, MYO5A, CYP19A1, NADK2, SLC45A2, GNAQ and DCP2) reside within these regions, and these genes are interesting candidates for black plumage and provide a starting point for further identification of causative mutations for black feathers in chicken.

The Protective Effects of Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula on Chemotherapy-Treated H22 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mouse Model by Promoting Tumor Apoptosis

Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a traditional Chinese medical formula that has been shown in clinical practice to relieve side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life for cancer patients. In order to understand the mechanism of its protective effects on chemotherapy, mice with transplanted H₂₂ hepatocellular carcinoma were employed in this study. Ninety-two mice were injected subcutaneously with H₂₂ HCC cell suspension into the right anterior armpit. After mice were treated with 5-fluorine pyrimidine (5-FU), they were divided into six groups as untreated group, 5-FU group, 5-FU plus Yangzheng Xiaoji Capsule group and three groups of 5-FU plus different concentrations of CHB-II-F. Twenty mice were euthanized after 7 days of treatment in untreated and medium concentration of CHB-II-F groups and all other mice were euthanized after 14 days of treatment. Herbal components/metabolites were analyzed by UPLC-MS. Tumors were evaluated by weight and volume, morphology of light and electron microscope, and cell cycle. Apoptosis were examined by apoptotic proteins expression by western blot. Four major components/metabolites were identified from serum of mice treated with CHB-II-F and they are β-Sitosterol, Salvianolic acid, isobavachalcone, and bakuchiol. Treatment of CHB-II-F significantly increased body weights of mice and decreased tumor volume compared to untreated group. Moreover, CHB-II-F treatment increased tumor cells in G₀-G₁ transition instead of in S phase. Furthermore, CHB-II-F treatment increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and decreased the expression anti-apoptotic protein. Therefore, CHB-II-F could improve mice general condition and reduce tumor cell malignancy. Moreover, CHB-II-F regulates apoptosis of tumor cells, which could contribute its protective effect on chemotherapy.

Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbal Products for the Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy with health consequences for both lives during and after pregnancy. Studies found that many pregnant women turn to complementary and alternative medicine for health maintenance or symptom relief, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine. With the growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine, we conducted a systemic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases on research studies that investigated traditional Chinese medicine during pregnancy. The resultant hits were further searched in relation to all diabetes mellitus. In total, we found three major herbal medicine/herbal products that were associated with glycemic control in gestational diabetes, including Zuo Gui Wan, red raspberry leaves, and Orthosiphon stamineus. We further reviewed them and their relatives in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus and found more evidence of metabolic benefits. None of the herbal medicine and products examined reported toxicity in the experimental models. Overall, treatments of gestational diabetes by western or alternative interventions are grossly understudied. It is critical to have a standardized protocol when evaluating efficacy of herbal medicine and produce quality results for women and their health-care providers to make informed treatment decisions.

The effects of Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng on immune function of mice with H22 hepatocellular carcinoma receiving chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng Decoction (CHBD) is a traditional Chinese formula that may attenuate the toxicity and side-effects of chemotherapy. The formula may also prolong the life of cancer patients. Whether CHBD should be employed as adjunctive therapy for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy has yet to be determined as does the mechanism whereby CHBD exerts its beneficial effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To document the potential effects of CHBD on tumor growth and immune function in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously with H₂₂ hepatoma cells in the right anterior armpit. After seven days, the mice with formed tumors were injected with Cytoxan (CTX) (200 mg/kg) to establish the chemotherapy model. These mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: model (untreated controls), control (CTX,33.33 mg/kg), and high CHBD (H) (117 g/kg), moderate CHBD (M) (58.5 g/kg) and low CHBD (L) (29.25 g/kg) treated groups. Tumor weights and inhibitory ratio (decrease in tumor dimensions), histology of tumor, colon, spleen and liver, and biochemical tests of liver and kidney function were documented after 10 days. Serum and tumor IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively. The potential bioactive compounds in CHBD were characterized by UHPLC-MS.

RESULTS

Although tumor weights were decreased in CTX alone and CHBD (H) and CHBD (M) groups (-66%, -41% and -25% respectively), tumor cell density was reduced to the greatest extent in the CHBD (H) group. CHBD had no evident effects on liver and kidney function. CTX-induced colon inflammation and decrease in spleen lymphocytes were attenuated with CHBD treatment. CHBD increased serum IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α, but decreased IL-6 levels in serum and tumor tissue. UHPLC-MS analysis of CHBD revealed the presence of 11 bioactive compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

In this murine model of HCC receiving chemotherapy, CHBD inhibited tumor growth, improved immune function and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses while attenuating CTX-associated side effects.

