A66G and C524T polymorphisms of the methionine synthase reductase gene are associated with congenital heart defects in the Chinese Han population

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects; genes involved in homocysteine/folate metabolism may play important roles in CHDs. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is one of the key regulatory enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. We investigated whether two polymorphisms (A66G and C524T) of the MTRR gene are associated with CHDs. A total of 599 children with CHDs and 672 healthy children were included; the polymorphisms were detected by PCR and RFLP analysis. Significant differences in the distributions of A66G and C524T alleles were observed between CHD cases and controls, and slightly increased risks of CHD were associated with 66GG and 524CT genotypes (odds ratios = 1.545 and 1.419, respectively). The genotype frequencies of 524CT in the VSD subgroup, 66GG and 524CT in the PDA subgroup were significantly different from those of controls. In addition, the combined 66AA/524CT, 66AG/524CT and 66GG/524CT in CHDs had odds ratios = 1.589, 1.422 and 1.934, respectively. Increased risks were also observed in 66AA/524CT and 66GG/524CT for ASD, 66AG/524CT for VSD, as well as 66GG/524CT for PDA. In conclusion, MTRR A66G and C524T polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of CHDs.

Common ABCB1 polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to infantile spasms in the Chinese Han population

Infantile spasms are a severe epileptic encephalopathy with a variety of etiologies that occur in infancy and early childhood. Subjects with infantile spasms are at a higher risk for evolving into intractable epileptic spasms, tending to be refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Genetic polymorphisms of the P-glycoprotein-encoding gene ABCB1 are suspected to be associated with pharmacoresistance phenotypes in epilepsy patients. Conflicting findings have been reported in different populations; few studies have explored whether this apparent association is affected by other host factors, such as specific epilepsy syndrome. We performed a case-control study to determine whether the risk of infantile spasms is influenced by common ABCB1 polymorphisms in a Han Chinese children's population consisting of 91 patients and 368 healthy individuals. DNA was isolated from whole blood, and three genetic polymorphisms (C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T) were assayed by PCR-RFLP. There were significant differences in the distributions of 3435TT [P = 0.001; odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44-4.27] and 3435CT [P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.15-0.54] genotypes between infantile spasm cases and controls. No significant differences were observed in allelic and haplotypic frequencies of ABCB1 polymorphisms between the two groups. This study demonstrated that variations in the C3435T gene play an important role in the pathogenesis of infantile spasms in the Han Chinese population; 3435TT is associated with increased risk of having this epilepsy syndrome.

Low-level persistence of human papillomavirus 16 DNA in a cohort of closely followed adolescent women

Most human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in young women become undetectable by standard assays after a few months. It is possible that many HPV infections do not actually clear, but persist at very low levels for years, becoming detected again later in life. The purpose of this study is to describe HPV 16 clearance, reappearance, and low-level persistence in a cohort of adolescent women. Adolescent women (N = 66), not vaccinated against HPV, were recruited from 1998 to 2008 into a longitudinal study. Self-collected vaginal samples were obtained quarterly and tested for HPV by Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test (LA-HPV). To explore low-level persistence, a type-specific nested PCR for HPV 16 (TSN-PCR-16) was developed. Women with HPV 16 detected by LA-HPV had their negative swabs retested with TSN-PCR-16. Forty-two participants with HPV 16, followed for a mean of 6.3 years, were analyzed. Using LA-HPV, the median duration of HPV 16 detection was 428 days (SD 852.5 days). TSN-PCR-16 detected HPV 16 during periods of LA-HPV non-detection in samples from many women. Using a combination of LA-HPV and TSN-PCR-16 results, the median duration of HPV 16 detection was 1,022.5 days (SD 943.7 days). The durations of detection differed significantly between the two methods (P = 0.0042) with a mean difference of 434.5 days. In adolescent females, duration of HPV 16 detection was significantly longer when TSN-PCR-16 was combined with LA-HPV. Some apparently cleared HPV 16 could be shown to persist at low levels using nested PCR.

