New potential photodynamic therapeutic anti-cancer agents: synthesis and characterization of demethoxy amino-substituted hypocrellins

A novel method was used to obtain demethoxy amino-substituted hypocrellin derivatives. The reaction condition was mild and amino substitution occurred at position 2 or 11 of hypocrellins with high yield. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the amino-substituted hypocrellins derivatives were investigated, and their significantly enhanced red absorptivities and strong active oxygen-generating functions qualified them as promising photodynamic therapeutic anti-cancer agents.

[A study on the anti-metastatic effects of CD3Ak cells in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether cancer draining lymph node lymphocytes activated by CD3 McAB in vitro have anti-tumor effects in vivo.

METHODS

Nude mice with highly metastatic human ovarian cancer were treated with CD3 McAB activated killer cells (CD3AK) from human ovarian cancer draining lymph node lymphocytes. 31 experimental nude mice were divided into 4 groups; the cisplatin group (7 mice), the CD3AK cells group (7 mice), the combined treatment group (7 mice), and control group (10 mice). Treatment began on the 10th day after tumor transplantation for a total of 80 days.

RESULTS

The transplanted tumors disappeared in 1 mouse of CD3AK group, significant difference in the anti-metastatic effect was found between the CD3AK group (2/7 mice with metastasis) and the control group (8/10 mice with metastasis). Significant difference in average tumor volume was found between the CD3AK group (0.5788 +/- 0.2549) and the control group (1.5685 +/- 0.283). The tumor growth inhibition rate reached 63.1% in the CD3AK group. Significant difference in the serum level of progesterone was found between the CD3AK group (3.3843 +/- 0.5314) and the control group (6.3480 +/- 0.7615). Significant difference in the histiocyte increase in the lymph node sinuses was found between the CD3AK group (59/69) and the control group (55/94).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CD3AK cells appear to be effective in tumor growth inhibition, anti-metastasis and enhancing host immunologic function.

[The study of E-cadherin expression on injury and repair of epithelium of respiratory tract in smoking mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of smoking on E-cadherin (E-cd) expression of injury and repair of respiratory tract epithelium by observation of dynamic expression of E-cd on epithelial cells of respiratory tract in smoking mice.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry SP technique was used to examine E-cd expression on epithelial cells of respiratory tract in smoking mice of different stages and dosages and the morphological changes observed by light and electron microscopy respectively.

RESULTS

Four and twelve weeks after smoking, the E-cd expression in the epithelial cells was significantly down-regulated compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Morphologically, the intercellular junction was loose, and the epithelial cells were injured and proliferated on the same time. Eight weeks after smoking, however, the E-cd expression was not different from that of the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking is able to cause wavy change of the E-cd expression on the epithelial cells which may play an important role in the injury and repair of the epithelial cell of the respiratory tract.

[Studies on anti-inflammatory and immune effects of moxibustion]

An animal model of adjuvant arthritis in rats was established, and the effects of anti-inflammatory and immune regulation of moxibustion at "Shenshu" point were investigated. The results showed that it could lighten a local inflammatory reaction, eliminate swelling of the metatarsal and reduce it's girth, prevent or reduce the polyarthritises, maintain the weight and shorten the course of the disease. The results also showed that moxibustion could recover and promote the effects of the Concanavalin A (ConA) inducing splenic lymphocyte proliferation in rats, promote interleukin 2 (IL-2) production, decrease IL-1 contents. The indexes mentioned above were significantly different as compared with contral group. Above results indicated that moxibustion had directly anti-inflammatory and subsidence of swelling effects, through enhancing the ability of immune response the immune functions were lightened and regulated. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory and immune and anti-allergy effects of body were enhanced.

[Study on in situ expression of type I and III procollagen mRNAs in different parts of keloid and normal skin]

OBJECTIVE

Based on the histomorphologic differences of three parts of keloid, i.e., invasive, proliferative and senile regions, the study was carried out to explore the differences of expression of type I and type III procollagen mRNAs in the three different parts of keloid and normal skin.

