A stereo configuration-activity study of 3-iodo-4-(2-methylcyclohexyloxy)-6-phenethylpyridin-2(2H)-ones as potency inhibitors of HIV-1 variants

The trans-(S, S)-enantiomer 2e turned out to be significantly more potent than its enantiomer 2d against wild-type and mutant strains with high selectivity indexes.

Maximum-biomass concentration prediction for Bifidobacteria in the pH-controlled fed-batch culture

Our objective was to systematically study the relationship between maximum biomass concentration of different Bifidobacteria and total-acid anions accumulation, and develop a prediction equation for the maximum biomass concentration in the fed-batch culture at pH-controlled 7·0. The accumulation of acid anions and the consumption of nutrients of various strains were evaluated. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of acid anions on a range of strains were examined at pH 7·0. The inhibition of acid anions, which had the same MIC as sodium chloride, was due to the osmotic pressure under pH 7·0 conditions. Moreover, the concentration of total-acid anions completely inhibiting each strain in the fed-batch culture at pH-controlled 7·0 had no significant differences with the MIC of acid anions for the corresponding strains. The osmotic pressures under two conditions were not significantly different. Finally, the maximum biomass concentration of Bifidobacteria was found to be closely related to biomass yield per unit of acid anion produced (YX/P ) and MIC (C) which were needed for the prediction, and different strains exhibited marked correlation (P ˂ 0·01, R = 0·985). An equation for the prediction of the maximum biomass concentration was developed as follows: Xmax -X0  = (0·71 ± 0·03)·YX/P ·C.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides further insights into the inhibition of Bifidobacteria by dissociated acid anions (the dissociated form) at pH 7·0. The high correlation between different strains suggested that the equation established in this paper is appropriate for different strains of Bifidobacteria. The prediction equation could be used to guide practical production in the preparation of materials, the control of the end of fermentation and production plans for further products such as freeze-dried powder of Bifidobacteria or food fermentation.

[Synthesis of 6-benzyl-1-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione]

OBJECTIVE

To find the best synthesis method of 6-benzyl-1-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl) pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione e for observing the change of its biological activity after N-3 hydroxylation.

METHODS

After trying some N-hydroxylation methods, the target compound was successfully synthesized via one-pot oxidizing process by sodium hydride (NaH) and 3-chloroperbenzoic acid(m-CPBA); the anti-HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) activity and integrase (IN) activity of the target compound was assayed via enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA) and phosphorylation of DNA package method.

RESULTS

The target compound could be obtained through the improved m-CPBA oxidative method by only one step, and the yield of the reaction could reach 60%-70%. And the structure of this compound was identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS; The activity result showed it added the anti-HIV IN activity after N-3 hydroxylation as well as retained the anti-HIV RT activity.

CONCLUSION

The improved m-CPBA oxidative method is a convenient and efficient way to prepare the compound 6-benzyl-1-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione e which has both anti-HIV RT and IN activity.

Identification and analysis of the TIFY gene family in Gossypium raimondii

The highly conserved TIFY domain is included in the TIFY protein family of transcription factors, which is important in plant development. Here, 28 TIFY family genes were identified in the Gossypium raimondii genome and classified into JAZ (15 genes), ZML (8), PPD (3), and TIFY (2). The normal (TIF[F/Y]XG) motif was dominant in the TIFY family, excluding the ZML subfamily, in which TLSFXG was prevalent. TIFY family genes were unevenly distributed in the G. raimondii genome, with TIFY clusters present on chromosome 9. Phylogenetic analysis indicated abundant variations in the G. raimondii TIFY family, which were most closely related to those in Theobroma cacao among 5 species. Exon-intron organization and intron phases were homologous within each subfamily, correlating with their phylogeny. Intra-species synteny analyses indicated that genomic duplication contributed to the expansion of the TIFY family. Inter-species synteny analyses indicated that synteny regions involved in G. raimondii TIFY family genes were also present in the comparison of G. raimondii vs Arabidopsis thaliana or T. cacao, signifying that these genes had common ancestors and play the same or similar roles in biological processes. Greater synteny was present in the comparison of G. raimondii vs T. cacao than of G. raimondii vs A. thaliana. The expression patterns of TIFY family genes were characterized and most TIFY family genes were indicated to be involved in fiber development. Our study provides new data related to the evolution of TIFYs and their role as important regulators of transcription; these data can be useful for fiber development.

