Advancement of the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Angiogenesis is the basis of tumor growth and metastasis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a kind of typical multivessel tumor, whose generation, progression and invasion are closely related with the angiogenesis. The angiogenesis is mainly regulated by angiogenins and anti-angiogenins, of which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) are the most important. Different kinds of VEGFR have various functions in vivo, and VEGFR-1 (flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (flk-1) are involved in the angiogenesis HCC. Satisfactory effects have been obtained by the anti-angiogenic therapies targeting on VEGFR in laboratory studies, some of which have been launched in clinical experiments.

[Survey on native place and surname of parents in a newborn infant cord blood DNA bank of Han nation]

A hospital-sampled newborn infant cord blood DNA bank was collected to measure the homogeneity comparing with China and northern China population by distribution of native place and surname. The DNA bank included in 566 cases of newborn infant of Han nation in a hospital in Beijing to sample cord blood, parents' native place and surname. The parents' native place and surname were analyzed for distribution, proportion to evaluate their difference with those from China and northern China population data. In the DNA bank, native place of parents from Beijing was from 45.1% to 49.8%, that from Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu provinces second from 3.7% to 10.6%, that from other provinces lower than above provinces. The native place of parents covered thirty provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China, except Tibet autonomous region and Guizhou province. There were 146 surnames of father and 145 surnames of mother included in the DNA bank. Nine surnames were found more than 1.5% in sampled population. The front eight surnames in order of father were Wang (9.0%), Li (8.0%), Zhang (7.8%), Liu (7.1%), Yang (4.1%), Chen (3.5%), Zhao (3.4%), Gao (1.6%). The front eight surnames in order of mother were Wang (11.8%), Li (8.3%), Zhang (7.8%), Liu (6.4%), Zhao (3.7%), Chen (3.4%), Sun (2.8%), Yang (2.7%). The front seven surnames in order of parents were Wang (10.42%), Li (8.13%), Zhang (7.77%), Liu (6.71%), Zhao (3.53%), Chen (3.45%), Yang (3.36%). The surname distribution of DNA bank was similar to that of north China (Wang 9.87%, Li 9.28%, Zhang 9.13%, Liu 6.68%, Zhao 3.56%, Yang 3.04%, Chen 2.51%) without significance, chi2 = 8.54, df = 6, P = 0.20. The surname in order between DNA bank and northern China was uniform in front fives, the sixth and the seventh reversed. The newborn infant cord blood DNA bank from a hospital in Beijing suggests some feature of the northern China population in surnames Based on the hospital-sampling stratagem, to modify the sampling method might collect suitable newborn infant cord blood DNA bank to fit for human genetic research.

Surface analyses of micro-arc oxidized and hydrothermally treated titanium and effect on osteoblast behavior

Osteoblast adhesion on the implant material surface is essential for the success of any implant in which osteointegration is required. Surface properties of implant material have a critical role in the cell adhesion progress. Titanium and its alloys are widespread and increasingly used as implant material in dentistry and orthopedics because of their excellent biocompatibility, which is attributed to a passive layer of TiO2 on the surface. In this study, the micro-arc oxidizing (MAO) and hydrothermally synthesizing (HS) methods were used to modify the TiO2 layer on the titanium surface. The surface microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The surface energy was assessed. The mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was seeded on the treated surfaces to evaluate their effect on cell behavior. This included cell adhesion kinetics, cell proliferation, cell morphology, and cytoskeletal organization. The surface structure of MAO samples exhibited micropores with a diameter of 1-3 microm, whereas the MAO-HS-treated samples showed additional multiple crystalline microparticles on the microporous surface. The surface energy of MAO and MAO-HS was higher than that of titanium. The cell adhesion rate was higher on the MAO-HS surface than on the MAO and titanium surface, but without any significant difference between them. After 3 days of culture, cells proliferated significantly more on the MAO and titanium surface than on the MAO-HS surface. The cytoskeletal organization was analyzed by actin and vinculin staining on all the samples. We conclude that the MAO and MAO-HS methods change the surface energy of TiO2 layer on the titanium surface. This may have an influence on the initial cell attachment. Other surface characteristics may be involved in the cell proliferation, which is different from cell attachment on the sample surface. A longer-duration cell experiment should be conducted to see the effect on cell differentiation. Future in vivo evaluation may give further evidence to optimize the surface character of this kind of implant material.

Antistress effect of oligosaccharides extracted from Morinda officinalis in mice and rats

AIM

To explore the antistress effect of Morinda officinalis (Chinese medicine "Bajitian") oligosaccharides (MW-97) in mice.

