Tanshinone IIA Shows Higher Antiproliferative Activities than Sinapic Acid in 4 Cancer Cell Lines and Simultaneously Induces Apoptosis and Necroptosis in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) and sinapic acid (SA) are 2 components separately isolated from 2 Asian medicinal plants, Hydnophytum formicarum Jack and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. The antitumor activities of them were worth exploring, therefore, we examined their antitumor activities in A549, HCT116, HeLa, and Colo320 cancer cell lines by means of WST-1 assay. The results show that Tan IIA exerted far higher (IC50 from 1.0 ± 0.0 to 166.3 ± 24.0 µg/mL) antiproliferative activities than SA (IC50 from 2236.3 ± 484.1 to >10 000.0 µg/mL). Of the 4 cell lines, A549 cells were the most sensitive to Tan IIA; thus, we used Western blotting to explore the cytotoxic mechanisms of Tan IIA in A549 cells and found that they rely on simultaneous induction of apoptosis and necroptosis in the cells. Apoptosis was hallmarked by the induction of cleaved caspase-3 by Tan IIA and necroptosis by the necroptotic marker proteins cyclophilin A and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), as well as increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. The necroptotic effect was confirmed by the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), which eliminated these effects and restored cell survival rates. The levels of cyclophilin A decreased in response to the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk, and those of cleaved caspase-3 decreased in response to Nec-1. Conclusively, Tan IIA has the potential to prevent lung cancer and the mechanism seems to be apoptosis and necroptosis, of which the relationship is mutually interdependent. This is the first report of Tan IIA eliciting necroptosis in A549 cells. Tan IIA may be used for necroptosis-based cancer therapy, especially to overcome apoptosis resistance.

Effects of drying methods on contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of Angelica dahurica

Baizhi (Angelica dahurica) has been widely used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, functional food and cosmetic product ingredient, mostly because of the high furanocoumarin compounds in roots. Because the fresh root is perishable, drying techniques are needed to maintain a higher-quality product. Freeze-drying is the best method but energy-consuming and costly. The aim of this study was to analyze the quality (antioxidant and furanocoumarin content) of Baizhi roots after freeze-drying (the control) and in-the-shade, 40 and 70 °C drying. Antioxidant activity was revealed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and Fe2+ chelating assay, and the content of six furanocoumarin compounds, including xanthotoxin, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, phellopterin and isoimperatorin, was analyzed by liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was greater in roots with in-the-shade, 40 and 70 °C drying than freeze-drying. The furanocoumarin content pattern was similar with 70 °C drying and freeze-drying. A. dahurica roots dried at 70 °C may be an alternative method for maintaining high quality.

Influence of harvest stage on the pharmacological effect of Angelica dahurica

BACKGROUND

Baizhi (Angelica dahurica) has been widely used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, functional food and cosmetic product ingredient, mostly because of the high furanocoumarin compounds in roots. The cropping system of Baizhi with its unique summer dormancy feature, is easily affected by the transition of its growth stages. The aim of this study was to analyze the quantity (size, form and dry weight [DW]) and quality (antioxidant and furanocoumarin content) of taproot and lateral root from three growth stages of Baizhi; vegetative (V-stage), summer dormancy (S-stage) and bolting stage (B-stage).

RESULTS

Root length and diameter were lower at V-stage than the other two stages, and S-stage had higher lateral root to total root ratio. However, the highest root DW was observed at S-stage. Antioxidant activity was revealed by 2,2-diphenyl-L-picrylhydrazyl and Fe²⁺ chelating assay, and the content of six furanocoumarin compounds, including xanthotoxin, bergapten, oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, phellopterin and isoimperatorin, was analyzed by liquid chromatography. Although the antioxidant activity was less at S-stage than the other stages, furanocoumarin contents showed little variation.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high DW and stable furanocoumarin composition, S-stage is the best harvest stage than the other stages because of its richer total pharmacological content.