[Radiographic analysis of treatment of inter-trochanteric fractures using proximal femoral nails]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a reliable approach for measuring proximal femoral 3 dimensional anatomy, and to compare post-operative differences of proximal femoralanatomy in the inter-trochanter fractures with two kinds of antegrade nailings.

METHODS

Some computer assisted design (CAD) softwares, e.g. Mimics, were used to establish a reliable approach for measuring proximal femoral 3 dimensional (3D) anatomy. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test the reliability of intra- and inter-observers. The post-operative pelvic CT data of 19 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with InterTAN nailing and 21 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) were retrospectively analysed and used to measure bilateral proximal femoral anatomical parameters, including 2D and 3D femoral neck-shaft (NS) angle and femoral neck anteversion (NA) angle, and 2D and 3D anteversion angles of the intramedullary (IM) nailings. ICC was used to test the consistency of the NA angles in the different groups, and the paired student T-test was used to test the differences of the paired quantitative data.

RESULTS

The established measurement method hasdexcellent consistency within the intra- and inter-observers, with all the ICCs higher than 0.9. The paired student T-test showed no significant difference between the post-operative bilateral 2D or 3D NA angles. The ICCs results showed that there were no consistency between the post-operative bilateral 2D or 3D NA angles (P values were 0.099 and 0.055, respectively), but the excellent consistency between the 2D injured side NA angle and 2D IM nailing's NA angle, or between the 3D injured side NA angle and 3D IM nailing's NA angle (the ICCs were 0.81 and 0.8, respectively, P values < 0.001). In PFNA group, 57% of the differences between the 2D post-operative injured side's and intact side's NA angles were higher than 15°, which was more than 15.78% in InterTAN group. The paired student T-test showed no significant difference between the post-operative injured side's 2D or 3D NS angles and the intact side's respective 2D or 3D angles in PFNA group (P values were 0.925 and 0.367, respectively), but in InterTAN group, the post-operative injured side's 2D or 3D NS angles were significantly smaller than the intact side's respective angles (P values were 0.033 and 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

By analyzing and comparing bilateral proximal femoral anatomical parameters after two kinds of IM nailings procedures, the differences between the bilateral post-operative NA angles in PFNA group were significantly larger than those in InterTAN group. There was significant correlation between the NA angles of the injured sides and NA angles of IM nailings in both the groups.

5-Iodo-2-arylalkylthio-6-aryl pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones as non-nucleoside anti-HBV agents

Pyrimidone derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated as anti-HBV agents, in which two compounds exhibited more potent activity than lamivudine.

Development of 5Ns chromosome-specific SCAR markers for utilization in future wheat breeding programs

In previous studies, we developed a wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng disomic addition line 3-8-10-2, which exhibited high stripe rust resistance and could be used as a donor source for introducing novel disease resistance gene(s) into wheat in future breeding programs. It was identified using cytology, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), EST-SSR, EST-STS and morphological analyses. However, these techniques are not suitable for breeding programs that require the rapid screening of large numbers of genotypes because they are highly technical and time-consuming. In this study, three Ns genome-specific SCAR markers were developed via random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. These SCAR markers were further validated using a complete set of wheat-P. huashanica disomic addition lines, which segregated the 5Ns disomic addition line individuals. Our results indicated that the SCAR markers associated with the 5Ns chromosome of P. huashanica and they provide a low cost, high efficiency, alternative tool for screening 5Ns chromosomes in a wheat background. These newly developed SCAR markers that species-specificity of the markers was proved by analysis of a wide range of cereal species, and specific for 5Ns chromosome, which should be useful in marker-assisted selection for wheat breeders who want to screen genotypes that may contain 5Ns chromatin.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-arylalkylthio-5-iodine-6-substituted-benzyl-pyrimidine-4(3H)-ones as potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