METHODS

Male mice and rats were subjected to a variety of unpredictable stressors on a daily basis over 15 d period and then the Vidiomex-V image pattern analytic system was used to observe the spontaneous motor activity. Meanwhile, regular method was used to prepare pathologic section of adrenal gland and blood cells analytic system was used to detect white blood cell (WBC) count (including relative WBC percentages) in peripheral blood. On the end, the serum level of stress hormone was detected using radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

Chronic stress resulted in diffuse hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and atrophy of the adrenal medulla in mice, which suggested that stress-adaption failure of the adrenal gland occurred, while adrenal gland of the mice pretreated with MW-97 (100 mg/kg, ip) prior to each stressor for 15 d did not occur any pathologic changes. In addition, chronic stress also significantly reduced the WBC count and relative WBC percentages in the peripheral blood, including the percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, however, MW-97 (25 and 100 mg/kg) reversed these changes and raised WBC count, along with relative WBC percentages significantly. Furthermore, the serum concentration of testosterone was decreased and corticosterone was increased significantly in chronically stressed animals. MW-97 also declined the serum level of corticosterone and raised level of testosterone. MW-97 had no effects on the spontaneous motor activity in the stressed mice.

CONCLUSION

MW-97 had antistress effect against chronic stress, moreover, MW-97 had no excitatory or inhibitory effects on the CNS, which suggested that MW-97 might become a new kind of antistress agent.

[Studies on flavonoids from leaves of Callicarpa bodinieri Levl]

OBJECTIVE

To study the constituents of Callicarpa bodinieri.

METHOD

The compounds were isolated by chromatography. Their structures were identified by physical and spectral data.

RESULT

Seven compounds were isolated and elucidated as 5-hydroxy-4',3,6,7-tetramethoxy flavone(I), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (II), chrysoeriol-4'-O-glucoside(III), luteolin-4'-O-glucoside(IV), beta-sitosterol(V), ursolic acid(VI), betulinic acid(VII).

CONCLUSION

All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time; Compounds I, III, IV were isolated from Callicarpa genus for the first time.

[Studies on the active polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum L]

AIM

To investigate the structures and immunomodulation activity of four homogeneous polysaccharides: LBP 1a-1, LBP 1a-2, LBP 3a-1 and LBP 3a-2 isolated from Lycium barbarum L. brought from Zhongning County, Ningxia Province.

METHODS

Their molecular weights, sugar component (constituents) and their linkages were determined by gel permeation chromatography, acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation and NMR spectrum. The activity of immunomodulation was evaluated with splenocyte proliferation by [3H]-TDR incorperation, in vitro.

RESULTS

Four polysaccharides with molecular weights 11.5 x 10(4), 9.4 x 10(4), 10.3 x 10(4) and 8.2 x 10(4), were shown to enhance splenocyte proliferation induced by ConA. LBP 1a-1 and LBP 1a-2 were alpha-(1-->6)-D-glucans. LBP 3a-1 and LBP 3a-2 were found to be a-(1-->4)-D-polygalacturonans.

CONCLUSION

The four polysaccharides were first isolated from this plant. Polysaccharides with main chain of alpha-(1-->4)-D-polygalacturonans showed stronger immunomodulation activity.

[Protective effect of bajitian oligosaccharide on PC12 cells lesioned by corticosterone]

OBJECTIVE

To study the possible mechanism of antidepressant effect of Bajitian oligosaccharide (MW-97).

METHODS AND RESULTS

After incubating with the PC12 cells in the presence of corticosterone(2 x 10(-4) mol.L-1) for 48 h, it was found that MW-97 could protect PC12 cells from the lesion done by corticosterone in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, using RT-PCR mediated cross-species partial cDNA cloning, it was found that MW-97 and desipramine(DIM) increased NGF, BDNF mRNA in the frontal cortex after chronic administration for 21 days, meanwhile, BDNF mRNA in hippocampus was also increased.

CONCLUSION

The cytoprotective effect of MW-97 consists in the possible mechanism of its antidepressant action, while the increasing expression of neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF mRNA) may be contributes to the cytoprotective effect.

Generalization of the N(p)N(n)N(p)N(n) scheme and the structure of the valence space

The N(p)N(n) scheme, which has been extensively applied to even-even nuclei, is found to be a very good benchmark for odd-even, even-odd, and doubly-odd nuclei as well. There are no apparent shifts in the correlations for these four classes of nuclei. The compact correlations highlight the deviant behavior of the Z = 78 nuclei and are used to deduce effective valence proton numbers near Z = 64 as well as to study the evolution of the Z = 64 subshell gap.

