[Clinical efficacy of single/double 125I-seed strands combined with biliary stents in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice]

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of single/double 125I-seed strands combined with biliary stents in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods: Totally 67 cases of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who received single/double125I-seed strands combined with biliary stents implantation from September 2018 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 36 patients received single 125I-seed strands combined with biliary stents (single strand group) and 31 patients received double 125I-seed strands combined with biliary stents(double strands group). The technical success rate, clinical success rate, complications, biochemical and tumor indexes at 8 weeks after operation [total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)], stent patency time (SP), median progression-free survival time (mPFS) and median survival time (mOS) were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in technical success rate (100% vs 100%), clinical success rate (97.2% vs 96.8%) and major complications (5.6% vs 6.5%) between single strand group and double strands group. There were significant differences in TB, DB, ALT, AST and CA19-9 indicators between the two groups before and 8 weeks after operation (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the difference value of preoperative and postoperative 8-week indicators between the two groups (all P>0.05).The SP and mPFS of double-stranded stents were longer than those of single-stranded stents.[8.6 months (95%CI:6.9-10.4) vs 6.2 months (95%CI:5.8-6.6), 3.2 months (95%CI:3.0-3.4) vs 3.0 months (95%CI:2.9-3.1), all P<0.05]. The mOS of single and double strands groups was 11.2 months (95%CI:8.3-14.1) and 13.4 months (95%CI:9.9-16.9) respectively, with no statistical difference (P=0.137). Conclusion: Compared with single 125I-seed strands, double 125I-seed strands can prolong biliary SP and mPFS, but the long-term survival index still needs further observation.

[Effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits]

Objective: To study the effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-two 3.5-month-old New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into low-intensity group, medium-intensity group, high-intensity group and control group, with 8 rabbits in each group. The rabbits in the experimental group were subjected to hind limb vibration load test for 45 days. The vibration intensity of the high intensity group was 12.26 m/s(2), the medium intensity group was 6.13 m/s(2), and the low intensity group was 3.02 m/s(2) according to the effective value of weighted acceleration[a(hw (4))] for 4 hours of equal energy frequency. The control group was exposed to noise only in the same experimental environment as the medium-intensity group. The noise levels of each group were measured during the vibration load experiment. After the test, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial fusion gene (Mfn1/Mfn2) and fission gene (Fis1, Drp1) by RT-PCR in the skeletal muscles were measured and the ultrastructure of the skeletal muscles were observed in high intensity group. Results: The mRNA expression of mitochondrial in the skeletal muscle tissues of control group, low intensity group, medium intensity group and high intensity group were Mfn1: 3.25±1.36, 3.85±1.90, 4.53±2.31 and 11.63±7.68; Mfn2: 0.68±0.25, 1.02±0.40, 0.94±0.33 and 1.40±0.45; Fis1: 1.05±0.62, 1.15±0.59, 1.53±1.06 and 2.46±1.51 and Drp1: 3.72±1.76, 2.91±1.63, 3.27±2.01 and 4.21±2.46, respectively. Compared with the control group, the expressions of Mfn1 mRNA, Mfn2 mRNA and Fis1 mRNA in the high-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) , and the expressions of Mfn2 mRNA in the medium-intensity group and the low-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle of high intensity group showed mitochondrial focal accumulation, cristae membrane damage, vacuole-like changes; Z-line irregularity of muscle fibers, and deficiency of sarcomere. Conclusion: Vibration must be lead to the abnormal mitochondrial morphology and structure and the disorder of energy metabolism due to the expression imbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes in skeletal muscles of rabbits, which may be an important target of vibration-induced skeletal muscle injury.

Cell-free DNA from bile outperformed plasma as a potential alternative to tissue biopsy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and highly heterogenous malignant neoplasms. Because obtaining BTC tissues is challenging, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential roles of bile as a liquid biopsy medium in patients with BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with suspected BTC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on tumor tissues, whole blood cells, plasma, and bile samples using a large panel consisting of 520 cancer-related genes.