A novel series of 2-arylalkylthio-5-iodine-6-substitutedbenzyl-pyrimidine-4(3H)-ones (S-DABOs) 8a-x had been synthesized via an efficient method. Their biological activity against HIV virus and RT assay were evaluated. Some compounds, especially 8h, 8l and 8n, displayed promising activity against HIV-1 RT with IC50 values in a range of 0.41 μM to 0.71 μM, which were much better than that of nevirapine. Molecular modeling studies revealed that the binding mode would be affected via forming an additional hydrogen bond by incorporating an oxygen atom on the C-2 side chain. The biological activity was in accordance with the docking results.

Cytogenetic and molecular identification of a wheat-Leymus mollis alien multiple substitution line from octoploid Tritileymus x Triticum durum

Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilger (NsNsXmXm, 2n = 28), a wild relative of common wheat, possesses many traits that are potentially valuable for wheat improvement. In order to exploit and utilize the useful genes of L. mollis, we developed a multiple alien substitution line, 10DM50, from the progenies of octoploid Tritileymus M842-16 x Triticum durum cv. D4286. Genomic in situ hybridization analysis of mitosis and meiosis (metaphase I), using labeled total DNA of Psathyrostachys huashanica as probe, showed that the substitution line 10DM50 was a cytogenetically stable alien substitution line with 36 chromosomes from wheat and three pairs of Ns genome chromosomes from L. mollis. Simple sequence repeat analysis showed that the chromosomes 3D, 6D, and 7D were absent in 10DM50. Expressed sequence tag-sequence tagged sites analysis showed that new chromatin from 3Ns, 6Ns, and 7Ns of L. mollis were detected in 10DM50. We deduced that the substitution line 10DM50 was a multiple alien substitution line with the 3D, 6D, and 7D chromosomes replaced by 3Ns, 6Ns, and 7Ns from L. mollis. 10DM50 showed high resistance to leaf rust and significantly improved spike length, spikes per plant, and kernels per spike, which are correlated with higher wheat yield. These results suggest that line 10DM50 could be used as intermediate material for transferring desirable traits from L. mollis into common wheat in breeding programs.

[Changes of endocrine and immune function in subjects of yang deficiency constitution]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of endocrine, cyclic nucleotide and immune systems in subjects of yang deficiency constitution, and to explore the relationship among characteristics and causes of yang deficiency constitution, the physiological and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

Based on the diagnostic criteria for the clinical epidemiological investigation, sixty subjects of yang deficiency constitution and fifty of normal constitution were selected. Eight milliliters venous blood were taken from overnight fasted subjects at 8:00-9:00. The sera were obtained by centrifugation of the blood at the speed of 3000 r/min for 5 minutes, and they were stored at -70 degrees C until use. The serum levels of corticosterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropic-stimulating hormone (TSH), interleukin-1beta and interleukin-2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the cAMP/cGMP ratio was also computed; and the differences of the above indexes were compared between the two types of subjects.

RESULTS

The serum levels of corticosterone, interleukin-1beta, TSH and cAMP/cGMP ratio of yang deficiency constitution significantly increased as compared with those of normal constitution, and the serum levels of cortisol, ACTH, cGMP and FT4 of yang deficiency constitution significantly decreased in comparison with those of normal constitution.

CONCLUSION

Subjects of yang deficiency constitution may be not only related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, but also related to the functional disorders of cyclic nucleotide and immune systems.

