[Effects of XW630 on mechanical properties and trabecular structure parameters of bone tissue in ovariectomized rats]

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed at investigating the effects of a new anti-osteoporotic drug, XW630 on promoting the osteogenic activity of bone tissue in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six female SD rats, three months old, were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated group (sham), the ovariectomized group (OVX), the esterone-therapy group (OVX + CFT) and the XW630-therapy group (OVX + XW630). Three rats in each group were killed on the 30th, 60th, and 90th day after the operation. The femur of one side was taken for the three-point bending resistance test, and the bilateral tibias were taken for the HE stain and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) examination.

RESULTS

The HE and SEM results indicated that the bone loss appeared in the OVX group 30 days after the operation, which lasted for the whole observing period. While after application of ester-one and XW630, there were different degrees of bone repairing around the trabeculae, and the osteogenic activity was obviously active in the XW630 group than that in the esterone group. During the experimental period, the three-point bending resistance of the OVX group gradually decreased and there was a significant difference compared with that of the sham group (P < 0.01), while the three-point bending resistance of the two therapy group gradually increased and there was significant difference between the OVX group and the XW630 group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

XW630 can effectively promote osteogenic action and prevent osteoporostic fracture in ovariectomized rats.

[Regulation of XW630 on TGF-beta 1 and collagen I gene expression in osteoblasts]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this part of study was to investigate the mechanism of a new anti-osteoporotic drug, XW630 on promoting osteogenic activity.

METHODS

Total RNA were isolated from osteoblasts of the mice after the reaction with XW630 in 24 and 72 hours, that were hybridized with the extracted and digoxigenin-labeled TGF-beta 1 and the collagen I cDNA probes.

RESULTS

XW630 significantly promoted TGF-beta 1 and collagen I gene expression in osteoblasts, and this drug was superior than other two kinds of estrogen in promoting osteogenic activity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

XW630 promote osteogenic activity of osteoblasts, probably by enhancing the mRNA expression of TGF-beta 1 and collagen I.

Contribution of individual sorbents to the control of heavy metal activity in sandy soil

A multisurface model is used to evaluate the contribution of various sorption surfaces to the control of heavy metal activity in sandy soil samples at pH 3.7-6.1 with different sorbent contents. This multisurface model considers soil as a set of independent sorption surfaces, i.e. organic matter (NICA-Donnan), clay silicate (Donnan), and iron hydroxides (DDL, CD-MUSIC). The activities of Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+ in equilibrium with the soil have been measured using a Donnan membrane technique. The metal activities predicted by the model agree with those measured reasonably well over a wide concentration range for all the metals of interest except for Pb. The modeling results suggest that soil organic matter is the most important sorbent that controls the activity of Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ in these sandy soils. When metal loading is high in comparison with soil organic matter content, the contribution of clay silicates to metal binding becomes more important. Adsorption to iron hydroxides is found not significant in these samples for Cu, Cd, Zn, and Ni. However, for Pb the model estimates strong adsorption on iron hydroxides. The model predicts that acidification will not only lead to increased solution concentrations but also to a shift toward more nonspecific cation-exchange type binding especially for the metals Cd, Zn, and Ni. Lowering the pH has led to a loss of 56% of Cd, 69% of Zn, and 66% of Ni during 16 years due to increased leaching.

[Clinical study on women with amenorrhea after levonorgestrel intrauterine system]

OBJECTIVE

To study the 5 years contraceptive efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the ovarian functions in amenorrhea women.

METHODS

LNG-IUS and TCu 380A IUD were randomly inserted in 2 groups of women, 50 each. Women were followed annually for 5 years. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), and T levels in 14 women with amenorrhea, and endometrial biopsies were obtained in 9 cases.

RESULTS

By the end of 5 years, there were 2 pregnancies in TCu 380A group, but none in LNG-IUS group; and 24 amenorrhea cases in LNG-IUS. The 5 year cumulative continuation rates were 24% for LNG-IUS and 78% for TCu 380A (P < 0.001). In the 14 women with amenorrhea, the average serum concentrations were not significantly different from that of the normal controls. Histological study showed endometrial atrophy or a few secretory glands.