METHOD

Four samples of keloid from four patients and two samples of normal skin were collected. The expression of pro alpha 1 (I) and pro alpha 1 (III) procollagen mRNAs in keloid and normal skin was investigated by in situ hybridization techniques.

RESULT

Both type I and III procollagen mRNAs levels increased in keloid, especially type I, resulting in elevated ratios of type I to III procollagen mRNA. In keloid, expressive intention of type I and type III procollagen mRNAs was higher in the papillary layer than in the reticular layer. Also the expressive intention of type I and type III in keloid was higher in invasive and proliferative regions than in the senile region. However, expressive intention of type I and type III procollagen mRNAs in the invasive region of keloid was similar to that in the proliferative region.

CONCLUSION

The differences of expression of type I and type III procollagen mRNAs in different pathological regions of keloid and normal skin is one cause of forming different pathological regions in keloid.

[Biomechanical observation on unstable intertrochanteric fracture fixed by 130 degrees angled-plate]

We examined the stability of unstable intertrochanteric fracture fixed by 130 degrees angled-plate biomechanically, and the stress distribution of the plate. The results showed that after 300 times circle-loading test, the fracture stability was destroied. Stress concentration was observed on the plate, which was aggravated by circle-loading test. These confirmed the inproper biomechanical stature of the plate. Referring to the clinical review, we conclude that using angled-plate to fix unstable intertrochanteric fracture hardly yields satisfactory results, at least, early wight-bearing exercise should not be promoted.

[Study on type I and type III procollagen mRNA and in situ collagen proteins expressions in hypertrophic scars after intralesional Kenalog treatment]

OBJECTIVE

This is to investigate the mechanism of effects of Kenalog on type I and III collagen syntheses and degradation in hypertrophic scars.

METHODS

Intralesional injection of Kenalog was performed on 6 patients with hypertrophic scars. On the 3rd day and 7th day after the treatment, 6 samples from the 6 patients each were collected and type I and III collagen proteins and in situ procollagen mRNA expressions were studied by means of immunohistochemistry and molecular biology.

RESULTS

On the 7th day after intralesional injection of Kenalog, type I collagen proteins reduced (P < 0.05) and type III collagen proteins did not reduced significantly (P > 0.05). On the 3rd day after intralesional injection of Kenalog, both type I and type III procollagen mRNA expressions were significantly inhibited and on the 7th day both procollagen mRNA expressions decreased further.

CONCLUSIONS

Intralesional Kenalog may inhibit type I procollagen mRNA expression more than type III. Gene expressive intensions of type I and III procollagen were higher in hypertrophic scars than in normal skin.

[Preliminary analysis of genetic characteristics of the nonstructural protein NSP4 of rotavirus strains with different serotypes in China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the genotypes and genetic variations of nonstructural protein NSP4 of rotavirus strains with different serotypes in China.

METHODS

NSP4 cDNA of the four serotypes G1, G2, G3 and G9 were cloned and sequenced by SILVER SEQUENCE DNA Sequencing System.

RESULTS

The identity of the nucleotide and amino acid were 78.8%-93.5%, 83.0%-95.5%, respectively. NSP4 from strains G1, G3, G9 all fell into Wa allele, while that of G9 fell into KUN allele. Some variations of the amino acids were observed localizing at the position of 135-145 in the VP4 binding domain.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the two alleles Wa and KUN are the major prevalent NSP4 genotypes in China.

[Effects of oxidized LDL, hypoxia, and 5-hydroxytryptamine on 5-HT2A receptor and intracellular free Ca2+ in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms of this hyperreactivity, the effects of oxLDL, hypoxia, and 5-HT (the relative factors inducing arteriosclerosis) on 5-HT2A receptor, receptor gene expression and intracellular free Ca2+ were observed in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC).

METHODS

ASMC underwent 50 micrograms/ml oxLDL 8 hours, 2% hypoxia 24 and 48 hours, 10 mumol/L 5-HT 30 min. 5-HT2A receptor, 5-HT2A receptor mRNA and [Ca2+]i of ASMC were estimated by radiobinding assay, RT-PCR and Southern blot method, and confocal laser scanning mode separately.