Antifatigue properties of tanshinone IIA in mice subjected to the forced swimming test

CONTEXT

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a constituent of Danshen Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae); however, its antifatigue activity remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To study the antifatigue properties of Tan IIA and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In program I, three mouse groups were separately subjected to three gavages with 0, 1 and 6 mg/kg Tan IIA and forced swimming test (FST) weekly for 8 weeks; in program II, one gavage with 0, 2 and 10 mg/kg Tan IIA was administered plus FST weekly for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, lactate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined after final FST.

RESULTS

Tan IIA significantly prolonged swimming durations in program I but not in program II. Swimming times were 3208 ± 1054 and 2443 ± 1054 s for the 1 and 6 mg/kg treatments and 856 ± 292 s for the vehicle control. The two doses significantly reduced serum glucose levels (40.3 ± 8.5 and 60.0 1 ± 11.8 mg/kg) and lactate levels (61.3 ± 27.5 and 68.8 ± 8.5 mg/kg) in treated mice compared with those in control mice (137.5 ± 38.6 mg/kg and 122.7 ± 18.2 mg/kg, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed regarding SOD, MDA or BUN levels.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Tan IIA has antifatigue activity and is associated with reductions in serum glucose and lactate levels. Further studies should assess muscle hypertrophy and efficient aerobic glycolysis caused by Tan IIA. Tan IIA has potential as a pharmacological agent for fatigue resistance.

Synergistic combinations of tanshinone IIA and trans-resveratrol toward cisplatin-comparable cytotoxicity in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM

To determine the combinative effects of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) and trans-resveratrol (Resv) on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 human liver cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity was detected by the cell proliferation and cytotoxicity WST-1 assay. Cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis were determined using flow cytometry analysis. DNA fragments were separated by gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Tan IIA and Resv at mixture ratios of 1/2:1/2 and 1/3:2/3 exerted synergistic cytotoxicity comparable to that of cisplatin. Elevated proportions of sub-G1 and apoptotic cells were respectively found in the combinative treatments in comparison with hypothetic values of additive effects. Moreover, a more intensive pattern of apoptotic DNA fragmentation was visualized in combined treatments than in individual ones.

CONCLUSION

Combining Tan IIA and Resv causes synergistic cisplatin-comparable, cytotoxicity and robustly induces apoptosis, sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and DNA fragmentation. This study provides evidence supporting further pre-clinical investigations of the combinational synergism.

Prognostic significance of triple negative breast cancer at tumor size 1 cm and smaller

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with a tumor size ≤ 1 cm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with primary operable breast cancer with a tumor size ≤ 1 cm were enrolled at Changhua Christian Hospital and National Cheng-Kung University Hospital. Tumors negative for ER, PR, and HER-2 were classified as TNBCs and compared with tumors with any receptor positivity (non-TNBC) for disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

From 1995 to 2006, a total of 377 patients with tumor size ≤ 1 cm were enrolled. Compared with non-TNBC patients, TNBC patients with a tumor size ≤ 1 cm as a whole or in a lymph node-positive subgroup were not associated with a poorer 5-year DFS and CSS. In lymph node-negative patients (pT1a-bN0M0), TNBC was associated with a poorer 5-year CSS but not DFS. Compared with the hormone receptor-positive, HER-2-negative subgroup, TNBC was associated with poorer DFS and CSS. In the multivariate Cox regression hazard analysis, lymph node invasion was the most important cause of disease recurrence and cancer-specific death.

CONCLUSION

TNBC is very likely an independent risk factor in small (≤1 cm) node-negative invasive breast cancer. With tumors 1 cm and smaller, lymph node invasion was the single most important prognostic factor.

Assessment of sorbent/water ratio effect on adsorption using dimensional analysis and batch experiments

Many factors affect adsorption phenomena in solid-liquid systems. One of the most important factors is the sorbent/water (S/W) ratio in the system. However, the effect of varying S/W ratios on the adsorption is still unclear. In this study, batch experiments were examined to observe the adsorption of four contaminants (copper, cadmium, Butachlor, and Deltamethrin) in six soils with texture ranging from silty clay to loamy sand and with different S/W ratios. Dimensional analysis was used to assess the relationship between adsorption phenomena and S/W ratio. We have assumed that the total amount of sorbate sorbed in soil is a function of the equilibrium concentration, the volume of sorbate solution, and the sorbent amount in the system. A power function (Freundlich-like) model was obtained from the dimensional analysis. It can describe precisely the adsorption phenomena of different sorbents and sorbates in the moisture regime of paddy soils. Therefore, proper adsorption parameters can be obtained by this power function model regardless of the solids effect, which can then be utilized to describe the fate of solute in soil using solute transport models.

