Efficient iron utilization compensates for loss of extracellular matrix of ovarian cancer spheroids

Metastasis is the major cause of death in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer cells can dissociate directly from extracellular matrix (ECM) and form spheroids to spread through the peritoneal cavity. Loss of ECM hinders the survival of ECM-detached epithelial cells. It is still largely unknown how ovarian cancer spheroids maintain their viability after loss of ECM. We find that spheroids derived either from ovarian cancer ascites or cell lines are iron-replete. In accordance with iron-replete condition, proteins involved in iron uptake, transport and storage including divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferritin, poly(rC)-binding proteins 1 and 2 (PCBP1 and 2) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) all increase in ovarian cancer spheroids. Genes linking iron homeostasis and lipid metabolism including stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) are up-regulated in ovarian cancer spheroids. The product of SCD1 oleic acid can restore the viability of ovarian cancer spheroids inhibited by deprivation of iron. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation contributes to autophagy activation in ovarian cancer spheroids. Impairment of autophagy by U0126 or Olaparib results in lysosomal iron accumulation and decrease of the cytosolic labile iron pool, leading to reduction of SCD1, lipid level and cell viability. Combination of U0126 and Olaparib has synergistic cytotoxicity toward ovarian cancer spheroids. Our findings reveal that ovarian cancer spheroids develop efficient iron utilization system to survive. Targeting iron utilization in ovarian cancer spheroids may have the potential to become new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer metastasis.

Melatonin protects against chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1

Chronic stress which is common in the current society can be harmful to female reproduction and is associated with oocyte defects. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, by using a mouse model of chronic restraint stress, we demonstrated that chronic stress could induce meiotic spindle abnormalities, chromatin misalignment, mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated ROS levels in oocytes in vivo, all of which were normalized by the administration of melatonin. Consistently, melatonin treatment during in vitro maturation also attenuated the meiotic defects induced by H₂O₂ by regulating autophagy and SIRT1, which could be abolished by SIRT1 inhibitor, Ex527 and autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1). These data indicate that melatonin can mitigate chronic stress-induced oxidative meiotic defects in mice MII oocytes by regulating SIRT1 and autophagy, providing new understanding for stress-related meiotic errors in MII oocytes and suggesting melatonin and SIRT1 could be new targets for optimizing culture system of oocytes as well as fertility management.

Epithelial ovarian cancer stem‑like cells are resistant to the cellular lysis of cytokine‑induced killer cells via HIF1A‑mediated downregulation of ICAM‑1

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal of all gynecologic tumors. Cancer spheroid culture is a widely used model to study cancer stem cells. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cytokine‑induced killer (CIK) cell‑based therapies against cancer and cancer stem cells. However, it is not clear how EOC spheroid cells respond to CIK‑mediated cellular lysis, and the mechanisms involved have never been reported before. A flow cytometry‑based method was used to evaluate the anti‑cancer effects of CIK cells against adherent A2780 cells and A2780 spheroids. To demonstrate the association between hypoxia inducible factor‑1α (HIF1A) and intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 (ICAM‑1), two HIF1A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) stable transfected cell lines were established. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of hypoxia/HIF1A‑associated signaling pathways were evaluated, including transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1)/mothers against decapentaplegic homologs (SMADs) and nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) signaling pathways, comparing A2780 adherent cells and cancer spheroids. Flow cytometry revealed that A2780 spheroid cells were more resistant to CIK‑mediated cellular lysis, which was partially reversed by an anti‑ICAM‑1 antibody. HIF1A was significantly upregulated in A2780 spheroids compared with adherent cells. Using HIF1A shRNA stable transfected cell lines and cobalt chloride, it was revealed that hypoxia/HIF1A contributed to downregulation of ICAM‑1 in A2780 spheroid cells and adherent cells. Furthermore, hypoxia/HIF1A‑associated signaling pathways, TGF‑β1/SMADs and NF‑κB, were activated in A2780 spheroid cells by using western blotting. The findings indicate that EOC stem‑like cells resist the CIK‑mediated cellular lysis via HIF1A‑mediated downregulation of ICAM‑1, which may be instructive for optimizing and enhancing CIK‑based therapies.