CONCLUSIONS

LNG-IUS is a highly effective and safe contraceptive measure. Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea caused by the local effects of LNG were reversible and did no harm to women's health. However, comprehensive consultation provided to women before insertion is of utmost importance for continuation use.

Di-mu-phenylthio-bis[bis(eta5-methyl-cyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran)-lanthanum(III)] bis(tetrahydrofuran) solvate

The title complex, [La(2)(C(6)H(7))(4)(C(6)H(5)S)(2)(C(4)H(8)O)(2)].2C(4)H(8)O, is a centrosymmetric dimer bridged through the S atoms of the benzenethiolate ligands. The bridging La(2)S(2) unit is completely planar, while the geometry around the nine-coordinate La atom is that of a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The La-S-La and S-La-S angles are 117.51 (4) and 62.5 (1) degrees, respectively, and the average La-S bond length is 2.9759 A. The crystals contain two tetrahydrofuran solvate molecules for every complex molecule.

[Study on weekly low doses of mifepristone for contraception]

OBJECTIVE

To study whether weekly low dose of mifepristone (5 mg or 10 mg) is sufficient to prevent pregnancy.

METHODS

Thirty-nine women were randomly allocated to take mifepristone 5 mg (group A) or 10 mg (group B) doses once weekly starting on cycle day 2-3. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined by enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels by radioimmunassay (RIA). Serum mifepristone concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Morphometric analyses and progesterone receptor (PR), Dolichus biflorus agglutinin (DBA-lectin) and integrin alpha v beta 3 of endometrium were also measured.

RESULTS

There were 4 pregnancies out of 64 cycles in group A, and 3 out of 68 cycles in group B. Normal LH and FSH peak could be detected in the first treatment cycles, LH peak appeared on 15-17 d. The concentrations of P were (51.93 +/- 7.91) nmol/lL and (69.00 +/- 21.29) nmol/L in group A and B respectively. The average level of E2 was (407.81 +/- 89.27) pmol/L in group A, and (557.85 +/- 204.69) pmol/L in group B. Serum mifepristone level could be detected within 36 hours. The PR concentration in endometrium decreased significantly, but not of DBA-lectin, integrin alpha v beta 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of mifepristone 5 mg or 10 mg once weekly does not inhibit ovulation completely. The follicular phase prolonged slightly, and E2 levels were low following treatment. The endometrium showed delayed development. The clinical contraceptive effectiveness needs to be improved.

PTEN induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through phosphoinositol-3-kinase/Akt-dependent and -independent pathways

The tumour suppressor PTEN inhibits cell growth through multiple mechanisms. We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of PTEN in MCF-7 breast cancer cells causes G(1) arrest followed by cell death, the latter of which is believed to be mediated by the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt/PKB pro-apoptotic pathways. In this present study, we show that culture in the presence of low levels of growth factors increased PTEN-mediated growth suppression through the enhancement of PTEN-induced cell death. The caspase 9-specific inhibitor, ZVAD, blocked PTEN-induced cell death without altering the effect of PTEN on cell cycle distribution. Depending on the level of expression, overexpression of dominant-negative Akt induces more cell death and has less effect on the cell cycle or induces similar or decreased cell death without affecting the cell cycle compared with effects on cell death and the cell cycle when overexpressing PTEN. These observations in sum suggest that, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the apoptotic cells induced by the overexpression of PTEN did not derive from the G(1)-arrested cells. Further, the effect of PTEN on cell death is mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway whereas PTEN-mediated cell cycle arrests are through PI3K/Akt-dependent and -independent pathways.

[Alloreactive helper T cell responses in kidney transplant patients]

OBJECTIVE

To study allo-specific immune responses of CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (Th) in patients with long-term and well-functioning renal grafts.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 16 patients with long-term (3-15 years) and well-functioning live-related renal grafts. Donor-specific Th precursor (Th-p) frequencies in the PBMC were determined by limiting dilution analysis(LDA).