Determination of transdermal sildenafil in nude mouse skin by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of sildenafil transdermal permeation of nude mouse skin. A reversed-phase column with UV detection at 224 nm was used for chromatographic separation. The mobile phase consisted of 32% acetonitrile with 0.2% phosphoric acid in water at pH 5.3 adjusted with 10 M NaOH with the flow-rate set at 1.0 ml/min. The limit of quantitation achieved was 5 ng/ml, and the calibration curve showed good linearity over the concentration range of 5-500 ng/ml. The relative standard deviations of within- and between-day analyses were all within 15%. Sildenafil was found to be stable between pH 3 and 12 during 24-h incubation with skin. After transdermal administration of 15.8 microg/ml of sildenafil to nude mouse skin, it was detected as early as 15 min. The transport amount of sildenafil could be quantitated and, at pH 8-11, had the highest permeation rate in nude mouse skin.

Preparing a human membrane and secreted protein-enriched cDNA library using PCR primers derived from a genomic database

We describe here a strategy for preparing a human membrane and secreted protein (MSP)-enriched cDNA library based on human MSP- and non-MSP-encoding cDNA sequences in the databases. The signal peptide parts of the MSP-encoding cDNA sequences, which currently comprise about half of the estimated total number in humans, were analyzed for common patterns. These patterns form a 'minimal' set of polymerase chain reaction primer candidates of length varying from 9 to 21 nt. The products stemming from each primer candidate were determined and the results allowed us to obtain an 'optimal' mixed-length primer set. Ninety-six percent of the primers in this set were predicted to yield </=10% undesired products, and the desired MSP-cDNA products could be easily separated by gel electrophoresis. The present analysis establishes a methodology for preparing a cDNA library that enables the analysis of individual MSPs. This methodology may also help identify new MSPs. As many cell regulatory processes are mediated by secreted proteins and their membrane-bound receptors, the preparation of a MSP-enriched cDNA library should benefit research on MSPs.

Expression in Pichia pastoris and characterization by circular dichroism and NMR of rhodostomin

Rhodostomin (Rho) is a snake venom protein isolated from Calloselasma rhodostoma. Rho is a disintegrin that inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to the integrin alpha(IIb)beta3 of platelets. Rho produced in Escherichia coli inhibited platelet aggregation with a K(I) value of 263 nM. Although functional, Rho produced in E. coli is misfolded based on our 2D and 3D NMR studies. In order to correct the folding problem, Rho was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant Rho expressed in P. pastoris inhibited platelet aggregation with a resulting K(I) value of 70 nM. This is the same potency as that of native Rho. CD analysis showed that the secondary structures of Rho are pH-independent and contain 3.5-7.9% alpha-helix, 48.2-50.5% beta-structures, and 42.3-47% coil. The sequential assignment and structure analysis of Rho were obtained using 2D and 3D 15N-edited NMR spectra. These results provide the first direct evidence that highly disulfide-bonded disintegrin can be expressed in P. pastoris with the correct fold. This evidence may serve as the basis for exploring the structure and function relationships as well as the dynamics of disintegrin and its variants.

Transport modeling of copper and cadmium with linear and nonlinear retardation factors

The predictive accuracy of using the one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation to evaluate the fate and transport of solute in a soil column is usually dependent on the proper determination of chemical retardation factors. Typically, the distribution coefficient (Kd) obtained by fitting the linear sorption isotherm has been extensively used to consider general geochemical reactions on solute transport in a low-concentration range. However, the linear distribution coefficient cannot be adequately utilized to describe the solute fate at a higher concentration level. This study employed the nonlinear equilibrium-controlled sorption parameters to determine the retardation factor used in column leaching experiments. Copper and cadmium transportation in a lateritic silty-clay soil column was examined. Through the explicit finite-difference calculations with a third-order total-variation-diminishing (TVD) numerical solution scheme, all results of the theoretical copper and cadmium breakthrough curves (BTCs) simulated by using the Freundlich nonlinear retardation factors revealed good agreement with the experimental observations.