Differential effects of anti-metastatic mechanism of Tian-Xian liquid (TXL) and its bioactive fractions on human colorectal cancer models

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate and compare the anti-metastatic mechanism of Tian-Xian liquid (TXL) and its bioactive components namely butanol (BU), ethyl-acetate (EA) and aqueous (WA) fractions on human colorectal cancer in vitro (HT-29 cancer cells) and in vivo (nude mouse xenografts).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-proliferative effects of TXL and its bioactive components in HT-29 cells were determined by MTT assay. Their modulations on the potential angiogenic and metastatic marker expressions on HT-29 cells and xenografts were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blot at transcriptional and translational levels, respectively. For the in vitro study, migration abilities of HT-29 cells were determined using wound healing assay. For the in vivo study, daily measurements of the tumor size and volume of the xenografts were also performed.

RESULTS

TXL, BU, EA and WA effectively inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC(50) value of TXL on HT-29 cells was obtained after incubation with 1% (v/v) TXL for 4h; whereas IC(50) values were obtained for the following bioactive components: BU at 1.25% (v/v); EA at 5% (v/v); and WA at 0.3125% (v/v). It was found that 1% (v/v) TXL significantly down-regulated MMP2 and MMP7 expression at both transcriptional and translational levels and it reduced MMP9 and VEGF protein expression in vitro. TXL decreased the metastatic ability of HT-29 cells as demonstrated by wound healing assay. TXL and its bioactive fractions caused no significant changes in the body weight indicating lack of toxicity to the xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, TXL multi-targeted to down-regulate the metastatic markers in both in vitro and in vivo models. However, the effects of its bioactive fractions were not obvious. This study profoundly elucidated the anti-proliferative mechanism of TXL, which is vital for the development of future anti-cancer regime in Chinese medicinal formulations.

Human papillomavirus detection and typing in thin prep cervical cytologic specimens comparing the Digene Hybrid Capture II Assay, the Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping Assay, and the Kurabo GeneSquare Microarray Assay

Three methods for the detection of HPV DNA were compared in cervical cytologic specimens: the Digene Hybrid Capture II Assay (HC), the Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping Assay (LA) and the Kurabo GeneSquare Microarray (GS). The main goals of the study were to correlate cytology with HPV detection and to determine agreement between assay pairs for HPV detection. Thin-prep Pap smears were performed and supernates were tested by HC, LA, and GS. For specimens reacting with the HPV 52/33/35/58 probe in the LA assay, type-specific PCR was performed for HPV types 52, 33, 35, or 58. Binomial proportions and kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement between assays. Cytology results and supernatant were available for 202 subjects. HPV detection increased with worsening cytologic abnormality in all three assays. For all cytologic groups, LA and GS detected more HPV (all and oncogenic) than HC. However, for detection of oncogenic HPV types represented in all three assays, differences between assays were less pronounced. The highest agreement was between LA and GS. In four of 12 specimens reacting with the HPV 52/33/35/58 probe in the LA assay but deemed HPV 52-LA-negative using an algorithm provided by the manufacturer, the presence of HPV 52 was confirmed using type-specific HPV 52 PCR. All four of these specimens were also GS-positive for HPV 52.

Curcumin inhibits cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and BT-483 breast cancer cells mediated by down-regulation of NFkappaB, cyclinD and MMP-1 transcription

Curcumin, an active constituent of turmeric, has been shown to possess inhibitory effect of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis towards a board range of tumors. Cell inhibition activities of curcumin are behaved differently in various cell types. To investigate the mechanism basis for the cell inhibition of curcumin on breast cancer cell lines, we examine curcumin effect on NFkappaB, cell cycle regulatory proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT-483). Cell proliferation was performed by water soluble tetrazolium WST-1 assay. The effect of curcumin's on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-1, 3, 9 were analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell cycle regulatory protein including cyclin D1, CDK4 and p21 were examined by immunochemistry. The expressions of NFkappaB in breast cancer cells treated with curcumin were studied by immunochemistry and western blot. The results from WST-1 cell proliferation assay showed that curcumin exhibited the anti-proliferation effect on MDA-MB-231 and BT-483 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In response to the treatment, while, the expression of cyclin D1 had declined in MDA-MB-231 and the expression of CDK4 in BT-483 had declined. MMP1 mRNA expression in BT-483 and MDA-MB-231 had significantly decreased in curcumin treatment group compared with control group. Our finding extrapolates the antitumor activity of curcumin in mediating the breast cancer cell proliferative rate and invasion by down-regulating the NFkappaB inducing genes.