A novel SCAR marker for detecting Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng chromatin introduced in wheat

In this study, we cloned and sequenced a 938-base pair polymorphic band, pHs27, in the tightly linked random amplified polymorphic DNA marker OPU10 and converted it into a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker referred to as RHS141, which was specific for the Ns genome of Psathyrostachys huashanica. A GenBank basic local alignment search tool search showed that the sequence of pHs27 had no primary sequence homology with known sequences, and Southern blotting confirmed this result. This SCAR marker was used to detect Ns genome chromatin in wheat, and it was successfully amplified in P. huashanica itself, a complete set of wheat-P. huashanica disomic addition lines (1Ns-7Ns), and undetermined homoeologous group addition lines. This SCAR marker will be a powerful tool for the marker-assisted selection of P. huashanica chromosome(s) in a wheat background, and it should also allow wheat breeders to screen for the excellent traits found in P. huashanica chromatin.

[Influence of SGHWJN particles on mediators of inflammation in esophageal tissues of rat with reflux esophagitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of SGHWJN particles on inflammation and the mediators of inflammation in esophageal tissues of rat with reflux esophagitis.

METHOD

Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely, a control group, a sham-operated group, a model group, a SGHWJN particles group and a PPI group. Reflux esophagitis was induced by adopting partial pyloric ligation plus cardiomyotomy. One week later, the rats were orally administered twice daily for 28 days. Pathological changes of esophagus mucous membrane were evaluated by using HE staining and Harry S. Cooper's method in every groups. MDA and SOD contents in esophageal tissues were measured by colorimetric method. Expression of TNF-alpha in esophageal tissues were examined by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-FQ-PCR) with SYBR Green.

RESULT

Model group, esophageal inflammation scores, expression of TNF-alpha in esophageal tissues and MDA contents compared with the normal group and sham operation group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). SOD contents in the esophageal tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that of control group and sham-operated group (P < 0.05). SGHWJN particles group and PPI group of esophageal tissue inflammation scores, expression of TNF-a in esophageal tissues and MDA levels than those in model group decreased significantly (P < 0.05). SOD content was significantly higher than that of model group (P < 0.05), SGHWJN particles group and PPI group showed no statistically significant difference between the above-mentioned indicators. The above-mentioned indicators showed no statistically significant difference between the normal group and sham-operated group. MDA content and expression of TNF-alpha in esophageal tissue was positively correlated with inflammatory scores of model group (r = 0.813). Model group esophageal tissue SOD content and inflammation scores were negatively correlated (r = -0.847). Esophageal tissue SOD levels were negatively correlated with MDA levels (r = -0.863).

CONCLUSION

SGHWJN particles can effectively inhibit inflammation in rat with reflux esophagitis through regulating TNF-alpha, SOD and MDA.

Metformin mitigates the impaired development of skeletal muscle in the offspring of obese mice

Background: Maternal obesity is linked with offspring obesity and type 2 diabetes. Skeletal muscle (SM) insulin resistance is central to the development of diabetes. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is inhibited in SM of fetuses born to obese mothers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal metformin administration on AMPK activity and reversion of adverse changes in offspring SM of obese mice.

Design: Female weanling C57BL/6J mice received either control diet (CON, 6 mice) or high-fat diet (HFD; OB, 12 mice) for 8 weeks before mating. After mating, mice continued receiving their respective CON or OB diets. In addition, 6 of those 12 mice fed with fat diet also received metformin administration (2 mg per ml in drinking water) throughout gestation and lactation (MET). After weaning at postnatal 21 days, offspring were fed a HFD to mimic a postnatal obesogenic environment until necropsy.

Results: Mothers receiving the fat diet developed obesity. OB offspring showed higher adiposity than CON and MET offspring. AMPK phosphorylation was lower in SM of OB offspring. β-Catenin and myogenic regulatory factors, MyoD and myogenin, were downregulated in OB muscle, whereas the adipogenic marker, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, was upregulated compared with CON muscle. Metformin administration prevented these changes in OB offspring SM. OB but not MET offspring demonstrated glucose intolerance. Mitochondrial content decreased, and activities of citrate synthase and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase also decreased in OB offspring SM, whereas they were recovered in MET offspring SM.