The pharmacological basis of anti-IgE therapy

The treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis using unique, humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies with very particular binding specificities is now supported by the results of multiple phase II and III human clinical studies. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach is attributable to several pharmacological mechanisms. In addition to the expected effects of these monoclonal antibodies in neutralizing free IgE and inhibiting IgE production by B cells, several indirect biochemical and cellular effects have been uncovered during the course of the clinical trials. These include the accumulation of potentially beneficial IgE-anti-IgE immune complexes and the downregulation of the high-affinity IgE Fc receptors (FcvarepsilonRI) on basophils and mast cells. This article analyzes the structural basis of the specificity of the anti-IgE antibodies and pertinent results from in vitro experiments, animal model studies, and human clinical trials in an attempt to provide a cogent pharmacological interpretation of the therapeutic effects of anti-IgE therapy in both the near- and long term. The development of anti-IgE therapy over the past 10 years provides an interesting example of the emergence of a conceptually new, biotechnology-produced pharmaceutical.

Extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction: experience in Oriental patients

Unilateral breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was carried out for 12 women in the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Eleven patients acquired a good or fair result cosmetically. We analysed the net weight of the flap as well as various anthropometric data to see what effect they have on the final aesthetic outcome. The weight of the flap ranged from 180 to 610 g, and the resected specimen weighed from 160 to 635 g. The flap weight was equivalent to 61%-113% of the specimen weight. A satisfactory result could be achieved when the bulk of the flap attained 70% of the mass resected. We also observed that the aesthetic quality is better when the breast is less ptotic. All of the muscle transfers survived completely without any flap loss. The only complications included one minor wound edge slough and another modest seroma formation at the donor site. This reconstructive method is a viable option for young women with small or medium-sized breasts who anticipate pregnancy in the future. It is especially advisable in Oriental society, since the breast size of the patients is generally smaller and the donor scar is hidden, given the hypertrophic tendency of the lower abdominal scar in Asian people undergoing TRAM flap reconstruction.

Diagnosing invasive cystic hypersecretory duct carcinoma of the breast with fine needle aspiration cytology. A case report

BACKGROUND

Cystic hypersecretory duct carcinoma (CHC) of the breast, first described in 1984, is a rare variant of duct carcinoma. Histologically it is characterized by the formation of dilated ducts and cysts containing an eosinophilic secretory product resembling thyroid colloid. The lining epithelium of the cysts atypically proliferates to form intraductal carcinoma. Only four cases of invasive cystic hypersecretory carcinoma have been reported.

CASE

We present a case of invasive CHC with tumor emboli in many lymphatic spaces and axillary nodal metastases. The lesion was also evaluated by fine needle aspiration. Direct smears with Papanicolaou stain were highly cellular and had abundant, intensely staining, orange-to-gray-green thyroid colloid-like material. Epithelial cells, showing a variety of cellular patterns, were indistinguishable from usual ductal carcinoma cells. These cytologic findings may be characteristic enough to suggest cystic hypersecretory carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic features of CHC are distinctive and correlate with histology. This was the first presentation of colloidlike secretory material in cytologic material with Papanicolaou stain in such a case. Invasive CHC tends to have aggressive behavior. Cystic hypersecretory hyperplasia coexisted in this case.