RESULTS

Eight out of the 16 patients showed donor-specific hyporesponsiveness. Donor-specific Th-p from the other 8 patients was susceptible to anti-CD4 inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Some of the patients carrying long-term and well-functioning renal grafts had become immunologic tolerant to donor cells. Donor-specific Th-p from patients who did not show donor-specific hyporesponsiveness were of low avidity type.

[Immobilization osteoporosis and fracture in children]

This study was intended to enhance the diagnostic vigilance of immobilization osteoporosis with fracture and explore its prevention and treatment. Thirteen children with the hip disease underwent one to nine months of plaster cast after operation. A retrospective analysis was made on these 13 patients with fracture and immobilization osteoporosis. The result showed that disuse fracture occurred in fifteen places of their femora. All of these cases were cured by non-operative and drug treatment. These data suggest that for the cases of immobilization osteoporosis it is important to prevent fracture by means of early diagnosis, proper drugs, early function exercise, appropriately shorter period of fixation and the avoidance of trauma.

The monoclonal antibodies 18d7/91f2 recognize a receptor regulatory protein on mouse bone marrow stromal cells

Two monoclonal antibodies 18D7 and 91F2 were developed by immunizing rats with the mouse bone marrow-derived osteogenic cell line MN7. Hybridomas secreting rat antibodies against MN7 cell surface markers were selected by flow cytometry analysis. Both the monoclonal antibody 18D7 and the monoclonal antibody 91F2 are directed against the same cell surface antigen present on MN7 cells. Here, we report on the immunopurification of the 18D7/91F2 antigen and its identification as the prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor regulatory protein (FPRP). FPRP is expressed as a single messenger RNA (mRNA) of approximately 6 kilobases (kb) in MN7 cells and is differentially expressed in developing osteogenic cultures of bone marrow cells of the mouse. However, addition of the monoclonal antibodies 18D7 and 91F2 to these cultures did not inhibit bone formation in vitro. Both monoclonal antibodies reacted with mouse stromal cell lines established from bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and mandibular condyles. Immunohistochemical analysis of mature tibia of mice using the monoclonal antibody 18D7 revealed the presence of a distinct population of bone marrow cells close to trabecular and endosteal bone surfaces. In the central bone marrow, hardly any positive cells were found. In 17-day-old fetal mouse radius 18D7 immunoreactivity was restricted to cells in the periosteum in close vicinity to the bone collar. Mature osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, growth plate chondrocytes, and mature macrophages were all negative. Taken together, these results suggest that FPRP plays a role in the osteogenic differentiation process.

Significant frequencies of T cells with indirect anti-donor specificity in heart graft recipients with chronic rejection

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether T cells with indirect allospecificity could be detected in heart transplant recipients with chronic rejection.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Human T-cell clones were used to determine the most effective way to deliver major histocompatibility complex alloantigens for indirect presentation. Seven allograft recipients with evidence of progressive, chronic rejection were selected. Four heart graft recipients with no evidence of chronic rejection were used as controls. Peripheral blood T cells and antigen-presenting cells from the recipients were cultured with frozen/thawed stored donor cells or major histocompatibility complex class I-derived synthetic peptides in limiting dilution cultures and then compared with controls using tetanus toxoid and frozen/thawed third-party cells with no human leukocyte antigens in common with the donor. In 5 of 7 patients analyzed who had chronic rejection, elevated frequencies of T cells with indirect, anti-donor specificity (iHTLf) were detected. No such elevated iHTLf were detected in recipients without chronic rejection.

DISCUSSION

iHTLf can be obtained from human transplant recipients, which supports the contention that the indirect pathway is involved in chronic transplant rejection.

[Comparison on efficacy in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B between Astragalus Polygonum anti-fibrosis decoction and jinshuibao capsule]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of Astragalus-Polygonum Anti-Fibrosis Decoction (APAFD) and Jinshuibao capsule (JSBC) in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Ninety-two liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B patients were randomly divided into group A and B. Patients in group A received APAFD for 48 weeks, and in group B, they received JSBC for 48 weeks. The effects were observed on the change of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), pro-collagen III (PCIII) and collagen IV (CIV) as well as liver functional tests and liver biochemical parameters before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Levels of serum HA, LN, PCIII and CIV in the group A declined more obviously than that of group B, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). The liver functional tests such as total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin/globulin ratio, hepatitis related serum biochemical parameters such as cholylglycine (CG), serum ferritin (SF), prealbumin (PA) of group A all were improved more significantly than that of group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

APAFD is more effective than JSBC in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B, and in the inhibition of hepatic inflammation, it is a good composite Chinese herbal preparation against liver fibrosis.