Enteric lesions induced by different pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus strains inoculated into closed intestinal loops of pigs

Three different strains of pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus were inoculated into ligated closed loops in the jejunum and ileum of five specific-pathogen-free pigs. Infected areas were compared with respect to distribution of histologic lesions and pseudorabies virus antigen. Two wild-type strains of pseudorabies virus produced enteric lesions consisting of necrosis of the subepithelial macrophages in the basilar crypt epithelium, necrosis of the lymphoid follicles in the Peyer's patches, degeneration of the epithelial cells in the crypt and villi, degeneration of the neuronal cells in the myenteric plexuses, and formation of intranuclear inclusion bodies on postinoculation days 2-4. Pseudorabies virus antigen was initially detected in subepithelial macrophages of the dome of Peyer's patches on postinoculation day 2 and subsequently extended to superficial epithelium and deeper into the lymphoid follicles and myenteric plexuses on postinoculation days 3-4. Many pseudorabies virus particles were also detected in the center of their necrotic foci. However, 1 mutant strain (ara-T-resistant) of pseudorabies virus did not produce enteric lesions. The results suggest that the primary target of infection by wild-type strains of pseudorabies virus might be the macrophages distributed in the subepithelial area of the dome Peyer's patches.

Antifibrin monoclonal antibodies for the detection of venous thrombosis

In order to specifically detect the localization of thrombus in vivo, we have recently developed two monoclonal antibodies (SZ-58, SZ-63) which can specifically bind to cross-linked fibrin. The binding rates of the two monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to human plasma clots in vitro were 46.4 +/- 2.3% for 125I-SZ-58, 50.1 +/- 1.7% for 125I-SZ-63 and 3.4 +/- 1.6% for 125I-SZ-53 (control, MoAb against TM). It was shown that both SZ-58 and SZ-63 possess properties of inhibiting the polymerization of fibrin, and SZ-58 could also inhibit the aggregation of platelets induced by ADP. These characteristics make the two MoAbs suitable in the detection of thrombus in vivo. According to the cross reaction tests, thrombi in the jugular veins and carotid arteries in rabbits were made. After injection of the 125I-labeled MoAbs (100,000 cpm/ml of blood), the thrombi and the blood were taken and weighed at various time intervals and radioactivities were measured by an autogamma counter. The ratios of thrombus to blood radioactivity (T/B) of thrombi in jugular veins were 3.0, 5.6 and 3.0 for 125I-SZ-58, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.2 for 125I-SZ-63 and 1.2, 1.0 and 0.7 for control (125I-SZ-53) at the 3rd, 12th and 24th hour after the injection of the radiolabled MoAbs, while the radioactivities of arterial thrombi were almost the same as that in blood after the injection of the two radiotracers. Therefore, it can be concluded that both SZ-58 and SZ-63 can be used in venous thrombus imaging in vivo and the optimal times of imaging are at the 12th hour for SZ-58, 24th hour for SZ-63 after the injection of the radiolabled MoAbs.

[The quantitative study of retentive characteristics and masticatory efficiency of complete overdentures retained by magnetic retainers]

In order to evaluate the role of magnetic retainers for the retention of complete overdentures, the authors applied self-made measuring instrument and absorbent methods to measure the real retentive force and masticatory efficiency quantitatively at pre- and post installation of magnetic retainers in the complete overdentures. The results showed that the retentive force of the denture in the mouth increased about 1500g which was 78.95% measured extraorally; the masticatory efficiency of the patients was 1/3 higher after installation of magnetic retainers in the dentures than before which meant that the denture fitting time of the patient could be shortened.

[Deposition of air particles with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in human respiratory tract]

Atmospheric concentrations of five sizes of particles with PAH were determined in Taiyuan, and deposition of PAH in human respiratory tract was estimated. Results showed 47%-70% of air PAH concentrated in the particles less than 2 microns in diameter. Total PAH deposition in respiratory tract measured 12. 53 micrograms per day, and 53% of them deposited in nasopharyngeal region, 65% in tracheobronchial region and 32% in alveoli.

Multi-variate stepwise discriminant analysis research affecting portal hypertension's grade factors of liver function

The ideal time for selecting portal hypertension operation is the accurate judgement of the grade of liver function, yet the present criterion in grading liver function is controversial. 50 patients with 20 factors related to portal hypertension were undergone stepwise discriminant analysis by using SAS software on the IBM/PC computer (significance level alpha = 0.05). The results show that ascites degree prothrombin time (PT), serum total bilirubin, serum albumin content, main portal vein flow are significant factors. In the light of above variates contributing to grading liver function as to establish a discriminant equation, it was found that the total agreement rate between replaceable discrimination and original Child-Pugh classification is 86%. A test for agreement was performed between discriminant and original classification, showing that the two kinds of classification methods have a good agreement rates (Kappa = 0.7856), indicating the discriminant classification is of practical values.