Efficacy of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng formula on the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor, kinase insert domain-containing receptor and basic fibroblast growth factor in mouse models of H(22) hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng formula (CHBF) on microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression in serum and tumor tissue of mice receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of H(22) hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

Sixty Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously with H(22) hepatoma carcinoma cell suspensions into the right anterior armpit. Seven days later, all transplanted tumor were formed and the mice were intraperitoneally injected 200 mg/kg Cytoxan (CTX) to establish the models of tumor-bearing mouse chemotherapy, then they were randomly divided into model group, continuing CTX chemotherapy group (CTX group), and three CHBF (117, 58.5 and 29.25 g/kg) groups. After ten days of treatments, histology was observed, contents of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), VEGF and bFGF protein expression and MVD tagged by CD34 were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

MVD in CHBF (117, 58.5 g/kg) and CTX groups was significantly lower than that in model group (P < 0.01); expressions of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue in CHBF (117 g/kg) group were less than those in model group (P < 0.05; P < 0.01); the expressions of MVD, VEGF and bFGF in tumor tissue of CHBF (117 g/kg) group were also less than those in CTX group (P < 0.05; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CHBF can effectively reduce the expression of VEGF, KDR and bFGF in serum and tumor tissue, and decrease MVD and delay tumor progression.

Effect of health education combining diet and exercise supervision in Chinese women with perimenopausal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of health education combining diet and exercise supervision on menopausal symptoms and diet/exercise habits.

METHODS

The randomized controlled study enrolled 60 patients with perimenopausal syndrome (Kupperman Menopause Index (KMI) score ≥15). The participants were randomized into either an intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Women were interviewed with questionnaires about perimenopausal symptoms, diet pattern and exercise habit. Their height and weight were measured. Women in the intervention group received health education, diet supervision and exercise supervision twice a week while those in the control group continued as normal. The total KMI score, scores of individual symptoms, diet pattern and exercise habit were measured after intervention.

RESULTS

The total KMI score, the individual KMI scores for paresthesia, irritability, depression/suspicious, fatigue, arthralgia/myalgia, and palpitations of the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group after intervention. The intake of cereal, meat, fats and oils of the intervention group were significantly lower at week 12 compared with baseline. The percentage of women with a regular exercise habit was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve weeks intervention of health education combining diet and exercise supervision could improve perimenopausal symptoms and help the patients establish good living habits.

Electroacupuncture relieves depression-like symptoms in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress by activating ERK signaling pathway

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to alleviate the symptoms associated with major depressive disorder; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. While the mainstay treatment for depression are pharmacological agents that modulate serotonergic and/or noradrenergic activity of the brain, recent data suggest that, neurotrophins may play a larger role in the pathogenesis of depression and may offer better therapeutic potential in alleviating symptoms associated with depression. One downstream target of neurotrophins is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, a major mediator of cellular stress often associated with clinical depression. In this study, we assessed whether the efficacy of EA is due to regulation of these novel pathways using an animal model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). We found that EA stimulation at specific locations, Baihui (GV20), and Yintang (GV29) ameliorated the behavioral responses of CUMS, which included reduced locomotion, decreased sucrose intake and weight loss. Furthermore, EA increased the activation of ERK and ribosomal s6 kinase (RSK) levels under stress. Both the behavioral and biochemical responses to EA were attenuated with administration of ERK inhibitor, suggesting that EA improves depression-like symptoms in stressed rats, in part, by activation of ERK signaling.