[Evaluation for biocompatibility of poly-(3-hydroxypropyl)-DL-aspartamide]

To evaluate the biocompatibility of poly-(3-hydroxypropyl)-DL-aspartamide(PHPA), we utilized the laboratory methods, including subcutaneous implantation, histological examination, blood biochemical and micronucleus test. Histological examination revealed a nonspecific foreign body reaction around the PHPA and a slight inflammation around the small blood vessels of the liver on the 13th day, but all these reactions diminished or disappeared gradually after 34 days of implantation. The structures and functions of liver and kidney were normal. The results indicate that PHPA possesses a good nature in biocompatibility.

Effects of XW630 on bone formation in ovariectomized rats and in human osteoblast-like cells

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of XW630 on bone formation in overiectomized (OVX) rats and in human osteoblast-like cell line TE85.

METHOD

Bone histomorphometric analysis was performed with undecalcified bone sections and tetracycline intraperitoneally labeling.

RESULTS

Compared with that of OVX rats, the static data of trabecular bone volume (TBV)/total tissue volume (TTV), TBV/sponge bone volume (SBV) and mean trabecular plate density (MTPD) were enhanced while mean trabecular plate spacing (MTPS) decreased after treated with XW630 for 13w. The dynamic data of single-labeled surface [Sfract(s)], double-labeled surface [Sfract(d)], Sfract(d+1/2s), trabecular osteoid surface (TOS) and bone formation rate in tissue level (Svf) were increased and osteoid maturation period (OMP) shortened in XW630 group. In osteoblast-like cells, both 3H-thymidine incorporation and cell count increased after treated with XW630 for 48. Treated with XW630 for 12 approximately 18h, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and cGMP content increased in time-dependent manners.

CONCLUSIONS

XW630 enhanced bone activation frequency and increased trabecular connectivity, stability, and strength. The cellular mechanism related to effects of XW630 on bone formation in ovariectomized rats.

[Delineation of 6q deletions in breast carcinoma cell lines by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To detect and delineate 6q deletions in ten breast carcinoma cell lines.

METHODS

Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) with 37 YAC probes hybridizing from 6q12 to 6q27 and a centromeric probe of chromosome 6 as internal control.

RESULTS

In five cell lines, large deletions extending from 6q12 to 6q27 were found, while a small deletion involving 6q25-6q27 was identified in one cell line. In two cell lines containing different cell populations, deletions of 6q occurred in cells with polysomy 6, but not in cells with disomy 6. In addition, an overpresentation of 6q21-q22.2 was detected in one cell line.

CONCLUSION

6q25-q27 seems to be the commonly deleted region in breast cancers and 6q deletions might be secondary changes.

Antigen recognition influences transendothelial migration of CD4+ T cells

The functional significance of MHC class II expression by vascular endothelial cells remains obscure. In this study the possibility that Ag presentation by endothelial cells (EC) influences T cell transmigration, facilitating the recruitment of Ag-specific T cells into tissues, was investigated. The frequencies of T cells with specificity for an HLA-DR alloantigen, or for the recall Ag tetanus toxoid (TT), were measured in peripheral blood CD45RO+ (memory) CD4+ T cells before and after transmigration through gamma-IFN-treated EC monolayers. Frequencies of anti-DR17, IL-2-secreting T cells were fourfold higher in the T cells that transmigrated through a monolayer of DR17-expressing EC. Similar increases were seen in TT-specific, DR7-restricted T cells that transmigrated through TT-pulsed, DR7-expressing EC. To examine more directly the effects of cognate recognition of Ag presented by EC, T cell clones were used. For clones that proliferated in a costimulation-independent manner to Ag presented by EC, cognate recognition arrested transmigration. In contrast, Ag presentation by EC to B7-dependent T cell clones, which do not proliferate following cognate recognition of EC, enhanced the rate of transendothelial migration. These data suggest that Ag presentation by EC may serve to augment the recruitment of Ag-specific T cells into tissues and that proliferation and transmigration are mutually exclusive T cell responses.