RESULTS

Of the 28 patients enrolled in this cohort, tumor tissues were available in eight patients, and plasma and bile were available in 28 patients. Somatic mutations were detected in 100% (8/8), 71.4% (20/28), and 53.6% (15/28) of samples comprising tumor tissue DNA, bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and plasma cfDNA, respectively. Bile cfDNA showed a significantly higher maximum allele frequency than plasma cfDNA (P = 0.0032). There were 56.2% of somatic single-nucleotide variant (SNVs)/insertions and deletions (indels) shared between bile and plasma cfDNA. When considering the genetic profiles of tumor tissues as the gold standard, the by-variant sensitivity and positive predictive value for SNVs/indels in bile cfDNA positive for somatic mutations were both 95.5%. The overall concordance for SNVs/indels in bile was significantly higher than that in plasma (99.1% versus 78.3%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the sensitivity of CA 19-9 combined with bile cfDNA achieved 96.4% in BTC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that bile cfDNA was superior to plasma cfDNA in the detection of tumor-related genomic alterations. Bile cfDNA as a minimally invasive liquid biopsy medium might be a supplemental approach to confirm BTC diagnosis.

[Targeted therapy for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: translational research and clinical application]

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare invasive soft tissue sarcoma that originates from peripheral nerve branches and peripheral nerve sheaths. Early radical surgery is an effective treatment for MPNST. Since it is insensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the disease manifests a rapid progression, poor prognosis and high mortality. In recent years, the translational researches on the driving factors and therapeutic targets of MPNST have been rapidly developed, including the pathways of NF1-Ras, Raf-MEK-ERK, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Wnt signaling, and abnormal expressions of apoptotic proteins, the general loss of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), upregulation of the HDAC family, abnormal expressions of receptor tyrosine kinases, expressions of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1), aurora kinase and various microRNAs.This review summarizes the current translational researches on potential therapeutic targets of MPNST, and the clinical trials which provide helpful information for MPNST targeted therapy.

[Effect of silica dust on protein oxidative injury in lung tissue of mice]

Objective: To investigate the effect of silica dust on protein oxidative injury in the lung tissue of mice. Methods: A total of 60 mice were randomly divided into control group (not exposed to dust) , 2-hour group (inhalation of dust for 2 hours per day) , 4-hour group (inhalation of dust for 4 hours per day) , and 8-hour group (inhalation of dust for 8 hours per day) , with 15 mice in each group. During dust exposure, the mice were placed in a dust exposure cabinet; the dust was blown with an air blower and the concentration was maintained at 125 mg/m(3). All mice were exposed to silica dust for 3 weeks. The changes of the lung were observed after dust exposure ended, and spectrophotometry was performed to measure the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl in the lung tissue. Results: The 2-, 4-, and 8-hour groups had marked edema, sporadic punctate hemorrhage, and nodular shadow in the lungs. Compared with the control group, the 2-, 4-, and 8-hour groups had a significant increase in lung coefficient (7.03±0.78 mg/g, 8.48±0.93 mg/g, and 8.99±0.85 mg/g vs 5.52±0.81 mg/g, P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the 2-, 4-, and 8-hour groups had significant increases in the content of MDA (2.83±0.52, 3.94±0.65, and 4.56±0.77 nmol/mg prot vs 1.26±0.36 nmol/mg prot, P<0.05) and protein carbonyl (1.61±0.44, 1.96±0.47, and 2.20±0.58 nmol/mg prot vs 1.13±0.21 nmol/mg prot, P<0.05) in lung tissue. The 4- and 8-hour groups had a significantly lower activity of SOD than the control group (153.69±20.58 and 140.35±18.97 U/mg prot vs 186.00±25.46 U/mg prot, P<0.05) . Conclusions: Silica dust may lead to protein oxidative injury in the lung tissue of mice, which might play an important role in lung injury.