Conclusion: Maternal metformin administration improves SM development in OB offspring.

Fetal muscle development, mesenchymal multipotent cell differentiation, and associated signaling pathways

Enhancing muscle growth while reducing fat accumulation improves the efficiency of animal production. The fetal stage is crucial for skeletal muscle development. Fetal muscle development involves myogenesis, adipogenesis, and fibrogenesis from mesenchymal multipotent cells (MC), which are negatively affected by maternal nutrient deficiencies. Enhancing myogenesis increases the lean-to-fat ratio of animals, enhancing intramuscular adipogenesis increases intramuscular fat that is indispensible for the superior eating properties of meat because fat is the major contributor to meat flavor. The promotion of fibrogenesis leads to the accumulation of connective tissue, which contributes to the background toughness of meat and is undesirable. Thus, it is essential to regulate MC differentiation to enhance lean growth and improve meat quality. To date, our understanding of mechanisms regulating the lineage commitment of MC is limited. In this review, we first discuss the impact of maternal nutrient deficiency on fetal development, offspring body composition, and meat quality. Because maternal nutrition affects fetal muscle through altering MC differentiation, we then review several important extracellular morphogens regulating MC differentiation, including hedgehog, Wingless and Int (Wnt), and bone morphogenic proteins. Possible involvement of epigenetic modifications associated with histone deacetylases class IIa and histone acetyltransferase, p300, in MC differentiation is also discussed.

A safety assessment of a fowlpox-vectored Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine in chickens

A recombinant fowlpox virus vaccine expressing key protective Mycoplasma gallisepticum antigens could facilitate in the prevention both of fowlpox virus and M. gallisepticum infections. Vectormune FP-MG vaccine, a recombinant fowlpox virus expressing both M. gallisepticum 40k and mgc genes, was assessed for its safety in 8-wk-old specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens. The vaccine virus was serially passaged 5 times by wing-web inoculation. Based on the postinoculation clinical observation, gross pathological examination of air sacs and peritoneum, genetic stability evaluation, virus shedding and tissue distribution detection, horizontal transmission ability determination, and protection against fowlpox virus challenge, the Vectormune FP-MG vaccine possesses a high level of safety.

Mouse AMP-activated protein kinase gamma3 subunit R225Q mutation affecting mouse growth performance when fed a high-energy diet

The Rendement Napole (RN) genotype widely exists in Hampshire pigs. Recently, RN gene was identified as a R200Q mutation in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) gamma3 subunit. The effect of RN genotype on the growth performance of animals and the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Using transgenic mice carrying an analogous R225Q mutation, the objective of this study was to study the role of RN gene in the growth performance of animals at different energy levels. Wild-type (WT) mice and those with the RN mutation were assigned to 4 groups: 1) WT plus normal diet, 2) RN plus normal diet, 3) WT plus high-energy diet, and 4) RN plus high-energy diet. Mice were weaned at 21 d old and fed the trial diets for 1 mo and then killed for carcass measurements. The pH of postmortem muscle from RN mice was less (P < 0.01) than that from WT mice. No difference in growth performance was observed when mice were fed a normal diet. When fed a high-energy diet, RN mice showed a greater fat accumulation (WT vs. RN, 1.11 vs. 1.63 g for gonadal fat and 1.40 vs. 1.84 g for subcutaneous fat; P < 0.05). Muscle weight was also increased (WT vs. RN, 0.27 vs. 0.30 g for gastrocnemius muscle; P < 0.05). The food consumption was greater in RN compared with WT mice (2.95 vs. 2.49 g; P < 0.05). The AMPK content and its downstream target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), content were greater in RN mice (P < 0.05). The phosphorylation of ACC at Ser 79, a site exclusively phosphorylated by AMPK, was increased (P < 0.05), showing greater AMPK activity in RN mouse muscle. No difference in muscle fiber composition and mitochondrial content was observed between WT and RN mice. High fat diet downregulates protein kinase B but upregulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling. In conclusion, the R225Q mutation has no major effect on the growth performance of animals fed a normal diet; a high-energy diet increased fatness in RN mice, likely due to their greater consumption of feed compared with WT mice.