RESULTS

After oxLDL, hypoxia, 5-HT pretreatment, 5-HT2A receptor of ASMC showed significant up-regulation. Both 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression and 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i of ASMC increased markedly after oxLDL, hypoxia pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

5-HT2A receptor up-regulation and cell [Ca2+]i increase of ASMC induced by oxLDL, hypoxia, and 5-HT may play a role in vascular hyperreactivity induced by 5-HT in atherosclerosis arteries.

[Investigation of group A rotavirus infection in several cities in China and prevalence of VP7 serotype]

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of Group A rotavirus infection in China.

METHODS

374 samples from infants with diarrhea were collected from six cities (Beijing, Shenyang, Xinxiang, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou) in autumn and winters of 1997 and/or 1998. The incidence of rotavirus infection and the prevalence of the four dominant serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4(VP7 serotype) were detected by PAGE and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Of the 374 samples detected, 181 were rotavirus positive. The positive rate was 48.4%, ranging from 32%-63% in different cities. The positive rates between 1997 and 1998 in Beijing and Shanghai were similar. Serotyped by RT-PCR method based on VP7 sequence, the positive rates of type G1, G2, G3 and G4 was 89.5%, 6.1%, 2.8% and 0, respectively. Two cases were found being coinfected with G1 and G2, and one case was confirmed to be infected with G9 by cDNA sequence analysis. There was a little difference in prevalence of G type rotavirus infection among samples from different cities and different years.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that rotavirus was the most important etiologic agent in this country, and the predominant serotypes were G1, G2 and G3.

[The influence of somatostatin 14 on the proliferation of human retroocular fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the possible mechanism of Somatostatin 14 in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy, thus providing laboratory data with the intent to underpin therapeutic developments.

METHODS

The human retro-ocular fibroblasts (HROFb) was cultured and MTT colorimetry assay was used to determine the proliferation of HROFb.

RESULTS

MTT colorimetry assay could precisely reflect the proliferation of HROFb. The absorbance was directly proportional to the numbers of the cells (r = 0.996, P < 0.001). Somatostatin 14 could enhance the cell proliferation percentage at lower levels (< 25 nmol/L) and inhibit that at higher levels (> 25 nmol/L). The cell proliferation correlated positively to Somatostatin 14 levels significantly (r = -0.9054, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Somatostatin 14 has a dual effect on HROFb.

Human neutrophil lipocalin: normal levels and use as a marker for invasive infection in the newborn

AIM

To evaluate human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) as a marker of neonatal invasive infection and determine the normal serum levels of HNL in newborns.

METHODS

HNL is released from neutrophil granulocytes and is regarded as a specific marker of neutrophil activity. In 81 newborns < or = 28 d of age with signs of infection on a total of 87 occasions, HNL and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at inclusion and on the three following days. As controls, term healthy newborns were recruited at birth (cord blood, n = 45) and at ages 3-5 d (n = 46). Serum HNL was measured by a radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

25/87 episodes were classified as infection and 62 as non-proven infection. HNLmax was significantly higher in the infected group (mean 587.6 microg/l) than in the non-proven infected group (mean 217.7 microg/, p < 0.001). HNL peaked at inclusion, 1 d earlier than CRP. In the healthy controls. HNL was the same at 3-5 d of age as at birth (mean 82.4-81.7 microg/l) and similar to normal adult levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The release of HNL is not increased in healthy newborns at birth, but neonatal neutrophils rapidly release HNL upon microbial stimulation in vivo. HNL might be useful as an early marker of neonatal infection.

[The design of a reflection sensor of NIRS tissue oximetry]

A design of the reflection light-electric Sensor suited to monitoring the statues of tissue blood oxygen on the surface of body is described. The designed sensors have been used too to detect blood oxygen statues of brain and muscle respectively, and many useful informations have been acquired Therefore The above-mentioned design is reasonalle and Feasikle.

O-191 Endometriosis is associated with a lowered cumulative live birth rate by alters the macrophage polarization and the cytokine concentrations in follicular fluid

Study question

The impact of endometriosis on the outcomes of ART is still ambiguous and the mechanism by which endometriosis impacts fertility has not been fully elucidated

Summary answer

Endometriosis was associated with low CLBR in IVF, which might be due to the change of follicular microenvironment and compromising the quality of embryos.