Artemisinin derivatives inhibit epithelial ovarian cancer cells via autophagy-mediated cell cycle arrest

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most fatal gynecologic malignancy due to its late diagnosis and lack of curative therapy. The antimalaria compound artemisinin and its derivatives, such as artesunate (ART) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA), have proven to be potent anticancer drugs and act through various anticancer mechanisms. To identify novel targets of artemisinin derivatives in EOC cells, we investigated the effects of ART and DHA on SKOV3 and primary EOC cell growth via CCK-8 assay. Both ART and DHA inhibited EOC cell growth. A cell cycle distribution analysis showed that ART and DHA caused G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, ART and DHA induced autophagy in EOC cells, whereas autophagy inhibitors reversed the cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest induced by ART and DHA. Western blot analysis showed that ART and DHA also suppressed the cell cycle-related NF-κB-signaling pathway in EOC cells. These data suggest that artemisinin derivatives induce autophagy, block the cell cycle, and inhibit cell growth in EOC cells. Our research provides new targets for artemisinin derivatives for EOC treatment.

Chronic restraint stress disturbs meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated cyclin B1 excessive degradation in mouse oocytes

Psychological stress, which exerts detrimental effects on human reproduction, may compromise the meiotic competence of oocytes. Meiotic resumption, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), is the first milestone to confer meiotic competence to oocytes. In the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the timing for GVBD is associated with the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. However, whether chronic stress compromises oocyte competence by influencing GVBD and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model was used to investigate the effects of stress on oocyte meiotic resumption, as well as the mechanisms. Following a 4-week chronic restraint stress in female mice, the percentage of abnormal bipolar spindles increased and indicated compromised oocyte competence in the CRS group. Furthermore, we identified a decreased percentage of GVBD and prolonged time of GVBD in the CRS mouse oocytes compared with the control group. CRS simultaneously reduced the expression of cyclin B1 (CCNB1), which represents a regulatory subunit of M-phase/mature promoting factor (MPF). However, MG132, an inhibitor of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), could rescue the prolonged time of GVBD and increase the expression level of CCNB1 of oocytes from the CRS mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that stress disturbed meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated CCNB1 degradation, thus providing a novel understanding for stress-related oocyte quality decline; moreover, it may provide a non-invasive approach to select high-quality gametes and novel targets for molecular therapy to treat stress-related female infertility.

Autophagy protects ovarian cancer-associated fibroblasts against oxidative stress

RNA-Seq and gene set enrichment anylysis revealed that ovarian cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are mitotically active compared with normal fibroblasts (NFs). Cellular senescence is observed in CAFs treated with H₂O₂ as shown by elevated SA-β-gal activity and p21 (WAF1/Cip1) protein levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p21 (WAF1/Cip1) elevation may account for H₂O₂-induced CAFs cell cycle arrest in S phase. Blockage of autophagy can increase ROS production in CAFs, leading to cell cycle arrest in S phase, cell proliferation inhibition and enhanced sensitivity to H₂O₂-induced cell death. ROS scavenger NAC can reduce ROS production and thus restore cell viability. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), monocarboxylic acid transporter 4 (MCT4) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were up-regulated in CAFs compared with NFs. There was relatively high lactate content in CAFs than in NFs. Blockage of autophagy decreased LDHA, MCT4 and SOD2 protein levels in CAFs that might enhance ROS production. Blockage of autophagy can sensitize CAFs to chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, implicating that autophagy might possess clinical utility as an attractive target for ovarian cancer treatment in the future.

Paracrine effects of human amniotic epithelial cells protect against chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage

Background

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are attractive candidates for regenerative medical therapy, with the potential to replace deficient cells and improve functional recovery after injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that transplantation of hAECs effectively alleviate chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage via inhibiting granulose cells apoptosis in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI). However, the underlying molecular mechanism accounting for hAECs-mediated ovarian function recovery is not fully understood.