The combination effects of Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu on promoting apoptosis of transplanted H22 hepatocellular carcinoma in mice receiving chemotherapy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu Powder (SLBZP) is a classic traditional Chinese medical formula that has been used for several decades in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Whether SLBZP is best employed as single agent or adjunctive therapy has yet to be determined as does the mechanism whereby SLBZP exerts its anti-tumor effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effects of SLBZP alone and in combination with Cytoxan (CTX) on tumor growth, malignant cell apoptosis and Akt/Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-КB) signaling in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-four adult mice developed HCC following subcutaneous inoculation with H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Seven days later, all received chemotherapy with CTX (200mg/kg) once. Mice were then randomized into eight study groups (N=8/group). Three groups were treated with different concentrations of SLBZP alone (6.00, 3.00, 1.5g/kg), three with SLBZP (6.00, 3.00, 1.5g/kg) plus CTX (20mg/kg), one with CTX (20mg/kg) alone (positive control), and one with physiologic saline (untreated, negative control). All groups were treated for 14 days. Tumor size, histology and serum or tissue levels and/or mRNA expression of PDGF-BB, VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2, NF-КB, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2); B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL); X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), Survivin, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Caspase-7, Akt and phosphorylated Akt expression were documented at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Compared to untreated negative controls, tumor sizes were decreased in the CTX alone, SLBZP (M)+CTX and SLBZP (H)+CTX groups (-52%,-53% and -58% respectively). Tumor cell density was decreased in all treated groups but most apparent in the SLBZP (H)+CTX group. Electron microscopic evidence of apoptosis was also most apparent in this group. Serum and/or tissue levels and expression of PDGF-BB, VEGF, Ang-1, Ang-2, their downstream signaling proteins and anti-apoptotic markers were lowest and pro-apoptotic markers highest in SLBZP (H)+CTX treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In this chemotherapy-induced animal model of HCC, SLBZP was most efficacious as adjunctive therapy and appears to act by inhibiting tumor growth promoters and anti-apoptotic proteins while enhancing pro-apoptotic proteins.

The effects of Tao-Hong-Si-Wu on hepatic necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis in a murine model of chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (THSWD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for centuries in the treatment of Chinese patients with chronic liver disease. Recently, THSWD has been reported to alter vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced angiogenesis, raising the possibility that in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties; THSWD might also inhibit hepatic blood flow associated fibrosis.

AIM

To document the effects of THSWD on hepatic necroinflammatory disease activity, fibrosis and VEGF signaling in a murine model of chronic liver disease.

METHODS

Sixty adult mice were equally divided into six study groups. Five groups were exposed to subcutaneous carbon tetrachloride (0.1 ml/10 g BW) for six weeks. Three of the five groups were treated with different concentrations of THSWD (4.25, 8.50, 17.00 g/kg), one with 0.1mg/kg of Colchicine (positive control), and one with physiologic saline (negative control). Mice in the sixth group were not exposed to CCl4 and remained untreated (healthy controls). Liver enzymes/function tests, hyaluronic acid and laminin levels were measured in serum, and hepatic histology, VEGF, Flt-1 and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR), Akt and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) expression were documented in liver tissue at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Hepatic necroinflammatory disease activity and fibrosis were significantly attenuated in THSWD treated mice in a dose dependent manner. These beneficial results were similar and often exceeded those achieved with Colchicine. In addition, VEGF, Flt-1, KDR, Akt and pAkt mRNA and protein expression were reduced in TSHWD treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In this animal model of chronic liver disease, THSWD decreased hepatic necroinflammatory disease and fibrosis. Inhibition of VEGF expression and downstream signaling were associated with these findings. Further studies with this and other TCMs as treatment for chronic liver disease are warranted.

Thickness-induced structural phase transformation of layered gallium telluride

We report a spontaneous phase transformation of GaTe, occurring when the bulk is exfoliated to a few layers. The results demonstrate the crucial role of interlayer interactions in the structural stability.

Effect of berberine on activity and mRNA expression of N-acetyltransferase in human lung cancer cell line A549

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of berberine on activity and mRNA expression of N-acetyltransferase in human lung cancer cell line A549.

METHODS

N-acetyltransferase antibodies were prepared. The human lung cancer A549 cells were cultivated randomly in the wells of culture plate, and divided into the control group, and berberine 0.0008, 0.008, 0.08, 0.8 and 1.6 mM treatment groups, with 3 wells for each group. 24 h later, A549 cells in each group were collected respectively, the content of N-acetyltransferase was detected by Flow cytometry, and the mRNA expression of N-acetyltransferase was observed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The N-acetyltransferase content in human lung cancer A549 cells decreased with the increasing of berberine concentration, significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001); and the mRNA expression of N-acetyltransferase also decreased with the increasing of berberine concentration, significantly lower in Huangliansu treatment groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Berberine can inhibit the activity of N-acetyltransferase in human lung cancer cell line A549, and shows negative correlations of dose and time in a certain extent. The inhibited gene expression of N-acetyltransferase in human lung cancer A549 cell may probably represent one of the mechanisms for its antineoplastic effect.