Two types of human malignant melanoma cell lines revealed by expression patterns of mitochondrial and survival-apoptosis genes: implications for malignant melanoma therapy

Human malignant melanoma has poor prognosis because of resistance to apoptosis and therapy. We describe identification of the expression profile of 1,037 mitochondria-focused genes and 84 survival-apoptosis genes in 21 malignant melanoma cell lines and 3 normal melanocyte controls using recently developed hMitChip3 cDNA microarrays. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of 1,037 informative genes, and 84 survival-apoptosis genes, classified these malignant melanoma cell lines into type A (n = 12) and type B (n = 9). Three hundred fifty-five of 1,037 (34.2%) genes displayed significant (P ≤ 0.030; false discovery rate ≤ 3.68%) differences (± ≥ 2.0-fold) in average expression, with 197 genes higher and 158 genes lower in type A than in type B. Of 84 genes with known survival-apoptosis functions, 38 (45.2%) displayed the significant (P < 0.001; false discovery rate < 0.15%) difference. Antiapoptotic (BCL2, BCL2A1, PPARD, and RAF1), antioxidant (MT3, PRDX5, PRDX3, GPX4, GLRX2, and GSR), and proapoptotic (BAD, BNIP1, APAF1, BNIP3L, CASP7, CYCS, CASP1, and VDAC1) genes expressed at higher levels in type A than in type B, whereas the different set of antiapoptotic (PSEN1, PPP2CA, API5, PPP2R1B, PPP2R1A, and FIS1), antioxidant (HSPD1, GSS, SOD1, ATOX1, and CAT), and proapoptotic (ENDOG, BAK1, CASP2, CASP4, PDCD5, HTRA2, SEPT4, TNFSF10, and PRODH) genes expressed at lower levels in type A than in type B. Microarray data were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. These results showed the presence of two types of malignant melanoma, each with a specific set of dysregulated survival-apoptosis genes, which may prove useful for development of new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention and novel diagnostic biomarkers for treatment and prognosis of malignant melanoma.

[Study on depressant effects of THPS on S180 tumor-bearing-mice and its mechanisms]

OBJECTIVE

to study depressant effect of total hedysarum polybotys saccharids (THPS) on S180 tumor-bearing-mice and its mechanisms.

METHODS

THPS was extracted from Radix Xedysari with water and precipitated with ethanol, determining its molecular weight, purity, saccharide and aldonic acid content. 90 Kunming mice were divided into 9 groups randomly. One group was the normal group, the others were divided into 8 groups randomly after inculating S180 tumors and were treated with THPS and THPS combination cyclophosphamide (CY) in low, moderate and high dose, to put them to death after 14 days. To determine every tumor weight, the rate of depressant tumor, the contents of IL-2 and TNF-alpha with ELISA, and NF-kappaB with immunochemistry.

RESULTS

The moderate dose THPS conspicuously possessed a depressant effect on S180 tumor and joint action with combination CY and increased the contents of IL-2, TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB of mice.

CONCLUSION

THPS of moderate dose possesses a depressant effect on S180 tumor through increasing the contents of IL-2, TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB of mice.

[Erythrocyte immunologic function effects of Patrinia scabra extracts by macroporous adsorptive resins on mice burdened transplanted tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To research the erythrocyte immunoregulation effects of Patrinia scabra extracts by macroporous adsorptive resins on mice burdened transplanted tumor.