Inhibition of autophagy induced by overexpression of mda-7/interleukin-24 strongly augments the antileukemia activity in vitro and in vivo

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24) is a novel candidate of tumor suppressor that can selectively induce apoptosis experimentally in a spectrum of human cancer cells including leukemia cells. However, a recent study suggests that mda-7/IL-24 promotes the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia B-cells. In this study, we showed that mda-7/IL-24 was constitutively expressed in leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia samples. Using a conditionally replicating adenovirus expressing mda-7/IL-24 (ZD55-IL-24), we showed that enforced expression of mda-7/IL-24 in leukemia cells induced autophagy, which was triggered by the upregulation of Beclin-1. Immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation studies suggested that mda-7/IL-24 protein interacts with Beclin-1. Class III PI3K/Beclin-1 complex was shown involved in the mda-7/IL-24-induced autophagy. Moreover, autophagy inhibition by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, resulted in a reduced Beclin-1 expression and autophagosome formation associated with significantly enhanced cell death. Importantly, the combination of ZD55-IL-24 with wortmannin elicited a strongly enhanced antileukemia efficacy in established leukemia xenografts. These results suggest that mda-7/IL-24-induced autophagy in leukemia cells may provide survival advantage and mda-7/IL-24 combined with agents that disrupt autophagy is a promising new strategy for the treatment of leukemia.

Efficacy and safety of catnip (Nepeta cataria) as a novel filth fly repellent

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is known for its pseudo-narcotic effects on cats. Recently, it has been reported as an effective mosquito repellent against several Aedes and Culex species, both topically and spatially. Our laboratory bioassays showed that catnip essential oil (at a dosage of 20 mg) resulted in average repellency rates of 96% against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) and 79% against houseflies, Musca domestica (L.), respectively. This finding suggested that the application of repellent could be used as part of filth fly management. Further evaluations of catnip oil toxicity were conducted to provide a broad-spectrum safety profile of catnip oil use as a potential biting and nuisance insect repellent in urban settings. Acute oral, dermal, inhalation, primary dermal and eye irritation toxicity tests were performed. The acute oral LD(50) of catnip oil was found to be 3160 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 2710 mg/kg BW in female and male rats, respectively. The acute dermal LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg BW. The acute inhalation LD50 was observed to be > 10,000 mg/m3. Primary skin irritation tested on New Zealand white rabbits showed that catnip oil is a moderate irritant. Catnip oil was classified as practically non-irritating to the eye. In comparison with other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin and p-menthane-3,8-diol), catnip oil can be considered as a relatively safe repellent, which may cause minor skin irritation.

Anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative effects of cherries on Freund's adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of anthocyanins from cherries on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats.

METHODS

Arthritis was induced intradermally by injection with 0.1 mL of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the right hind footpad of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Anthocyanins at 40, 20 and 10 mg/kg (body weight) were administered orally to the treated rats for 28 days after the injection. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in serum and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in paws were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and anti-oxidative effects was assayed by measuring total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum.

RESULTS

Anthocyanins at 40 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of TNFalpha in serum and PGE2 in paws, simultaneously improving the anti-oxidative status of AIA. We found that at this dosage T-AOC was potentized, the activity of SOD increased and the level of MDA in serum decreased. However, anthocyanins at 20 and 10 mg/kg had less effect on the inflammatory factors and anti-oxidative capacity of AIA.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthocyanins have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects on AIA.

Therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 319 recipe on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of severe liver damage that occurs in many patients with chronic liver diseases. TCM 319 recipe is a Chinese Medicine formula which consists of six Chinese herbs. In this study, we investigated the anti-fibrotic efficacy and mechanisms of TCM 319 recipe.

METHODS

Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). 34 male adult SD rats were allocated into five groups (group 1-concomitant CCl4 and TCM 319 recipe for 8 weeks; group 2-CCl4 for 4 weeks and then CCl4 and TCM 319 recipe for 4 weeks; group 3-CCl4 alone for 8 weeks; group 4-TCM 319 recipe only for 8 weeks; group 5-untreated controls). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum ALT assay, liver tissue histological examination and immunostaining were carried out to examine the liver function and fibrosis degree. The expression levels of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-B), PDGF-Rbeta, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

TCM 319 recipe reduced liver injury and attenuated hepatic fibrosis in group 1 compared with that in group 3. TCM 319 recipe suppressed the mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). In addition, treatment with TCM 319 recipe significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of PDGF-B and PDGF-Rbeta, and it also suppressed protein expression of PDGF-Rbeta and TGF-beta1.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM 319 recipe extracts could attenuate hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. The anti-fibrotic effect of TCM 319 recipe is associated with the down-regulation of mRNA expression of TIMP-1, PDGF-B and PDGF-Rbeta, and with the suppression of protein expression of PDGF-Rbeta and TGF-beta1.

Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhodiola algida, an herb ingredient used in Chinese medicine, has been clinically proven to be effective in enhancing human immune responses.

AIM OF STUDY

This study attempted to identify the potential immunomodulatory effect of Rhodiola algida extract in human immune system in vitro, and to examine its underlying molecular effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the bioactive marker compound salidroside was used for standardization of Rhodiola algida extract by reversed-phase HPLC. Secondly, the regulation of human immune responses was investigated in human peripheral blood monocytes. A series of cytokines known to play important roles in the human immune responses were examined.

RESULTS

The current study provided quantitative assay for the marker compound, salidroside, in the Rhodiola algida extract for ensuring the quality consistency of Rhodiola algida used in the following experiments. Biological assay indicated that Rhodiola algida stimulates human peripheral blood lymphocytes and its underlying immunomodulatory effects probably through its regulation of IL-2 in Th1 cells and IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 in Th2 cells.

CONCLUSION

The findings may enable us to further explain the pharmacological properties in Chinese medicine and make Rhodiola algida a very promising immunomodulating agent.

Coping styles and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer

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Background: The psychological outcomes of men with advanced cancer may vary based upon their appraisal and response to the threat of cancer. Coping styles in other illnesses are influenced by gender and stage of disease, but little is known specifically about men with advanced cancer. Methods: We recruited 81 men with advanced cancer to complete surveys assessing coping (Mini-MAC), post-traumatic growth (PTGI), and psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Psychological outcomes and coping styles were determined with means, and percentages above established cutoff points. Relationships were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The mean HADS anxiety and depression scores were 5.4 and 4.0, respectively. Fourteen men (17%) scored 8–10 and 8 (10%) scored ≥11 suggesting an anxiety state and disorder, respectively. Eight men (10%) had scores suggesting a depressive state and 4 (5%) a depressive disorder. Greater helplessness/hopelessness and anxious preoccupation scores were correlated with greater anxiety (r =.54, p<.0001; r =.66, p<.0001) and depression scores (r =.43, p<.0001; r=.47, p<.0001). Greater fighting spirit correlated with less anxiety (r =-.26, p=.018) and less depression (r = -.42, p < .0001) and with increased post-traumatic growth in the form of new possibilities (r = .26, p = .020), personal strength (r = .33, p = .003), and the total PTGI score (r = .23, p = .043). Greater fatalism was associated with lower total distress measured by the total HADS score (r = -.24, p = .032), and marginally so when assessed separately for anxiety (r = -.22, p = .052) and depression (r = -.21, p = .056). In addition, greater fatalism was significantly associated with greater post-traumatic growth in all five areas assessed by the PTGI subscales (.27 < r < .36; .001 p < .032). Conclusions: As expected men with advanced cancer report anxiety and depression. Coping styles were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic growth.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effect of coping styles on the psychological impact of discussing life expectancy for men with advanced cancer