Methods

To investigate whether hAECs-secreting cytokines act as molecular basis to attenuate chemotherapy-induced ovarian injury, hAECs or hAEC-conditioned medium (hAEC-CM) was injected into the unilateral ovary of POF/POI mouse. Follicle development was evaluated by H&E staining at 1, 2 months after hAECs or hAEC-CM treatment. In addition, we performed a cytokine array containing 507 human cytokines on hAECs-derived serum-free conditioned medium. Finally, we further investigated whether hAECs could affect chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells and the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) via a co-culture system in vitro.

Results

We observed the existence of healthy and mature follicles in ovaries treated with hAECs or hAEC-CM, whereas seriously fibrosis and many atretic follicles were found in the contralateral untreated ovaries of the same mouse. To distinguish cytokines involved in the process of hAECs-restored ovarian function, hAEC-CM was analyzed with a human cytokines array. Results revealed that 109 cytokines in hAEC-CM might participate in a variety of biological processes including apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and immune response. In vitro experiments, hAECs significantly inhibited chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and activated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway within primary granulosa-lutein cells in paracrine manner. Furthermore, hAEC-CM was shown to promote angiogenesis in the injured ovaries and enhance the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) in co-culture system.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that paracrine might be a key pathway in the process of hAECs-mediating ovarian function recovery in animal models of premature ovarian failure/insufficiency (POF/POI).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0721-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Human amniotic epithelial cells inhibit growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cells via TGF‑β1-mediated cell cycle arrest

It is reported that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) endow intrinsic antitumor effects on certain kinds of cancer. This research was designed to evaluate whether hAECs endowed potential anticancer properties on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells in vivo and in vitro, which has not been reported before. In this study, we established a xenografted BALB/c nude mouse model by subcutaneously co-injecting ovarian cancer cell line, SK-OV-3, and hAECs for 28 days. In ex vivo experiments, CCK‑8 cell viability assay, real-time PCR, cell counting assay, cell cycle analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay were used to detect the effects of hAEC‑secreted factors on the proliferation and cell cycle progression of EOC cells. A cytokine array was conducted to detect anticancer-related cytokines released from hAECs. Human recombinant TGF‑β1 and TGF‑β1 antibody were used to treat EOC cells and analyzed whether TGF‑β1 contributed to the cell cycle arrest. Results from in vivo and ex vivo experiments showed that hAEC-secreted factors and rhTGF‑β1 decreased proliferation of EOC cells and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, which could be partially reversed by excess TGF‑β1 antibody. These data indicate that hAECs endow potential anticancer properties on epithelial ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro which is partially mediated by hAEC‑secreted TGF‑β1-induced cell cycle arrest. This study suggests a potential application of hAEC‑based therapy against epithelial ovarian cancer.

Low-dose cisplatin-induced CXCR4 expression promotes proliferation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells

Chemoresistance blocks the efficient treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, which is the most lethal of all gynecological cancers. Cancer stem cells are believed to be at least partially responsible for the development of chemoresistance. In this study, the effect of cisplatin (CDP) on the enrichment and proliferation of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) was investigated, and the underlying mechanisms of action were elucidated. An in vitro anchor-free system was employed to enrich CSLCs from the SKOV3 human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line. Our results showed that treatment with low concentrations of CDP resulted in better-enriched CSLCs, with higher proliferative activities. Low dose of CDP was found to induce the expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), which is an important stemness marker in cancer stem cells as well as a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment. Results also showed that overexpressed CXCR4 generated chemoresistance. Based on these results, it may be concluded that, at low concentrations, CDP itself contributes to the development of drug resistance. This finding provides novel insight into the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance and has significant therapeutic implications for epithelial ovarian cancer treatment.