METHODS

Extracts of Patrinia scabra Bunge were separated by macroporous adsorptive resins, ingredients were analysised. Mice burdened transplanted tumor were given extracted drugs. Life prolongation rate was observed, erythrocyte immunologic function and the CD35, CD44s contents of red blood cell were evaluated.

RESULTS

Polysaccharide and saponin accounted for 8.4% and 48.4%. Extracts could porolong life expectancy of mice, improve erythrocyte immunolgic function and increase the CD35 and CD44s contents of red blood cell.

CONCLUSION

Extracts of Patrinia scabra Bunge by macroporous adsorptive resins have erythrocyte immunoregulation effects on mice burdened transplanted tumor.

Candida albicans THI13 disruption affects production of monocytic cytokines

INTRODUCTION

The Candida albicansTHI13 gene was identified by its homology to the Candida tropicalis CtNMT1 gene, which is involved in pyrimidine precursor biosynthesis.

METHODS

Disruption of THI13 revealed that this gene played a minor role in thiamin biosynthesis in C. albicans. Purified human monocytes were incubated with C. albicans at the optimal Candida: monocyte ratio of 0.5 and cytokines in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This experiment showed that the wild-type strain significantly induced interleukin-10 (IL-10) production but had little effect on IL-12 production, and that THI13 mutants had no significant effect on IL-10 production, though the IL-12 level was increased in the supernatants. These results suggest that THI13 is involved in the host effective immune response by regulating IL-10 and IL-12 production.

[Effects of Patrinia scabra bunge macroporous adsorptive resins extracts on erythrocyte immune function in tumor bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the erythrocyte immuno-regulatory effect of Patrinia scabra Bunge extracts extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins in tumor bearing mice.

METHODS

Patrinia scabra Bunge was extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins, and the amount of polysaccharides and saponins in the extract were determined. Mice bearing S180 tumor were treated with the extract and their survival prolongation rate, erythrocyte rosette formation rates of C3b receptor (ERR-CR), immune complex (ERR-IC) and tumor cell (ERR-TC), as well as the CD35 and CD44s were observed.

RESULTS

Polysaccharide content was 21.4%, saponin 41.8% in the extract. As compared with the model group, the survival rate was increased, the erythrocyte immune function was improved (showed increase of ERR-CR and ERR-TC, decrease of ERR-IC), and the amount of CD35 and CD44s in red blood cell membrane increased in mice after being treated with the extract (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Extract of Patrinia scabra Bunge extracted by macroporous adsorptive resins can regulate the erythrocyte immune function to a certain extent.

[Some recognition and thinking on the development of integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine]

By confronting the opportunity and challenge of integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM), in this paper, a comprehensive retrospective summary and preliminary discussion was given in aspects of the concept, historical background, acquired fruits, existing problems as well as the developing direction in the future and how to carry out academic researches of ICWM.

Gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in rat brain after implantation of 9L rat glioma cells

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have come to be highlighted by their close relation to the cell invasion of gliomas. The inhibitors of MMPs have undergone extensive development because of its effectiveness against tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Therefore, a suitable animal model is necessary for searching new MMPs inhibitors against gliomas. In this study, we established an experimental model by implanting 9L glioma cells stereotactically into Fisher344 (F344) rat's brain, and the expression and enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 9L glioma cells and in tumor tissue was determined by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) zymography, in situ film zymography and immunostaining. The results of RT-PCR showed that the mRNA level of MMP-2 in 9L glioma cells was higher than that of MMP-9, and the mRNA expression of MMP-9 was increased along with the growth of malignant gliomas. SDS-PAGE zymography revealed that the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly increased in tumor tissues, and the MMP-9 wasn't detected in normal tissue. The positive stain of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was enhanced with the growth of malignant gliomas, especially for MMP-9. The expression of active gelatinase was found in tumor tissue. In conclusion, the expression of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 was increased in 9L/F344 rat brain during the growth of malignant gliomas at different time intervals, which indicate that 9L/F344 animal model may be a prospective animal model to test new MMPs inhibitors.