9615

Background: Discussions of life expectancy between men and oncologists are limited, in part, because of the potential adverse effect on psychological outcomes. However, appraisal of the cancer threat may enhance coping and improve psychological outcomes for some men with advanced cancer. Methods: We recruited 81 men with advanced cancer to complete surveys including coping (Mini-MAC), post-traumatic growth (PTGI), psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Men and oncologists rated extent of discussions about life expectancy. Moderation was assessed with regression interactions and follow-up within group Pearson correlations. Results: Men reported a full (33%), brief (41%), or no (26%) discussion of life expectancy. Concordance was low. Only 23 (28%) agreed with oncologists about the extent of discussion. Among the 34 oncologists who reported having a full discussion, 16 (47%) of their patients reported having a brief discussion and 8 (24%) reported no discussion. Men who reported having a full discussion had significantly lower depression scores (mean = 2.8) than those who reported a brief or no discussion (mean = 4.6; p=.018). As expected, the extent of discussion moderated some of the relationships between coping style and outcomes. Helpless-hopeless coping was associated with greater depression only among patients who reported a full or brief discussion of life expectancy (n=61, r=.56, p<.0001). Interestingly, greater fatalism was associated with greater PTGI spiritual change among men who reported no or brief discussions (n = 54, r = .39, p = .004) and greater PTGI personal strength (n = 20, r = .63, p = .003) and PTGI appreciation of life (n = 20, r = .62, p = .003) among men who reported no discussion compared to men with full and brief or full discussion, respectively. Conclusions: Most men and oncologists reported discussions of life expectancy but there was little agreement on extent. Full discussions were not associated with depression; however this effect was moderated by coping styles.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preoperative cetuximab and radiation (XRT) for patients (pts) with surgically resectable esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas: A pilot study from the Hoosier Oncology Group and the University of Texas Southwestern

4557

Background: Pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgical resection is a standard treatment option for pts with resectable esophageal or GE junction (GEJ) carcinomas (CA). Cetuximab, when combined with XRT is effective treatment for locally advanced cancers of the head and neck. We conducted this study to evaluate this regimen in pts with esophageal and GEJ CA. Methods: This is a single arm, open label pilot study combining cetuximab with XRT for pts with resectable esophageal and GEJ CA. The primary objective is to determine the pathologic complete response rate (pCR) (null hypothesis: p=0.20; alternative hypothesis: p=0.35) and determine the feasibility and toxicity of this regimen when given prior to esophagectomy. Key eligibility criteria are: squamous cell (SC)or adenoCA of the esophagus or GEJ, ECOG PS 0–2, clinical stage II -IVa, and eligible for esophagectomy. Pts received a loading dose of cetuximab at 400mg/m2 2 weeks prior to XRT, then weekly at 250 mg/m2 starting one week prior to XRT until completion of 50.4 Gy XRT. After satisfactory recovery, pts had esophagectomy. Results: Patient characteristics (n=40): median age 65 years (range, 54–82); 92% male; PS 0/1 63%/32%; esophageal/GEJ 65%/35%; adenoCA/SC 78%/22%; 36 pts have completed cetuximab and radiation and 26 pts have undergone esophagectomy. Of the 26 pts that have undergone esophagectomy, 13 obtained a pCR. 5/13 SC had pCR and 8/13 adenoCA had pCR. 10 pts did not undergo surgery for various reasons including disease progression (n=7), AE unrelated to treatment (n=2), and personal decision to forgo esophagectomy (n=1). 4 patients are still completing cetuximab/XRT. The most common G3 adverse event was rash (56%). Other G3 toxicities were infrequent and included dysphagia (6%), infection (6%), and GI bleed (3%). There have been no treatment or surgery related deaths. Conclusions: Cetuximab and XRT results in pCR's in pts with esophageal and GEJ CA (rate of pCR 13/36), including patients with either SC or adenoCA histologies. G3/4 toxicities, including dysphagia were generally uncommon. Further study of this combination prior to esophagectomy is warranted.