What is known already

Despite the great advantages of IVF treatment in endometriosis-linked infertility, the impact of endometriosis on outcomes of infertility management with ART is controversial and few studies focused on the association between endometriosis and CLBR. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed in an effort to delineate the multifaceted pathophysiology that induces impairment of reproductive dynamics in patients with endometriosis. Reactive oxygen species, dysregulation of the immune system and cellular architectural disruption constitute the crucial mechanisms that detrimentally affect oocyte and embryo developmental potential. 

Study design, size, duration

This study retrospectively included 433 patients with endometriosis and 1299 patients with tuber factor infertility to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on IVF pregnancy outcome between January 2016 and December 2018.The basic study prospectively recruited 30 patients with ovarian endometriosis and 35 controls with tubal factor infertility to analyze polarization stage of macrophages in their follicular fluid, and another 20 females with ovarian endometriosis and 30 controls to detect cytokines in their FF. 

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Data on all women undergoing fresh or frozen IVF treatment cycles were analysed to compare the CLBR between endometriosis and tuber factor infertility patients. A cytometry panel of 4 antibodies (CD45, CD3, CD80, CD163) was designed to enumerate the numbers of MI and MII macrophages from the cell sediment from FF samples. Quantibody® array was utilized to determine the concentration of 10 cytokines in FF, including IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10,IL-13,IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and TNF-α. 

Main results and the role of chance

The results showed that patients with endometriosis were associated with noticeably fewer retrievable oocytes, a lower oocyte maturity rate, decreased numbers of available and high-quality embryos (all p &lt; 0.001) in comparison with the control group. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rate of the endometriosis group were lower in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles (p = 0.028 and p = 0.008, respectively), which leading to a declined cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated a close association between endometriosis and low CLBR (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the numbers of type I and type II macrophages in follicular fluid (FF) of patients with ovarian endometriosis were significantly increased compared with the control group (p &lt; 0.001). The expressions of IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-10 in FF were higher in endometrioma group(p &lt; 0.05). The increased expression of cytokines was negatively correlated with embryo outcomes, including the numbers of total oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, and fertilized oocytes, and the numbers of high-quality blastocysts and embryos. Additionally, IL-6 and IL-8 were positively correlated with AMH, rate of available blastocysts, number of blastocysts formed and available blastocysts, but were negatively associated with rate of MII oocytes. 

Limitations, reasons for caution

The present study being of a retrospective and monocentric study, may not come to a very convincing conclusion, and some unknown biases might still exist due to possible underestimation of some confounders.

Wider implications of the findings

Collectively, our results indicate that endometriosis does adversely affect pregnancy outcomes of ART, as women with endometriosis produce a lower quantity of oocytes and embryos. Moreover, endometriosis might play a role in oocyte or embryo outcomes via regulating the production of cytokines or the number of immune cells in FF. 

Trial registration number

no

P-620 Hormone replacement therapy with GnRH agonist pretreatment improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous intrauterine adhesions

Study question

Is there an optimal endometrial preparation protocol of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) for patients with history of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs)?

Summary answer

Hormone replacement therapy with GnRH agonist pretreatment (HRT+GnRHa) is superior to conventional HRT protocol to improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with IUAs.

What is known already

FET follow hysteroscopic adhesiolysis or therapeutic treatment is being widely adopted in patients with IUAs. Proper endometrial preparation plays a key role to maximize IVF success rate and improve pregnancy results. However, it remains unclear whether there is an optimal endometrial preparation protocol for patients with history of IUAs.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1002 FET cycles with history IUAs in our fertility center between January 2015 to December 2020. The study was approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Eight hundred and forty-two conventional HRT cycles and 160 HRT+GnRHa cycles met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for important confounders. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance

The HRT+GnRHa group was associated with higher cycle rank (1.79 vs 2.17, P =0.026) and longer infertility duration (3.04 vs 3.69, P =0.000) compared with conventional HRT group. While the latter had a higher proportion of blastocyst embryo transferred (P =0.024). There were no statistically significant differences regarding the parental age at oocyte retrieval, body mass index (BMI), number of total embryos transferred and top embryo transferred, proportion of nulliparity, indication of IVF treatment and fertilization method, and endometrial thickness. Logistic regression indicated that after controlling for potential confounders, the HRT+GnRHa group achieved higher incidence of clinical pregnancy (aOR 1.474, 95% CI: 1.002-2.170, P =0.049), ongoing pregnancy (aOR 1.823, 95% CI: 1.207-2.753, P =0.004), and live birth (aOR 1.975, 95% CI: 1.306-2.988, P =0.000) than the conventional HRT group. The miscarriage rate was comparable between the two groups (aOR 0.613, 95% CI: 0.293-1.283, P =0.194). Our results suggested that HRT+GnRHa is over conventional HRT protocol to improve pregnancy outcomes of patients with previous IUAs.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The primary limitation of this study was its retrospective nature, and it was difficult to distinguish some confounding factors. Besides, there was no grading of IUA severity as most adhesion separation surgeries were not performed in our hospital, and the detailed medical history was not available.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study offers evidence for the superiority of HRT with GnRH-a pretreatment to conventional HRT protocol in improving the pregnancy prognosis of patients with previous IUAs. Our finding deserves further confirmation in clinical practice.

Trial registration number

2018YFC1003900/2018YFC1003904, SZSM201502035

[Effects of extract from Pegasus laternarius on the weight of immune organs and the antistress in mice]

Extract from Pegasus laternarius Cuvier (PLE) could increase the splenic and thymic weight in immunity-suppressed mice induced by hydrocortisone or cyclophosphamide and could increase the thymic weight in senile mice. PLE could prolonged the survival time of anoxic mice under normal pressure or chemically anoxic mice poisoned by potassium cyanide. It could also prolong the survival time of mice swimming in ice-water and enhance the tolerance of mice without food to eat and water to drink.

[A study on adhesive properties of transformed human embryonic tendon cells to PLA and PLGA]

To study the adhesive properties of transformed human embryonic tendon cells (THETCs) to polylactic acid(PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid 85/15 (PLGA 85/15), the adhesive mechanical properties of single THETCs to PLA films (average thickness 18.6 microns) and PLGA 85/15 films (average thickness 17.3 microns) were measured by means of micropipet aspirating technique. The rsults showed that the attachment rate and adhesive force for two polymer groups(PLA precoated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and PLGA 85/15 precoated with BSA) were significantly lower than those for two control groups(PLA and PLGA 85/15), respectively, while the attachment rate and adhesive force for other two polymer groups (PLA precoated with poly-D-lysine (PDL) and PLGA 85/15 precoated with PDL) were significantly higher than those for two control groups, respectively, and that the adhesive properties of THETCs to PLGA 85/15 films were better than those of THETCs to PLA films. These demonstrate that BSA can inhibit THETCs attachment to polymer, and PDL can promote THETCs attachment to polymer, and suggest that PLGA 85/15 films were better than those of THETCs to PLA films. These demonstrate that BSA can inhibit THETCs attachment to polymer, and PDL can promote THETCs attachment to polymer, and suggest that PLGA 85/15 coated with PDL may be used as a new type attachment substrate for THETCs.

[Investigating the phenomenon of total erythrocyte destruction during an in-vitro hemolysis test by roller pump]

This study sought to address the question, "will the phenomenon of 'total erythrocyte destruction' come about during a long time of in vitro hemolysis test by roller pump". One-day-old boving blood was employed in the test by Polystan pump(group A) and Cobe pump (group B). TMB method was used to measure the level of plasma-free hemoglobin. The samples of plasma-free hemoglobin were taken at the time before pumping and pumping for 4,6,8,10, 12,14 and 16 hours. The index of hemolysis was calculated according to Koller's formula. The results showed that the levels of plasma-free hemoglobin in the two groups both increased linearly during the puming of blood. The index of hemolysis was 0.2960 mg/L group A, and 0.3993 mg/L in group B; no statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups. These data indicated that no phenomenon of "total erythrocyte destruction" was observed in this hemolysis test by roller pump.