[Effects of the new compound-XW630 on osteoblast]

This study aimed to observe the influence of the new compound-XW630 on the proliferation of osteoblast, ALP action, and the forming of osteoclast. The MTT method and the alkaline phosphatase method were adopted to investigate the influence of XW630 on ALP action and the proliferation of osteoblast cultured from grown rat's skull. The Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase dyeing method was used to observe the influence of XW630 on forming of cultured osteoclast in vitro. The result showed that, when XW630 concentration was 10(-6)-10(-8) mol/L, it obviously enhanced the proliferation of osteoblast and improved the activity of ALP, and it evidently provented PTH from stimulating the forming of osteoclast. It is concluded that XW630 is obviously effective for stimulating the proliferation of cultivated osteoblast in vitro and for inhibiting the forming of osteoclast.

[The estrogenic activities of 2-[3-estrone-N-ethyl-piperazine-methyl]tetracycline(XW630)--a new compound with anti-osteoporosis activity]

2-[3-Estrone-N-ethyl-piperazine-methyl] tetracycline (XW630) showing anti-osteoporosis activity is a new compound with piperazine-tetracycline in the steroid structure of estrone. The affinity of XW630 with uterine estrogen receptor and its estrogenic activity were studied in this paper. The relative affinities of estrone, estradiol and XW630 with estrogen receptor (ER) of the uterine myoma tissues were found to be 0.325, 1.000 and 0.011, respectively, by the competitive assay. The estrogenic activity index of estrone, estradiol and XW630 were shown to be 9.70, 10.30 and 6.90, respectively, by the uterine weight assay using immature mice. These indexes indicate that: the estrogenic activity of XW630 is about 1/1960 that of estrone and 1/7742 that of estradiol. The vaginal smear assay of oophorectomized mice also showed that the estrogenic activity of XW630 is less than that of estrone and estradiol.

[Bio-mechanical property changes of long bone in ovariectomized goats]

This paper presents the biomechanical property changes of long bone in goats at 180 days after ovariectomy. 10 female goats at the age of 1.5 +/- years(average body wight 22 kg) were randomly divided into the control group and ovariectomized group. These goats were sacrificed at 180 days after ovariectomy and the femora, tibiae, metatarsus, humeri, radius and metacarpus were taken out bilaterally. The structural mechanical properties of these bones were measured with the three-point bending method. The material mechanical properties of flexura, compress and tensile in the compact bone specimens taken from the two broken ends were also measured. The results showed that the bone density, bone thickness in broken ends, and the break load of three-point bending for the long bones in the OVX group were obviously lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). And compared with the control group all the long bones in the OVX group, except the femur, had significantly lower ultimate bending strength, bending elastic modulus; ultimate flexural strength, flexural elastic modulus; ultimate compressing strength, and compressing elastic moduus. Some long bones in the OVX group had significantly decreased ultimate tensile strength (P < 0.05). These indicated that the mechanical properties of long bone in OVX group at 180 days after ovariectomy were reduced in varying degrees and were liable to fracture. This result is in accord with the clinical findings in osteoporosis resulting from post-menopausal estrogen fall and is also consistent with the osteoporotic model of ovariectomized rats. The authors conclude that the bone biomechanical properties are important parameters in assessing osteoporosis and the ovariectomized goat can possible be a good big animal model of osteoporosis.

[Synthesis and antiosteoporosis activity of steroid-bisphosphonate compounds]

Bisphosphonate have bone-seeking affinity, some of them are used as drugs for osteoporosis. Steroidal hormones are often used in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In order to search for bone-targeted leading compounds with high affinity and low toxicity, seven steroid-bisphosphonate compounds were synthesized. These compounds were found to promote bone formation in bone cell culture.