Immunolocalization of BRCA1 protein in normal breast tissue and sporadic invasive ductal carcinomas: a correlation with other biological parameters

AIM

BRCA1, a nuclear phosphoprotein, normally functions as a negative regulator of the cell cycle and may be an active inhibitor of neoplastic progression. Mutation of the BRCA1 gene has been demonstrated in 80% of familial breast cancer. Decreased mRNA levels or aberrant subcellular locations of BRCA1 have been identified in breast cancer lines and in sporadic cases of breast cancer tissues. The expression of BRCA1 in large series of variously differentiated breast carcinomas with correlation with other biological parameters has not been clarified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The BRCA1 expression in normal breast tissue (n = 15) and in sporadic cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (n=108) was determined using immunohistochemistry. BRCA1 expression was correlated with other prognostic parameters including p53, c-erbB-2, bcl-2, oestrogen receptor (ER), histological grade, tumour size, axillary lymph node status and age. BRCA1 was exclusively (100%) localized in the nuclei of normal ductal and lobular epithelia. However, this nuclear expression pattern was variable in breast carcinoma (76.8%). Loss of nuclear BRCA1 expression (22 of 108 cases, 20.4%) correlated well with high histological grade (P<0.025) and bcl-2-negative tumours (P<0.05) and frequently in ER-negative tumours.

CONCLUSION

BRCA1 nuclear expression could be considered to represent the normal or physiological phenotype. Complete loss of BRCA1 nuclear expression in breast cancer and its correlation with other poor prognostic markers suggest that BRCA1 expression may play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of sporadic breast carcinoma. Altered BRCA1 phenotype may therefore provide an additional prognostic parameter for breast cancer.

Antigen-specific immunoglobulin-A prevents increased airway responsiveness and lung eosinophilia after airway challenge in sensitized mice

Aeroallergens such as Amb a I from short ragweed are important in the development of allergic airway disease. We tested the ability of a human monoclonal immunoglobulin-A (IgA) antibody specific for Amb a I (A-IgA) to modulate airway responsiveness and lung eosinophilia after airway challenge with nebulized Amb a I or ragweed extract in mice sensitized to Amb a I or ragweed extract, respectively. A-IgA or nonspecific IgA (C-IgA) were given intranasally up to 8 h before each challenge. Allergen challenge resulted in increases in airway responsiveness, in numbers of lung eosinophils, and in Amb a I-specific IgE levels. These were prevented by pretreatment with A-IgA but not with C-IgA. Decreases in IFN-gamma and increases in IL-4 and IL-5 production following challenge with Amb a I were also reduced by A-IgA treatment. In contrast, increases in total IgE and total IgG and in numbers of lung neutrophils after challenge were not significantly affected by A-IgA, which additionally induced increased levels of Amb a I-specific IgG2a antibodies. In mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), A-IgA did not affect airway responsiveness, lung eosinophilia, cytokine production, or immunoglobulin levels. These data indicate that allergen-specific IgA can prevent airway hyperresponsiveness and reduce eosinophil influx into the lungs following allergen challenge via the airways in sensitized mice, and these effects are allergen-specific. Neutralization of allergen may contribute to the effects of IgA, but the induction of allergen-specific IgG2a in A-IgA-treated mice suggests an immunomodulatory action for A-IgA.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of malignant phyllodes tumor with liposarcomatous stroma of the breast. A case report

BACKGROUND

Liposarcoma arising within a phyllodes tumor is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, a malignant phyllodes tumor with liposarcomatous stroma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) has not been reported before.

CASE

A 39-year-old female had a malignant phyllodes tumor with liposarcomatous stroma diagnosed by FNA cytology. Two subtypes of liposarcomatous stroma, including lipomalike differentiated and myxoid, were found in the aspirates. The cytologic findings were very representative of the histologic features.

CONCLUSION

It is very important to recognize the cytologic features of such rare tumors. An accurate diagnosis preoperatively by FNA permits better therapy planning.

Efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of CGP 51901, an anti-immunoglobulin E chimeric monoclonal antibody, in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis

The efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of CGP 51901, a recombinant monoclonal mouse-human chimeric anti-human immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody were evaluated for 153 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis treated with placebo or with 15, 30, or 60 mg CGP 51901 in six biweekly doses. Seasonal allergic rhinitis was chosen to validate the concept of anti-IgE therapy because the causal and temporal relation between allergen confrontation and IgE-mediated evocation of symptoms is firmly established. A sustained 85% or greater reduction of serum free IgE levels was shown to be effective in improving clinical symptoms. The concentration of CGP 51901 needed to maintain 85% or greater reduction of IgE was estimated to be about 5000 ng/ml. Baseline IgE levels and body weights of the patients greatly influenced the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of CGP 51901. A population model was developed and refined to take into account patient baseline IgE level and body weight. The model was able to help predict multiple-dose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles on the basis of single-dose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measurements in the therapeutically effective dose range.