[Influence of sodium nitrite exposure on sulfhemoglobin and hydroxyl radicals in mice]

Objective: To investigate the influence of sodium nitrite exposure on sulfhemoglobin and hydroxyl radicals in mice. Methods: A total of 60 mice were randomly divided into low-, middle-, and high-dose groups (the concentrations of sodium nitrite were 0.055 mg/ml, 0.110 mg/ml, and 0.220 mg/ml, respectively) and control group (treated with distilled water) , with 15 mice in each group (male/female ratio=1: 1) . A free-drink model was applied and the duration of exposure was 2 weeks. The body weight of all mice was recorded before exposure and at weeks 1 and 2 of exposure. At the end of exposure, the mice were treated with intraperitoneally injected sodium salicylate to capture the hydroxyl radicals and produce 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2, 3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure their content. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the relative content of sulfhemoglobin. Results: At week 2 of exposure, the low-, middle-, and high-dose groups had significantly lower body weight than the control group (22.8±2.8 g/21.6±2.8 g/21.2±3.0 g vs 25.6±2.2 g, P<0.05) . The low-, middle-, and high-dose groups had a significantly higher total content of hydroxyl radicals than the control group[ (0.015 3±0.006 5) μg/ml, (0.016 4±0.017 2) μg/ml, and (0.062 7±0.091 0) μg/ml vs (0.009 ±0.007 3) μg/ml, P<0.05]. The relative content of sulfhemoglobin was 1.54%±0.73%, 2.22%±0.44%, and 2.80%±0.69%, respectively, in the low-, middle-, and high-dose groups, and the middle- and high-dose groups had a significant increase in the relative content of sulfhemoglobin compared with the control group (2.22%±0.44%/2.80%±0.69% vs 1.76%±0.60%, P<0.05) . The content of hydroxyl radicals was positively correlated with the relative content of sulfhemoglobin (r=0.837, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Sodium nitrite exposure can increase the content of sulfhemoglobin and hydroxyl radicals in blood, and there is a positive correlation between them.

Connexin 43 enhances oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, is an important first-line drug in the treatment of colorectal cancers, but drug resistance causes treatment failure. It has been reported that gap junctional communication can enhance the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs.  The gap junction formed of connexin proteins provides a direct pathway for electrical and metabolic cell-cell interaction. The voltage-dependent gating of gap junction allows small hydrophilic molecules and ions to permeate to adjacent cells. Connexin 43 is a diagnostic marker for cancer therapy and the predominant connexin isoform in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of connexin 43 in oxaliplatin activity by using colorectal cancer cell lines. LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were used for analysis. Connexin 43 expression was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. MTT, western blot, "Parachute" dye-coupling assays and reactive oxygen species measurement were used to detect cytotoxicity and the inhibition of connexin 43 expression induced by oxaliplatin. Results showed that connexin 43 enhanced oxaliplatin cytotoxicity through gap junctional communication function and high concentration of oxaliplatin inhibited connexin 43 expression to counteract its cytotoxicity. This study suggested that connexin 43 could be considered a molecular target of oxaliplatin activity in colorectal cancer.

[Influence of n-hexane on vascular endothelial active substances in brain tissue in mice]

Objective: To investigate the influence of n-hexane on vascular endothelial active substances in brain tissue in mice and its significance. Methods: A total of 48 healthy Kunming mice were randomly divided into high-dose exposure group, middle-dose exposure group, low-dose exposure group, and control group, with 12 mice in each group. All groups except the control group were exposed to n-hexane via static inhalation (0.035 g/L, 0.018 g/L, and 0.009 g/L for the high-, middle-, and low-dose exposure groups, respectively) 4 hours a day for 21 days. the mice in the control groups were not exposed to n-hexane. After the exposure, the lev-els of endothelin-1 (ET-1) , nitric oxide (NO) , and angiotensin II (Ang II) in brain tissue were measured in all groups. Results: There were significant differences in the levels of ET-1, NO, and Ang II between the three ex-posure groups and the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the high-and middle-dose expo-sure group had significant increases in the levels of ET-1 and Ang II and the high-dose exposure group had a sig-nificant reduction in the level of NO (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: n-Hexane can affect the vascular endothe-lial active substances in brain tissue in mice, and the changes and imbalance in vascular endothelial active sub-stances may be one of the reasons for central nervous system impairment caused by n-hexane.