[Table: see text]

Relationships among patient-level factors, religious coping, use of complementary and alternative medicine, and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer

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Background: Religious coping and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are two resources frequently used to manage distress associated with advanced cancer. However, the relationships among these coping strategies and psychological outcomes in men with advanced cancer are not well studied. We hypothesized that patient-level factors (e.g., demographics, personality) would predict religious coping and CAM use, which would then predict psychological outcomes. Methods: 81 men with advanced cancer were recruited from oncology clinics for this cross-sectional study. Patients completed surveys which included demographic questions, personality measures (Adult Hope Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised), CAM use, religious coping (Brief R-COPE), and psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic growth as the criterion variables. Results: Higher anxiety scores were predicted by more negative RC (β = 0.50, p = .002), hope-pathways (β = 0.37, p = .033), and less hope-agency (β = -0.55, p = .002). Depression was predicted by lower hope-agency (β = -0.48, p = .021) and less education (β = -0.37, p = .044). Greater post-traumatic growth was predicted by greater positive RC (β = 0.54, p = .003). CAM use did not predict any psychological outcomes. Greater positive RC was predicted by less education (β = -0.39, p = .025). More negative RC was predicted by lower optimism (β = -0.43, p = .006). CAM use was predicted by greater hope-pathways (β = 0.42, p = .046). Conclusions: Religious coping, but not CAM use, was associated with psychological outcomes. Positive RC predicted greater growth, whereas negative RC predicted greater anxiety. Psychological outcomes were related to patient-level factors including hope and education. However, the two dimensions of trait hope had opposite effects. Higher hope-agency predicted less anxiety and depression, whereas higher hope-pathways predicted greater anxiety. These relationships merit further investigation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A novel mechanism: Erxian Decoction, a Chinese medicine formula, for relieving menopausal syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many clinical and experimental reports demonstrated that Erxian Decoction (EXD) was effective in relieving menopausal syndrome.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The mechanisms of action of EXD were explored on the endocrine and antioxidant regimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Menopause causes a decline in both endocrine function and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In this study, 12-month-old female Sprague-Dawley-rats (SD-rats) with a low serum estradiol level were employed. Their endocrine functions after treatment with EXD were assessed by the determination of their serum estradiol level and ovarian mRNA levels of aromatase, which is a key enzyme for biosynthesis of estradiol. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) in the liver were also determined to assess the effect of EXD on the antioxidant regimen.

RESULTS

Results revealed a significant elevation in serum estradiol level and the mRNA level of ovarian aromatase and liver CAT in the EXD-treated menopausal rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from mRNA and estradiol level of the present investigation revealed that the EXD relieves the menopausal syndrome involved an increase of endocrine and antioxidant function through, at least, the activation of aromatase and CAT detoxifying pathways.

Evidence for gene recombination in FCGR3 gene variants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The genes encoding the Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR) IIIa and IIIb (FCGR3A and FCGR3B) are clustered on chromosome 1 band q23-24 and exhibit allelic polymorphism. We investigated the molecular basis of additional new FCGR3 genomic variation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A segment shared by FCGR3A and FCGR3B containing the polymorphic nucleotide positions 141, 147, 227, 266, and 277 in exon 3 was cloned and sequenced from genomic DNA of 30 donors and 3 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. A mixture consisting of isolated FCGR3B*2- and FCGR3A- plasmids was cloned and sequenced as well. Additionally, nucleotide databases were screened for clones with variant FCGR3 sequences.

RESULTS

A total of 12 FCGR3 variants defined by the polymorphic positions were detected in whole blood genomic DNA from 23 of 24 FCGR3B*2 and/or FCGR3B*3 positive donors, the DNA from two of three BAC clones and in the DNA mixture of isolated FCGR3B*2- and FCGR3A- plasmids.