Effects of Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng granule formula (CHBGF) on life time, pathology, peripheral blood cells of tumor chemotherapy model mouse with H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng Granule Formula (CHBGF) is a traditional Chinese empirical formula that can help the tumor patients who have received chemotherapy antagonize the toxin and side-effects so as to improve and prolong the life. This study is to evaluate the effects of CHBGF on improving life quality in terms of survival time, pathology of tumor tissue and ameliorating peripheral blood cells in mouse chemotherapy model with subcutaneous transplanted tumor or ascitic tumor of H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells at an overall level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

71 mice among the 92 Kunming mice were injected subcutaneously into the right anterior armpit with H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells, after 7 days, which had formed tumors and were used peritoneal injection of Cytoxan (CTX) (200mg/kg) to establish the mouse chemotherapy model with transplanted tumor, and then which were commensurately divided into 8 groups by random digits table. 21 mice were injected into peritoneal cavity to use CTX and the same method to establish the model. The groups for evaluating the effects on the survival time were the model, CHBGF and positive control group respectively with 7 mice in each group. The groups for evaluating the effects on anti-cancer were the model group, three treatment groups and positive control group with 10 mice in each group. The survival-time-observing groups were given intragastric administration of normal saline, CHBGF (64g/kg) once a day, and peritoneal injection of 5-Fluorouracil (25mg/kg) once every other day respectively. The survival time of each group was observed. The five anti-cancer-observing groups were given intragastric administration of normal saline, CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) once a day, and peritoneal injection of 5-Fluorouracil (25mg/kg) once every other day respectively. After treatment for 21 days, the transplanted tumors were peeled off. Blood was collected through pricking eyeball and analyzed by hematology analyzer. And postchemotherapy transplanted tumor inhibition ratios were calculated. Pathological changes of tumor tissues and blood smears were observed with light microscope.

RESULTS

The life prolonging rate of CHBGF (64g/kg) group with transplanted tumor is 20.14%, and their survival time was longer than that of the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). Life prolonging rate of CHBGF (64g/kg) group with ascitic tumor is 64.15%, the survival time was longer than that of the model group (P<0.01) and the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). The growth of the transplanted tumor in model group was faster than that in CHBGF (64g/kg) group and 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05). The tumor average weight of the positive drug and the CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg) groups was lighter than that of the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The inhibition ratios of CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) groups are 31.15%, 21.31%, and 13.11% respectively. Under light microscope, in the positive drug and three CHBGF groups the pathological deteriorated severity of tumor tissue observed was milder than that in the model group, the distribution of WBC in CHBGF groups was more obvious than that of the model and 5-Fluorouracil groups. The WBC and PLT decrease in CHBGF (64g/kg, 32g/kg and 16g/kg) groups is less than the model and the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the number of RBC and HGB just in the CHBGF (64g/kg) group was more than that of the model group or the 5-Fluorouracil group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ciji Hua'ai Baosheng Granule Formula can prolong the survival time of the mice chemotherapy model of both subcutaneous transplanted tumor and ascitic tumor of H22 hepatoma carcinoma cells, has some determinate inhibitory effects on the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor chemo-treated, and has the therapeutic effect on antagonizing decrease of WBC and PLT caused by chemotherapy.

Toxicity and clinical reasonable application of Taoren (Semen Persicae) based on ancient and modern literature research

OBJECTIVE

To probe the toxicity and relative application theory of the commonly-used traditional Chinese herbal drug Taoren (Semen Persicae), and set up a correct attitude and principle and method to use Taoren (Semen Persicae) for treating the syndrome of stagnation of blood stasis and others in TCM clinic.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed and probed the ancient and modern literature research about Taoren (Semen Persicae), and summarized the realization of its toxicity and application contraindications in ancient herbals and the research assertion of its processing, drug-nature, pharmacologic actions, adverse reaction, and clinical reasonable application in modern literature.

RESULTS

We found that some TCM doctors were worried about the effect of Taoren (Semen Persicae) 's disintegrating blood stasis to impair body's healthy Qi and its toxicity, and were not good at using this herb. And some patients were afraid of its toxic and side-effect not to take it. In the ancient and modern literatures some proper hates of Taoren (Semen Persicae) existed, and the toxicity component was also clear-cut, and the applications of Taoren (Semen Persicae) were in many fields especially the gynecological and traumatological diseases. The key root of toxicity generation and unreasonable application of Taoren (Semen Persicae) lies in taking without syndrome differentiation or using with overdosage.