Effectiveness of low-dose ASA in prevention of secondary ischemic stroke, the ASA Study Group in Taiwan

This randomized double-blind controlled study was carried out to investigate the effect of 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) per day on the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. Patients who suffered a first ischemic stroke from 13 participating hospitals were enrolled. They were independent or only partially dependent in activities of daily living and all had received brain CT for diagnosis. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to the 100 mg ASA or the nicametate citrate (a vasodilator) groups, and trial medications were started within three to six weeks after the onset of stroke. The primary end point was cerebral reinfarction, and intracranial hemorrhage was classified as an adverse event. Four hundred and sixty-six patients participated in this study; and 222 cases (136 males and 86 females) were allocated to the ASA group while 244 cases (150 males and 94 females) were assigned to the nicametate group. No significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups was observed. Cerebral reinfarction developed 6.3% (14/222) in the ASA group and 11.9% (29/244) in the nicametate group. According to the Cox's proportional hazards model, the estimated risk ratio (ASA group vs. nicametate group) was 0.538, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.284-1.019. The result was of borderline statistical significance. The risk for cerebral reinfarction was reduced by almost 50% among those who took 100 mg ASA versus those who took nicametate.

Bezoar manifested with digestive and biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Gastrointestinal obstructions caused by bezoars are uncommon but are encountered with increasing frequency in general surgery.

METHODOLOGY

We made a retrospective review of 30 cases treated in the National Cheng Kung University hospital between July 1988 and December 1994.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients had either prior gastric surgery (9) or peptic ulcer disease (5) and were categorized as group I. The remaining 16 patients without above conditions were categorized as group II; and seven of them had history of ingestion of Pho Pu Zi (Cordia dichotoma Frost. f.), three had food bolus ingestion, two had diverticulum, two had adhesion and the remaining two had no significant features. Two patients, who received endoscopic removal of gastric bezoar and subsequently developed bowel obstruction, needed operation. Sixteen of 30 who underwent operation within 24 hours after arrival, recuperated uneventfully and most were discharged within a week. Eleven patients who received operation after 24 hours resulted in prolonged hospitalization in 9 and death in two. Re-operation was performed in one case for the recurrence of obstruction by the residual bezoar.

CONCLUSION

Dietary factors (Pho Pu Zi or bolus ingestion), and gastrointestinal (GI) anatomical lesion (diverticulum or adhesion) are the profound etiologies for formation of bezoars in cases without previous gastric surgery. On the other hand, gastric factors (previous ulcer surgery or peptic ulcer) play a major role even after ingestion of nonspecific high fiber diet. Early diagnosis, surgical intervention without delay and thorough exploration of the entire GI tract are essential for good postoperative results.

Characterization and expression analysis of a banana gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase

A cDNA encoding the banana 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase has previously been isolated from a cDNA library that was constructed by extracting poly(A)+ RNA from peels of ripening banana. This cDNA, designated as pMAO2, has 1,199 bp and contains an open reading frame of 318 amino acids. In order to identify ripening-related promoters of the banana ACC oxidase gene, pMAO2 was used as a probe to screen a banana genomic library constructed in the lambda EMBL3 vector. The banana ACC oxidase MAO2 gene has four exons and three introns, with all of the boundaries between these introns and exons sharing a consensus dinucleotide sequence of GT-AG. The expression of MAO2 gene in banana begins after the onset of ripening (stage 2) and continuous into later stages of the ripening process. The accumulation of MAO2 mRNA can be induced by 1 microliter/l exogenous ethylene, and it reached steady state level when 100 microliters/l exogenous ethylene was present.