Comparison of the Ultrastructures of Primed and Naïve Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Culture conditions have been established to maintain the pluripotency of mouse naïve and primed embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) as the feeder layer. In this study, the ultrastructures of mouse primed ESCs grown on hAECs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Consistent with mouse naïve ESCs, the undifferentiated mouse primed ESC line ESD-EpiSC [ESC-derived epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs)] revealed typical characteristics, including large nuclei, reticulated nucleoli, scanty cytoplasm, and low cytoplasm-to-nuclear ratios. Cells had prominent Golgi apparatus and well-developed endoplasmic reticulum. Adjacent cells were tightly in contact with dense junction desmosomes. However, in EpiSC colonies, cell contact was no longer close like naïve ESCs, and differentiated cells existed. The differentiated cells had small nucleoli with large cytoplasm, which represented primitive mesenchyme. Phagosomes or apoptotic cells were also common in the cytoplasm of differentiated cells, which suggests a differentiation potential. When exposed to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), ESD-EpiSCs could convert to naïve-like cells. We further analyzed the ultrastructure of converted EpiSCs (cESCs). As compared to ESD-EpiSCs, cESCs showed similar ultrastructural characteristics as naïve ESCs. These findings suggest that ultrastructure could be used to evaluate the pluripotency of ESCs.

Mussel-inspired nanofibrous sheet for suture-less stomach incision surgery

We report a dopamine-based crosslinker-conjugated gelatin/polycaprolactone nanofibrous sheet. The nanosheet was then employed to treat stomach incisions without sutures during surgery.

Physician-patient-companion communication and decision-making: a systematic review of triadic medical consultations

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review quantitative and qualitative studies exploring physician-adult patient-adult companion (triadic) communication and/or decision-making within all medical encounters.

METHODS

Studies were identified via database searches and reference lists. One author assessed eligibility of studies, verified by two co-authors. Data were extracted by one author and cross-checked for accuracy. Two authors assessed the quality of included articles using standardized criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 8409 titles identified, 52 studies were included. Summary statements and tables were developed for each of five identified themes. Results indicated companions regularly attended consultations, were frequently perceived as helpful, and assumed a variety of roles. However, their involvement often raised challenges. Patients with increased need were more often accompanied. Some companion behaviours were felt to be more helpful (e.g. informational support) and less helpful (e.g. dominating/demanding behaviours), and preferences for involvement varied widely.

CONCLUSION

Triadic communication in medical encounters can be helpful but challenging. Based on analysis of included studies, preliminary strategies for health professionals are proposed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Preliminary strategies for health professionals include (i) encourage/involve companions, (ii) highlight helpful companion behaviours, (iii) clarify and agree upon role preferences of patient/companions. Future studies should develop and evaluate specific strategies for optimizing triadic consultations.

Recovery of nickel ions from simulated electroplating rinse water by electrodeionization process

Pure water production and recovery of Ni(2+) from dilute NiSO(4) solution via improved electrodeionization (EDI) process were investigated. It was indicated that, with the feed water containing 50 mg L(-1) Ni(2+), the dilute resistivity of the EDI could achieve 3 MOmega cm which gave a Ni(2+) rejection more than 99.8% while the Ni(2+) was concentrated as high as 1,583 mg L(-1) in the concentrate stream. The current efficiency was as high as 40% and the concentrate factor could reach 31.7. The experiment results demonstrated that, just in a single process, it was feasible to purifying and concentrating dilute nickel wastewater synchronously by the EDI technology.

GroEL-GroES solubilizes abundantly expressed xylulokinase in Escherichia coli

AIMS

The aims of the present work were to solubilize the abundantly expressed recombinant xylulokinase in Escherichia coli and to develop a reliable xylulokinase assay.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three mutants of xylulokinase of Bacillus megaterium that were expressed at high level but formed insoluble protein in E. coli BL21(DE3)pLysS were selected for solubility study. The solubility of xylulokinase increased eight to 77-fold after introduction of molecular chaperones GroEL-GroES into the host.

CONCLUSION

This investigation reports that GroEL-GroES minimizes the formation of insoluble protein in three highly expressed recombinant xylulokinases and an improved xylulokinase assay.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Commercial production of bioethanol is critically dependent on the development of an efficient and low-cost process of enzymatic conversion of xylan, a major component in lignocellulose biomass, to xylulose-5-phosphate, which can then be channelled into pentose phosphate pathway and metabolized to ethanol. The improved intracellular xylulokinase activity is expected to facilitate the xylose degradation.