CONCLUSION

Under the precondition of correct processing, treatment based on syndrome differentiation, and taking the dosage stipulated by laws to apply Taoren (Semen Persicae) should be quite safe. The ancient and modern literature records and researches about Taoren (Semen Persicae) provide the determinate reference for understanding Taoren (Semen Persicae)'s efficacy and drug-nature (toxicity) more objectively and also for further correctly clinic recognition and research on Taoren (Semen Persicae).

[Theoretical study on thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicaments and opposite drug properties of Tujia ethnic medical science]

Tujia ethnic medical science is an important sub-discipline of China's ethnic medicine system, which has rooted in major Tujia ethnic area such as Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou and Chongqing. It has its own theory, medication characteristic and experi-ence towards ethnic drugs. Particularly, in medication incompatibility, it has formed the principle of thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicament of traditional Tujia ethnic drugs, which play a certain role in guiding the usage and compatibility of tens of thousands of herbs. Focusing on the incompatibility that is abided by Tujia medical workers, the essay makes a textual study on the origin of herbs and conducts a preliminary study on the theoretical basis of thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicaments in terms of four properties of drugs and toxic and side-effect by reference to the records on nature and flavor and effectiveness, with a view of providing a preference to improve the incompatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicines and new ideas to further studies on the development and application of traditional ethnic drugs.

[Effects of HSYA on expression of bFGF protein and MMP-9 in BGC-823 transplantation tumor of nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of hydroxy safflor yellow A (HSYA) on the expression of bFGF protein and MMP-9 mRNA or protein of transplantation tumor of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line BGC-823 in nude mice.

METHOD

The BGC-823 cells were subcutaneously injected into the right anterior armpit of BALB/C nu/nu nude mice, and the animal model of transplantation tumor was established. The experimental groups were treated with HSYA at concentration of 0.056 and 0.028 g x L(-1) and cyclophosphamide at 2 g x L(-1), or with physiologic saline. The tumor inhibitory effect was observed, and the mRNA expression of MMP-9 of transplantation tumor was detected by real time-fluorescent quantitation PCR and the protein expression of MMP-9 and bFGF were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULT

The IR in the group with HSYA at the concentration of 0.028 g x L(-1) is higher than in the group with normal sodium. After treatment with HSYA, the mRNA expression of MMP-9 has significant difference at the concentration of 0.028 g x L(-1) as compared with physiologic saline-treated group (P < 0.05), but the protein expression of MMP-9 and bFGF is obviously less than that in the physiologic saline-treated group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The possible mechanism of HSYA in given concentration to antagonize tumor angiogenesis may be related with inhibiting the protein expression of MMP-9 and bFGF or the mRNA expression of MMP-9 in tumor tissue to reduce the degradation of blood vessel basilar membrane, and to restrain the migration of blood vessel and decrease the tumor vascularization.

Epigenomic alterations and gene expression profiles in respiratory epithelia exposed to cigarette smoke condensate

Limited information is available regarding epigenomic events mediating initiation and progression of tobacco-induced lung cancers. In this study, we established an in vitro system to examine epigenomic effects of cigarette smoke in respiratory epithelia. Normal human small airway epithelial cells and cdk-4/hTERT-immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were cultured in normal media with or without cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) for up to 9 months under potentially relevant exposure conditions. Western blot analysis showed that CSC mediated dose- and time-dependent diminution of H4K16Ac and H4K20Me3, while increasing relative levels of H3K27Me3; these histone alterations coincided with decreased DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and increased DNMT3b expression. Pyrosequencing and quantitative RT-PCR experiments revealed time-dependent hypomethylation of D4Z4, NBL2, and LINE-1 repetitive DNA sequences; up-regulation of H19, IGF2, MAGE-A1, and MAGE-A3; activation of Wnt signaling; and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes such as RASSF1A and RAR-beta, which are frequently silenced in human lung cancers. Array-based DNA methylation profiling identified additional novel DNA methylation targets in soft-agar clones derived from CSC-exposed HBEC; a CSC gene expression signature was also identified in these cells. Progressive genomic hypomethylation and locoregional DNA hypermethylation induced by CSC coincided with a dramatic increase in soft-agar clonogenicity. Collectively, these data indicate that cigarette smoke induces 'cancer-associated' epigenomic alterations in cultured respiratory epithelia. This in vitro model may prove useful for delineating early epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression during pulmonary carcinogenesis.

[Effects of hydroxy safflor yellow A on blood vessel and mRNA expression with VEGF and bFGF of transplantation tumor with gastric adenocarcinoma cell line BGC-823 in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Hydroxy Safflor yellow A (HSYA) on the growth of blood vessel of transplantation tumor of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line BGC-823 in nude mice and its underlying mechanism of antagonizing tumor angiogenesis.