[Effects of expression of calpain mRNA in rabbits exposed to vibration by hind legs]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of expression of calpain mRNA in rabbits exposed to vibration by hind legs.

METHODS

32 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a control group and 3 experimental groups according to 4-hour energy-equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration[ahw (4)]: low (4.33 m/s(2)) , moderate (8.67 m/s(2)) and high (17.34 m/s(2)) intensity group to accepted the vibration by hind legs. 45 ds later, brain and skeletal muscle tissue of rabbits were taken to detect the expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 mRNA by RT-qPCR technique.

RESULTS

The relative content of calpain-1 mRNA in the brain tissues in rabbits of low, medium and high intensity group were 8.35±3.75,9.64±4.54,5.10±5.26. While the relative content of calpain-2 mRNA in the brain tissues in rabbits of low, medium and high intensity group were 7.34±4.97,8.50±5.66, 8.16±5.59. Compared with the control group (1.10±0.29, 0.56±0.43) , the expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 mRNA of the intensity groups showed an significantly increasing trend (P<0.01). In skeletal muscle tissue, the relative content of calpain-1 mRNA were 4.36±2.05, 7.37±4.06, 12.46±6.21.Compared with the control group (0.98±0.59) , the expression of calpain-1 mRNA of experiment groups were significantly higher (P<0.05) .The expression of calpain-2 mRNA of the intensity groups had no significantly difference with the control group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 mRNA can be promoted by the vibration by the hind legs.

Co-suppression of vitamin C composite nano-drug carrier and its drug delivery to nidus in tumor cells

This study aimed to discuss the co-suppression of vitamin C-contained composite nano-drug carrier and its drug delivery to nidus in tumor cells. Amphiphilic polymers PLA-block-PAAA and block polymer PLA-PEG4000-Maleimide, PLA-block-PAAA and PLA-PEG4000-Maleimide composite nano-micelles were prepared, and, PLA-block-PAAA polymer-coated Nile red nano-micelle, PLA-block-PAA and PLA-PEG4000-Maleimide composite nano-micelles as well as paclitaxel-carrying composite nano-micelle in different molar ratios were given stability tests. Lastly, PLA-block-PAAA and PLA-PEG4000-Maleimide composite nano-micelle cancer cells and paclitaxel-carrying composite nano-micelle cancer cells were given toxicity tests. Stability tests showed that self stability of PLA-block-PAAA (63/8) nano-micelle was not sufficient; the stability was good when the molar ratio of PLA-block-PAAA and PLA-PEG4000-Maleimide composite nano-micelle was 3:1; paclitaxel-carrying composite nano-micelle had good stability within 48 hours; PAAA segment had an inhibiting effect on C6 cancer cells and paclitaxel-carrying composite nano-micelle had a strong inhibiting effect also on tumors. After 24 hours, with the continuous release of paclitaxel, the tumor inhibiting effect of paclitaxel-carrying composite nano-micelle enhanced gradually, and the controlled-release of drugs had continuous inhibiting effect on tumor cells. Therefore, PAAA segment and paclitaxel had time-postponed synergistic effect. In conclusion, vitamin C-contained composite nanometer drug carrier materials can deliver anti-cancer drugs to nidus and thus inhibit tumor cells.