The effect of intravenous administration of a chimeric anti-IgE antibody on serum IgE levels in atopic subjects: efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics

CGP 51901 is a non-anaphylactogenic mouse/human chimeric anti-human IgE antibody that binds to free IgE and surface IgE of IgE-expressing B cells but not to IgE bound to high affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilonR1) on mast cells and basophils or low affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilonR2) on other cells. A phase 1 double-blind, placebo-controlled, single dose study with doses of 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg of CGP 51901 was conducted in 33 pollen-sensitive subjects who had raised levels of serum IgE and received either intravenous CGP 51901 or placebo. The administration of CGP 51901 was well tolerated and resulted in a decrease of serum free IgE levels in a dose-dependent manner, with suppression after 100 mg of CGP 51901 reaching > 96%. Time of recovery to 50% of baseline IgE correlated with the dose of administered antibody and ranged from a mean of 1.3 d for the 3 mg to 39 d for the 100 mg dose. Total IgE, comprised of free and complexed IgE, increased as stored and newly synthesized IgE bound to CGP 51901. Complexed IgE was eliminated at a rate comparable with the terminal half-life of free CGP 51901 (11-13 d at all doses). Only one subject showed a weak antibody response against CGP 51901. We conclude that the use of anti-human IgE antibody is safe and effective in reducing serum IgE levels in atopic individuals and provides a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of atopic diseases.

Improvement of survival from hemorrhagic shock by enterectomy in rats: finding to implicate the role of the gut for irreversibility of hemorrhagic shock

OBJECTIVE

This study used a Wiggers shock model to investigate the effect of the removal of the intestines on the outcome of hemorrhagic shock.

METHODS

Rats were subjected to laparotomy for the removal of the entire small and large intestines (experimental group) or a sham operation (control group) before bloodshedding. During the period of shock, animals were maintained at 30-35 mm Hg arterial pressure for 2 hours. After reinfusion of the shed blood, rats were observed for over 3 hours for survival. The average volumes (mean +/- SEM) of shed blood were 6.84 +/- 0.23 mL (experimental group) and 6.49 +/- 0.39 mL (control group), with no significant difference between the two (p > 0.05).

RESULTS

This protocol resulted in a 42% mortality (11 of 26) in the control group and 0% mortality (0 of 25) in the experimental group (p < 0.005, chi2). Moreover, in the survivors, the mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in the control (65.7 +/- 4.3 mm Hg) than in the experimental group (78.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg) at the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). Comparing volume status, neither serial hematocrit values nor body weight changes through the experiment had a significant difference between the two groups (p's > 0.05). Serial quantitation of blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) revealed that systemic TNF-alpha concentrations peaked at 4 hours after shock in both groups. TNF-alpha levels were not reduced by enterectomy. Instead, the peak concentrations were significantly higher in the enterectomized (387.5 +/- 36.5 pg/mL, n = 13) than in the sham-enterectomized group (175.7 +/- 35.9 pg/mL, n = 12,p < 0.001). Limulus assay, used to detect endotoxins in the blood at 2 hours after restoration of blood volume, showed no endotoxemia in any specimen from either group. Four hours after hemorrhagic shock, blood levels of platelet-activating factor, quantitated by the radioimmunoassay method, were 2.88 +/- 0.18 ng/mL (experimental group, n = 8) and 2.32 +/- 0.32 ng/mL (control group, n = 6). The difference between these two means was not significant (p > 0.05). Measurement of hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the luminometric method showed that hepatic ATP contents were significantly reduced in both groups after shock (p's < 0.05). However, a higher magnitude of hepatic ATP depletion occurred in the control group; significantly lower amounts of ATP in the liver tissues of the sham-enterectomized group (367 +/- 95 nmol/g, n = 7) than in that of the enterectomized group (870 +/- 100 nmol/g, n = 13) were observed at 5 hours after shock (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These experimental findings show that, in the absence of the intestines, hemorrhagic shock is associated with both an improved outcome and higher hepatic ATP levels in rats, suggesting the importance of intestinal participation in the process leading to hepatic ATP depletion as well as irreversibility in shock.