METHOD

The BGC-823 cells was subcutaneouly injected into the right anterior armpit of BALB/C nu/nu nude mice and established the animal model of transplantation tumor. Then nude mice were divided into 4 groups at random: model group, control group, high or low dosage of HSYA group. The model group were treated with normal sodium by intraperitoneal injection, HSYA groups were treated with HSYA at concentration of 0.056 g x L(-1) and 0.028 g x L(-1) by intraperitoneal injection, and in these groups each mouse was injected 2 times everyday with 0.2 mL by 4-6 hours interval. The control group were injected in enterocoelia 1 times every 2 days starting from the third day with cytoxan at 2 g x L(-1). 20 days later, the volume and weight of nude mice were observed. The pathological change of tumor tissue was observed under optical microscope. The mRNA expression of VEGF and bFGF of transplantation tumor were detected by real time quantitative PCR.

RESULT

The volume (607.42 +/- 252.96) mm3, weight (0.88 +/- 0.14) g of transplantation tumor, the mRNA expression level of VEGF 0.49 +/- 0.13 and bFGF 0.60 +/- 0.48 are reduced significantly after treatment with HSYA at the concentration of 0.028 g x L(-1) compared with physiologic saline-treated group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The tumor pathological angiogenesis of HSYA group is also less obvious than the normal sodium-treated group.

CONCLUSION

HSYA in given concentration can inhibit the growth of BGC-823 transplantation tumor, and decreasing the mRNA expression of VEGF and bFGF, which suggests that inhibiting tumor angiogenesis may be one of the mechanisms of HSYA antagonizing tumor.

NO-1886 decreases ectopic lipid deposition and protects pancreatic beta cells in diet-induced diabetic swine

The synthetic compound NO-1886 (ibrolipim) is a lipoprotein lipase activator that has been proven to be highly effective in lowering plasma triglycerides. Recently, we found that NO-1886 also reduced plasma free fatty acids and glucose in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-induced diabetic rabbits. In the current study, we investigated the effects of NO-1886 treatment on ectopic lipid deposition and the islet pathology in miniature swine fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet. Our results showed that feeding this diet to miniature swine caused insulin resistance, increased lipid deposition in non-adipose tissue, such as in the heart, skeletal muscle, liver and pancreas, and also caused pancreatic beta cell damage. However, supplementing 1% NO-1886 (200 mg/kg per day) into the high-fat/high-sucrose diet decreased ectopic lipid deposition, improved insulin resistance, and alleviated the beta cell damage. These results suggest that improvement of lipid disorder, non-adipose tissue steatosis and insulin resistance may be very important for the protection of beta cell damage. Therefore, NO-1886 is potentially beneficial for the treatment of insulin-resistance syndrome.

Gene therapy for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma has not significantly improved over the past several decades. Treatment options for recurrent or refractory oral cancers are limited. Gene therapy for oral cancer is currently under investigation in clinical trials. The goal of cancer gene therapy is to introduce new genetic material into target cells without toxicity to non-target tissues. This review discusses the techniques used in cancer gene therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma and summarizes the ongoing strategies that are being evaluated in clinical trials.

[The cytotoxic effect of a low density lipoprotein delivered aclarubicin on leukemia cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles as a carrier of a lipophilic anthracycline drug aclarubicin (ACR) for targeting delivery to an acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1.

METHODS

LDL-ACR complex was prepared by incubating LDL with ACR. The intracellular ACR content was assayed fluorometrically. Cytotoxicity was studied by cell protein measurement and 3H-TdR incorporation test.

RESULTS

Intracellular accumulation of LDL-ACR was reduced when THP-1 cells were incubated in the presence of native LDL, but methylated LDL had no effect on the cellular LDL-ACR accumulation. The LDL-ACR complex caused a greater inhibition of the growth of THP-1 cells than that of normal bone marrow nucleated cells. The cellular accumulation of LDL-ACR complex was much more than that of free ACR. The 3H-TdR incorporation test showed that the complex was more effective in the inhibition of DNA synthesis than that of the free drug.

CONCLUSION

The potency of ACR to tumor cells increased and its toxicity to normal cells decreased when LDL was used as a carrier.