CONCLUSION

Nucleotide exchanges of the variants were non-random and resulted from two alternative nucleotides present in one of the polymorphic position of the basic FCGR3 forms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) artefacts cannot be excluded as origin of new variants, but there is strong evidence that at least two variants are the result of a somatic recombination.

A giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region: case report

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon benign tumours and seldom extend into the middle cranial fossa. This is a case report of a giant facial nerve schwannoma extending from the middle cranial fossa to the mastoid region, which was successfully removed using combined interdisciplinary subtemporal and transmastoid approaches. Complete resection of the tumour was the optimal therapy for this patient because the facial nerve had been severely destroyed by the tumour. The clinical presentation, histological features, radiological findings and management of this case, as well as the relevant literature, are presented.

Treatment of menopausal symptoms with Er-xian decoction: a systematic review

The purpose of this systemic review is to assess the efficacy of Er-xian decoction (EXD), a formula of Chinese medicine, in relieving menopausal symptoms. Seven databases were extensively retrieved. The Chinese electronic databases include VIP Information, CBMdisc, and CNKI. The English electronic databases include AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE. Randomized controlled trials using EXD as a main intervention were included in the study selection. The quality of studies was assessed by Jadad scale and the criteria referred in Cochrane reviewers' handbook. Two independent reviewers were responsible for data extraction and assessment. Discrepancies were rectified referring to the original articles. The efficacy of EXD treatment for menopausal symptoms was evaluated by meta-analysis. There were 154 articles retrieved according to the search strategy, 677 participants involved in the 5 studies that satisfied the selection criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that administration of EXD significantly relieved at least one menopausal symptom when compared to the control group at a 95% confidence interval (p<0.01). The curing effect of EXD with all symptoms relieved was significant as compared with the control groups (p<0.01). The results also indicated that the efficacy of EXD was better than the other non-menopausal hormone therapy (p<0.01), while there was no significant difference between the EXD and menopausal hormone therapy groups. The EXD is effective in treating menopausal symptoms. However, owing to the low quality of the investigated studies, more randomized controlled trials are needed before evidence-based recommendation regarding the effectiveness of EXD in the management of menopausal symptoms can be provided.

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 regulates Aurora kinase A activity

Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1), a transforming gene highly expressed in several cancers, is a mammalian securin protein regulating both G1/S and G2/M phases. Using protein array screening, we showed PTTG1 interacting with Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A), and confirmed the interaction using co-immunoprecipitation, His-tagged pull-down assays and intracellular immunofluorescence colocalization. PTTG1 transfection into HCT116 cells prevented Aurora-A T288 autophosphorylation, inhibited phosphorylation of the histone H3 Aurora-A substrate and resulted in abnormally condensed chromatin. PTTG1-null cell proliferation was more sensitive to Aurora-A knock down and to Aurora kinase Inhibitor III treatment. The results indicate that PTTG1 and Aurora-A interact to regulate cellular responses to anti-neoplastic drugs. PTTG1 knockdown is therefore a potential approach to improve the efficacy of tumor Aurora kinase inhibitors.

Oxidative stress in Chinese patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

The cellular mechanisms of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) are poorly understood and there is little information on the onset of blindness and neurological degeneration. Here we define the relationship between oxidative stress and LHON pathogenicity at the cellular level. Venous blood was obtained from 14 patients with LHON, 21 asymptomatic maternal relatives and 30 normal individuals (controls). The level of free radicals in blood was assessed as luminol luminescence immediately and at 10 min after addition of phytohaemagglutinin. In LHON patients and their asymptomatic relatives, free radicals increased significantly immediately after adding phytohaemagglutinin compared with baseline and normal controls. After 10 min, however, there were no significant differences between and within the groups. These results suggest that the antioxidant capacity is reduced in the blood of patients with LHON and in asymptomatic relatives, and that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of LHON.