miR-625 suppresses tumour migration and invasion by targeting IGF2BP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tumour metastasis is one of the major causes of high mortality. microRNAshave been implicated in HCC metastasis. In this study, we found that miR-625 was frequently downregulated in HCC samples. A decrease in miR-625 was significantly correlated with lymph node anddistance metastasis (P=0.013), the presence of portal venous invasion (P=0.036), tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.027) and unfavourable overall survival (P=0.003). Compared with primary tumours, miR-625 expression was markedly reduced in portal venous metastatic tumours. Re-expression of miR-625 in HCC cells was remarkably effective in suppressing cell migration andinvasiveness in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-625 was confirmed to downregulate IGF2 mRNA-binding protein 1(IGF2BP1) directly, the expression of which was inversely correlated with the level of miR-625 in HCC cell lines and tissues. High expression of IGF2BP1 was frequently found in HCC samples, and associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of endogenous IGF2BP1 by siRNA exhibited similar effects as the overexpression of miR-625, whereas overexpression of IGF2BP1 (without the 3'-UTR) abrogated miR-625-mediated metastasis inhibition. Interference of the PTEN/HSP27 pathway contributed to miR-625-mediated metastasis inhibition. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-625 might function as an antimetastatic miRNA to have an important role in HCC progression by modulating the IGF2BP1/PTEN pathway. The newly identified miR-625/IGF2BP1 axis represents a new potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Genetic polymorphisms of CCND1 and PTEN in progression of esophageal squamous carcinoma

Cyclin D1 (CCND1) plays a significant role in G1-S transition of cell cycle, and phosphatase and a tensin homologue (PTEN) negatively regulate cell cycle through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. CCND1 and PTEN genetic polymorphisms might induce susceptibility to the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Three hundred and four ESCC patients and 413 healthy controls from Anyang, China, were enrolled in this study. All genotyping at CCND1 (807 G/A) and PTEN (rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between the polymorphisms and the susceptibility to develop ESCC. Statistically significant differences were observed between cases and controls in distribution of genotypes or alleles at PTEN rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G, with either haplotype TG or CG possessing notably higher proportion in cases than in the controls. However, such difference could not be found in the distribution of the polymorphisms at CCND1 807 G/A. In summary, the polymorphisms of PTEN rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G might represent crucial modifying factors for development of ESCC.

Potential implication of activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and HLA in onset of pulmonary tuberculosis

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) play crucial role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling immune responses. To investigate the influence of KIR and HLA-C ligands on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), we studied 200 patients who were confirmed to have PTB and 200 healthy controls on the different frequencies of KIR and HLA-C ligands. Genotyping of these genes was conducted by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. Gene frequencies were compared between PTB group and the control group by χ(2) test, and P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. As a result, the frequency of KIR genotype A/B was increased in PTB than controls but A/A was decreased. Moreover, striking differences were observed in the frequencies of HLA-Cw*08 between the two groups. Besides, the frequencies of '2DL2/3 with C1' in PTB were increased compared with control group. In addition, individuals with no KIR2DS3 and no Cw*08 were higher in controls than in PTB. KIR2DS1 was increased in PTB when HLA-C group 2 alleles were missing. In conclusion, KIR and HLA-C gene polymorphisms were related to susceptibility to PTB.

Molecular characterization of amelogenesis imperfecta in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Mutations in 6 genes have been identified as being part of the etiology of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) with various phenotypes in an isolated condition. Among them the FAM83H gene is the major contributor to the etiology of AI with unknown function.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the phenotypic and molecular characterization of Chinese AI patients and to analyze the structure and function of the FAM83H protein.

METHODS

We enrolled 6 hypocalcified AI and 3 hypoplastic AI families from the Chinese population. Mutation analysis was performed by amplifying and sequencing all exons including intron-exon borders for FAM83H and ENAM genes. Structural modeling and function analysis on the FAM83H protein were carried out by bioinformatic processing.