Control of hyperchaos

A general method for controlling chaotic systems with one or more positive Lyapunov exponents is investigated analytically and numerically. The method retains the formal features of the adaptive adjustment mechanism and can be equally applied to various types of the unstable fixed points. It is shown that the method proposed here neither asks for any prior analytical knowledge of the system, nor any internal or external controlling parameters in advance.

Stabilizing unstable discrete systems

A general method for stabilizing unstable discrete systems to a fixed point or high-period orbit is developed analytically and numerically in this paper. It is shown that the method can be equally applied to the systems with one or more positive Lyapunov exponents. Moreover, the method does not require a prior analytical knowledge of the system under investigation, nor any additional control parameters.

Smad7 mediates apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor beta in prostatic carcinoma cells

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is an important regulator of apoptosis in some cell types, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. TGF-beta signals through type I and type II receptors and downstream effector proteins, termed Smads. TGF-beta induces the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 (receptor-activated Smads) which associate with Smad4 and translocate to the nucleus, where they regulate gene transcription [1]. Smad7 protein is induced by TGF-beta1 and has been classified as an inhibitory Smad. Smad7 prevents phosphorylation of receptor-activated Smads, thereby inhibiting TGF-beta-induced signaling responses [1]. Smad7 expression is increased in rat prostatic epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis as a result of castration [2]. Here we have shown that TGF-beta1 treatment or ectopic expression of Smad7 in human prostatic carcinoma cells (PC-3U) induces apoptosis. Furthermore, TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis was prevented by inhibition of Smad7 expression, by antisense mRNA in stably transfected cell lines or upon transient transfection with antisense oligonucleotides in several investigated cell lines. These findings provide evidence for a new effector function for Smad7 in TGF-beta1 signaling.

Effects of enzyme inducers and inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous 2-(allylthio)pyrazine, a new chemoprotective agent, in rats

In order to find what types of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes are involved in the metabolism of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP) in rats, enzyme inducers, such as phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, dexamethasone, or isoniazid, and an enzyme inhibitor, such as SKF 525-A were pretreated. After 1-min intravenous administration of 2-AP, 50 mg/kg, to rats pretreated with SKF 525-A (a non-specific CYP inhibitor in rats), the plasma concentrations were significantly higher, and the area under plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) was significantly greater (1365 compared with 1034 microg min/mL) as a result of significantly slower total body clearance (Cl) (36.6 compared with 48.3 mL/min/kg) than those in control rats, indicating that 2-AP was metabolized by CYP isozymes. After 1-min intravenous administration of 2-AP, 50 mg/kg, to rats pretreated with dexamethasone (an inducer of CYP3A in rats), phenobarbital (an inducer of CYP2B1/2, 2C6, 2C7, and 3A1/2 in rats), and 3-methylcholanthrene (an inducer of CYP1A1/2 and 2A1 in rats), the plasma concentrations were significantly lower, and AUC was significantly smaller (27, 41 and 60% decrease, respectively, compared with respective control rats) owing to faster Cl [37 (p>0.05), 70 (p<0.001), and 150% (p<0.001) increase, respectively, compared with respective control rats].

[Effect of Saikosaponin-d on up-regulating GR mRNA expression and inhibiting cell growth in human leukemia cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Saikosaponin-d (SSd) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA and cell growth in HL60 cells.

METHODS

Antiproliferation effects of SSd on HL60 cells were determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Cell cycle analysis was also performed by flow cytometry. GRmRNA was analyzed by northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

After 48 hours treatment with 10 micrograms/ml SSd, 3H-thymidine incorporation decreased in HL60 cells and the effect was time and dose dependent. The flow cytometry analysis showed HL60 cells were arrested at G0/G1 phase. The expression of GR mRNA increased.

CONCLUSION

SSd exhibits the inhibition effects on cell growth in HL60 cells and could up-regulate the expression of GR mRNA in HL60 cells.

[The influence of nerve growth factor on inferior alveolar nerves regeneration in the silicone tubes]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of exogenous nerve growth factor(NGF) in the regeneration of adult white rabbits inferior alveolar nerve within the silicone tubes.