[Molecular spectral diagnosis of star forming regions]

Stars are the basic building blocks of our universe, therefore it is one of the most important research topics in astrophysics to understand the origin and the early evolution of these objects. The current picture is that stars are formed during the collapse of a large enough self-gravitating interstellar molecular cloud. The early collapse gives birth to a fetus of a star, which is surrounded by a rotating accretion disk. The proto-star accretes interstellar matter through the disk which in turn transfer the accumulated matter to the central proto-star, then the star gets weight during the process. Observation shows that gorgeous ejection of matter always come along with the accretion process. In the presence of disks, these outflows usually escape from the system along the axis of the disk, forming so called bipolar outflows. Typical tracers of these activities are rich molecules such as CO, SiC2, C3H, C3H2 etc. Observationally, such typical molecular outflows can be detected using Doppler effect by spectroscopic measurements. Using the 13.7 m radio telescope in Delingha station of Purple Mountain Observatory, we performed a survey for 12 low temperature IRAS objects, some of the sources show high velocity properties. Detailed analysis of the Doppler profiles of IRS34 is presented. Star forming activities are clearly seen in this field.

[Emissions of biogenic sulfur gases from wheat fields]

Emission rates of carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon disulfide (CS2) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to the atmosphere from wheat fields treated with different fertilizers were measured by using the closed chamber method. The results showed that the emission rate of COS, CS2 and DMS was affected by wheat growth and COS was absorbed by the plants. DMS and CS2 were the predominant sulfur gases emitted from these fields. The diurnal variations of emission rates of COS and CS2 were obvious. The sulfur flux in the plot treated with organic fertilizer was higher than that in the other plots. The sulfur fluxes from different plots were in the range of -1.40 to 0.79 mg.m-2.

[Molecular orientation of copper phthalocyanine derivative in copper phthalocyanine-Fe2O3 nanoparticles alternating LB films]

Copper phthalocyanine-Fe2O3 nanoparticles alternating thin films were fabricated by Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Molecular orientation of [4-(4'-benzyloxy phenyl sulfonyl)phenoxy]-tris-4-(2,4-di-t-phenoxy) phthalocyanine copper (II) in its alternating LB films, deposited at different conditions, was studied by polarized UV-Vis spectra. The tilt extent of the copper phthalocyanine molecule on its LB films increases with the surface pressure of the subphase increasing on the same subphase, or with Fe2O3 concentration decreasing at the same pressure. The orientation of the copper phthalocyanine derivative is important for the gas-sensing properties. The bigger the tilt extent of the phthalocyanine molecule is, the greater the sensitivity of the film is.

A novel approach to measuring circulating blood volume: the use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier in a rabbit model

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC) may be ideal for monitoring circulating plasma volume (CV-P) and circulating blood volume (CV-B). We used an HBOC (Hemoglobin glutamer-200 [bovine], Oxyglobin; Biopure, Cambridge, MA) as an indicator for relative CV-B in the rabbit model. Accuracy of the technique was determined by comparison with the Evans blue dye (EBD) dilution technique in 19 anesthetized female New Zealand rabbits weighing 2.0 to 10.6 kg. The measurements were performed at baseline, after hemorrhage (1/3 of CV-B), normovolemic hemodilution (replacement of 1/3 CV-B by Hextend; Abbot Laboratories, North Chicago, IL), and hypervolemic hemodilution (additional infusion of Hextend(R) in a volume equal to 1/3 of CV-B). Hemoglobin concentration was measured by using a HemoCue photometer (HemoCue AB, Angelholm, Sweden). EBD concentration was analyzed by using linear regression to estimate Time 0 concentration; Time 0 was defined as EBD injection time. The difference between CV-P values determined by EBD and HBOC dilution was independent from the magnitude of the CV-P value. The relative bias was 1.29 mL, and the precision (one SD) was 2.82 mL. The difference did not reach statistical significance.

IMPLICATIONS

Circulating plasma and blood volumes can be accurately estimated by plasma hemoglobin concentration measurements by using hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier infusion.

15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE) suppresses epidermal hyperproliferation via the modulation of nuclear transcription factor (AP-1) and apoptosis

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the antiproliferative effect of 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE), a monohydroxy fatty acid generated from dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, in an experimentally induced guinea pig hyperproliferative model involves alterations in nuclear transcription factor (AP-1) and apoptosis. The topical application of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to normal guinea pig skin elicited a severe hyperplasia which was accompanied by the suppression of AP-1 expression in a time-dependent manner. Since apoptosis is pivotal in tissue turnover, the expression of two apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and caspase-3) after DHA and 15-HETrE treatment was explored. DHA-induced hyperproliferation enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 (an antiapoptotic protein) but inhibited the expression of caspase-3 (an apoptotic protein). 15-HETrE, on the other hand, reversed the DHA-induced epidermal hyperplasia, and upregulated epidermal AP-1 expression. These events paralleled the suppression of Bcl-2 and the elevation of caspase-3. Taken together, these results suggest that the antiproliferative effect of 15-HETrE may, at least in part, be via the modulation of AP-1 and apoptosis.