[Inhibitory effect of intraventricular administration of morphine on the hyperviscosity and elevation of blood pressure induced by stress in the rat]

Experiments were performed on 99 Wistar rats. It was found that hyperviscosity and elevation of blood pressure (BP) could be induced by hanging and restraining conscious rats with their four limbs tied on a frame. These effects were unaffected by bilateral vagotomy. By intravenous injection of propranolol or phentolamine, elevation of BP could be reduced, while stress-induced hyperviscosity could only be reduced by propranolol (i.v.). Stress-induced hyperviscosity and elevation of BP could be inhibited by electroacupuncture applied to the right hind leg or microinjection of morphine into 4th ventricle of the brain. On the other hand, if opiate receptor antagonist naloxone was given into the 4th-ventricle, the stress-induced hyperviscosity and elevation of BP could no longer be inhibited by electroacupuncture. It is suggested that the hyperviscosity and elevation of BP induced by hanging and restraining are mediated by excitatory cardiovascular sympathetic outflow with the result of activation of adrenoreceptors. Activation of the opiate receptors in the hindbrain may be responsible for decrease in stress-induced hyperviscosity and elevation of BP and for the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture of the right hind leg on stress-induced hyperviscosity and elevation of BP.

Increase in plasma thrombomodulin and decrease in plasma von Willebrand factor after regular radiotherapy of patients with cancer

In this study, we investigated plasma levels of thrombomodulin (TM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in 51 patients suffering from cancer or tumor undergoing 60 cobalt radiotherapy. Plasma TM and vWF antigen were measured by immunoradiometric assay and ELISA, respectively. During radiotherapy, an increase in plasma TM in patients was observed, which was radiation-dose dependent and there was a positive correlation between plasma TM level and radiation doses. However, the level of plasma vWF in the patients was decreased during radiotherapy and there was an inverse correlation between the amount of plasma vWF and radiation doses. Our data indicate that plasma TM is an useful molecular marker for early detection of radiation injury to endothelial cells in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Effect of new-breviscapine on fibrinolysis and anticoagulation of human vascular endothelial cells

Cultured confluent human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with new-breviscapine (NB), a flavonoid consisting of 4-OH-scutellarin-7-O-glucuronide (C33H30O18) and FeCl3, MgCl2, and CaCl2, which is first extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant) Hand-Mazz in China, 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 1,000 micrograms.ml-1. The releases of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and epoprostenol (Epo) from endothelial cells were stimulated by NB, but no significant effect of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity was seen. NB 25-1,000 micrograms.ml-1 induced a production of thrombomodulin (TM) within the cells, an expression of TM on the surface of the cells, and a release of TM from the cells. Our data provide a new evidence that NB is a stimulant to fibrinolysis and anticoagulation of endothelial cells.

Reactivity of monoclonal antibody OKM5 with sebaceous carcinoma

Two cases of sebaceous carcinoma (SC), as well as epithelial tumours, melanoma, and lymphoma, were examined using immunoperoxidase and a panel of monoclonal antibodies on cryostat sections. The results showed that, whereas all SC cells in both cases reacted strongly with monoclonal antibody OKM5, other tumour cells (except juvenile xanthogranuloma cells) did not. The pagetoid cells within the epidermis of SC also reacted with OKM5 antibody. Although the nature of the phenomenon merits further study, this reactivity, or cross-reactivity, might possibly aid diagnosis of SC.

A dose response relation for noise induced hypertension

The effect of industrial noise on the prevalence of hypertension was studied in a group of 1101 female workers in a textile mill in Beijing in 1985. Essentially the entire group had worked in specific workshops in this mill for all their working lives and all had worked for at least five years. The noise levels within the plant were assessed and appear to have been constant since 1954 resulting in well defined noise exposures for these workers. A cross sectional design was used in which blood pressures were determined and questionnaires administered to the workers over a two month period. As well as demographic information, data were gathered on personal and family history of hypertension, current use of prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and salt in the diet. Logistic regression indicated that exposure to noise is a significant determinant of prevalence of hypertension, but third in order of importance behind family history of hypertension and use of salt. Each of the predictor variables exerted an independent influence on risk of hypertension. Cumulative exposure to noise was not an important dose related variable suggesting that, for those susceptible to the effect, hypertension was manifested within the first five years of exposure.