METHODS

In 24 adults white rabbits. A bilateral 8 mm inferior alveolar nerve gaps were created, and the proximal and distal stumps were inserted into a 12 mm silicone tube. The silicone tube of the right side was filled with exogenous NGF(experimental group) and the contralateral side was filled with saline (control group). Regeneration of the nerves was assessed by histological exam and nerve electrophysiological appreciation. Total number of the regenerating myelinated nerve fibers, the conduction velocities of nerves the thickness of myelin sheaths and the cross section area of myelinated nerve fibers between the experimental and the control groups were compared.

RESULTS

The results showed that: 1. The experimental groups demonstrated more myelinated nerve fibers than that of the controls in 12 and 18 weeks. 2. At the same time following surgery, the myelin sheath thickness and the cross section area of myelinated nerves in the experimental groups were significantly greater than that in the controls. 3. In 12 and 18 weeks, the conduction velocities of regenerating nerves in the experimental groups were faster than that of the controls.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that exogenous NGF can enhance regeneration of inferior alveolar nerve with necovery of its sensory function.

[Saikosaponin-d up-regulates GR mRNA expression and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To research the effect of saikosaponin-d (SSd) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

METHODS

Antiproliferation effects of SSd on HL-60 cells were determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Apoptosis of the SSd-treated cells was determined by DNA fragmentation analysis and flow cytometry. GR mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

After 48 h treatment with 10 micrograms/ml SSd, 3H-thymidine incorporation was decreased in HL-60 cells and the effects were time and dose dependent. DNA ladder appeared after 60 h treatment with SSd. The flow cytometry analysis showed HL-60 cells was arrested at G0/G1 phase and apoptotic peak appeared in sub-G1 phase. The expression of GR mRNA was increased.

CONCLUSION

SSd up-regulates the expression of GR mRNA, inhibits the cell growth and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

[Surgical reconstruction of laryngeal and tracheal stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

Reconstruction of laryngotracheal stenosis.

METHOD

According to the pathologic condition of the larynx and trachea, various surgical procedures were designed for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. These techniques included endoscopic management, laser therapy and laryngotrachoetomy with autogenous tissue and stent.

RESULT

Among 36 patients, 32 were decannulated. The success rate was 88.8%.

CONCLUSION

In order to improve the curation effects of laryngjotrachal stenosis, the choice of surgical procedure must be individualized to the pathologic condition of larynx and trachea, as well as the experience of the surgeon. Learning previous successful experience is also very important for a good result.

[Effect of Gengnianjian on up regulated estrogen receptor mRNA to substance P and beta-endorphin in hypothalamus of aging female rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Chinese herbal formula Gengnianjian on estrogen receptor (ER), ERmRNA substance P (SP) and beta-endorphin (beta-EP) in the hypothalamus of aging female rats.

METHODS

ER proteins were determined by radioligand binding assay, ER mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot analysis and the levels of beta-EP and SP were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In aging rats, lowered ER and ER mRNA in the hypothalamus were still up-regulated by low serum E2 level, but not in rats of after the age of 21 months; Gengnianjian significantly increased ER protein level and ER mRNA expression, decreased SP and increased the level of beta-EP in the hypothalamus in aging female rats before 21 months of age, without changing of serum E2 level. In EB group, serum E2 and beta-EP levels increased and SP level decreased but ER expression suppressed in the hypothalamus except after 21 months.

CONCLUSION

Enhance estrogen bioactivity can decrease the level of SP and increase the level of beta-EP in hypothalamus of aging female rats. Herbal formula Gengnianjian increase-EP level and decrease SP level by raising the level of ER and ER mRNA.

[Clinical experience of coronal flap approach in surgery of anterior skull base tumor]

Surgery of the anterior skull base tumor has been undertaken in 7 cases by coronal flap approach, of which 4 cases were malignant tumors and 3 cases were benign tumors. The dura became torn in 3 cases and resected in 2 cases due to tumor invasion. The dura and bony defects could be repaired with galea, pericranial flaps and fascia flaps of temporalis. The bigger bony defect was consolidated with scalp flap. Three out of 4 cases with malignant tumors were free of tumors for 6 years, 4 years and 17 months, respectively: 1 case died of tumor recurrence after 18 months. No case had postoperative complications.