Suppression of proto-oncogene (AP-1) in a model of skin epidermal hyperproliferation is reversed by topical application of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid

The present study was conducted to delineate whether a possible mechanism for 13-(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE) reversal of experimentally-induced skin hyperproliferation in guinea pig is via the modulation of epidermal nuclear mitogen activator protein (AP-1), a nuclear transcription factor associated with tissue turnover. The data revealed that topical application of 13-HODE and/or 15-HETrE on the induced hyperproliferative skin reversed the hyperproliferation and up-regulated the suppressed AP-1 expression. A further analysis of the two major subunits of AP-1 (c-fos and c-jun) revealed a selective up-regulation of c-fos. These results underscore the modulatory role of lipoxygenase-derived hydroxy fatty acids on nuclear transcription factors and explains, at least in part, the antiproliferative effects of 13-HODE and 15-HETrE.

[The effect of surface structure on the photoluminescence of SnO2 nanoparticles in hydrosols and organosols]

In this paper, we report the optical properties of SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles in hydrosols and those of SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles in organosols in which the surfaces of the particles are coated by a layer of organic surfactant molecules. The photoluminescence spectra of SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles in the hydrosols and organosols in different conditions were measured and discussed. We conclude that the surface structure of the SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles affects their optical properties strongly. The oxygen deficiencies on the surface of SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles play an important role in the optical properties. The surface modification of the particles effectively removes the surface defects of the particles and enhances the intensity of luminescence.

[Experimental studies on improving heart preservation effect of Astragalus saponins]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of heart preservation of Astragalus saponins (AS) in modified Euro-Collins solution (mEC) containing AS.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly divided into mEC and AS group. After preserving isolated rat hearts 6 hours by simple cold storage with mEC and mEC containing AS respectively, Langendorff's isolated rat heart model was used to reperfuse for 30 minutes to study cardiac function after preservation and the effect of preventing oxygen free radical injury.

RESULTS

To compare AS group with mEC group, cardiac function and coronary flow of the hearts after preservation were better than mEC group (P < 0.05), in AS group the water content of myocardium was decreased very significantly (P < 0.01), myocardial lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase release were reduced greatly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), myocardial superoxide dismutase activity was increased very significantly (P < 0.01) and the content of lipid peroxide was decreased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AS could improve the effect of heart preservation of mEC solution, its mechanism might be associated with the effect of negative contractile strength and preventing oxygen free radical injury.

[FTIR and fluorescence emission spectra of sulfonated PS and its ionomers]

The FTIR spectra of sulfonated polystyrene and Zn and La ionomers change with sulfonation degree and the kind of metal ion. With increasing the sulfonation degree, the stretching vibrational strength of -SO3H and -SO3 increases. Because of the interaction of polar group, the FTIR spectra around 1200 cm(-1) or so split. On the other hand, the degree of sulfonation influences somewhat on the intensity and position of fluorescence spectra of sulfonation polystyrene and its ionomers.

[Studies on decomposed crop residues by FTIR differential analysis]

The decomposing process of corn leaf residues (CLR) was studied by FTIR differential analysis, and the differential spectra were compared with normal spectra. The result showed that the purification process to remove inorganic matters from decomposed CLR could be omitted when differential analysis is used, and the differential spectra were clear and distinct. As far as the studies of decomposed crop residues, the FTIR differential analysis was a convenient and forthright method.

[An experimental study of anti-angiogenesis with a cartilage-derived inhibitor]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a cartilage-derived inhibitor for the treatment of corneal neovascularization in vivo.

METHODS

A cartilage-derived inhibitor (CDI) from bovine scapula was purified to homogeneity. By rabbit corneal neovascularization (CNV) model, the effect of inhibition of CDI under various conditions was determined in corneal micropocket analysis.

RESULTS

The purified CDI could inhibit strongly the growing speed and area of rabbit CNV compared to control (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is demonstrated that CDI is a potent dose-dependent inhibitor of angiogenesis.