RESULTS

No obvious anterior open bite was observed in all the investigated individuals. Five mutations (c.906T>G, c.924dupT, c.973C>T, c.1354C>T and c.2029C>T) in the C-terminal of the FAM83H gene were revealed, respectively, in 5 out of 6 hypocalcified AI families, and a splicing mutation c.534 + 1G>A in the ENAM gene was identified in 1 out of 3 hypoplastic AI families. Structural models of the N- and C-terminal regions of FAM83H were generated by homology modeling. The predicted structure of the FAM83H N-terminal shows resemblance to that of glycosyltransferases with GT-A folds, and the predicted structure of the FAM83H C-terminal possesses similarity to type I collagen protein.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of AI with specific molecular variations in families of Chinese descent. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of the FAM83H protein.

Cobrotoxin-containing analgesic compound to treat chronic moderate to severe cancer pain: results from a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study and from an open-label study

Cobrotoxin produces intense analgesia but it has an onset of response of 1-3 h which hampers its clinical use in cancer pain. Recently, a compound analgesic formulation combining cobrotoxin, tramadol hydrochloride and ibuprofen (Compound Keluoqu, CKLQ) has become available in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CKLQ for moderate to severe cancer pain. A consecutive series of patients with chronic moderate to severe cancer pain was enrolled into two multicenter trials. Of the 230 eligible patients, 119 were assigned to a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, while 111 entered an open-label study. They were all of Han-China nationality and had a mean age of 52.0 and 55.4 years and a mean body weight of 55.6 and 52.9 kg, respectively. A total of 11 patients discontinued the study, 6 (54.5%) because of insufficient pain relief and 5 due to the occurrence of adverse events. In the cross-over study, 59 patients were randomized to receive a CKLQ package with 2 CKLQ tablets (each containing 0.16 mg cobrotoxin, 25 mg tramadol hydrochloride and 50 mg ibuprofen) and 2 placebo capsules, a placebo package with 2 placebo tablets and 2 placebo capsules, and an active control package with 2 tramadol hydrochloride capsules (each containing 50 mg tramadol hydrochloride) and 2 placebo tablets (arm A), and 60 to receive a tramadol hydrochloride package, a placebo package and a CKLQ package (arm B), sequentially and only once. Patients in the open-label study only received CKLQ and were given the option to continue for up to 7 days as long as they had satisfactory pain relief. Pain response was classified as CR, PR and NC. CR was defined as 100% pain relief, with a pain score of 0 on a 0-10 VAS. PR was defined as decreased to mild pain, with a pain score of no more than 4 on a 0-10 VAS. NC was defined as pain that either remained unchanged or that was reduced from severe to moderate at baseline, with a VAS pain score of more than 4 after treatment. One hundred and eight patients completed the cross-over study with all the three drug units. The overall rate of pain relief was 93/111 (83.7%) for CKLQ, 75/110 (68.2%) for tramadol hydrochloride (P=0.011) and 39/111 (35.1%) for placebo (P<0.001). The mean duration of pain relief with CKLQ was significantly longer than that of the other two agents (P<0.001). Of the 35 patients who did not respond to tramadol hydrochloride, 27 (77.1%) responded to CKLQ, while of the 18 who did not respond to CKLQ, 8 (55.6%) achieved satisfactory pain control with tramadol hydrochloride. In the open-label study, the overall relief rate of a single-dose of CKLQ was 99/111 (89.2%). A reduction in the percentage of complete relief, an increase in that of PR and a significant decrease in duration of relief were observed after continuous treatment with at least 10 doses of CKLQ. The frequency of adverse events for CKLQ was similar to that of tramadol hydrochloride. The results of the randomized, double-blind, cross-over study and the open-label study of CKLQ in cancer patients with chronic moderate to severe cancer pain suggest that the CKLQ may be valuable for the treatment of chronic moderate to severe cancer pain. However, the tolerance of CKLQ remains to be further defined.

Distribution and expression of recombinant plasmid encoding chicken interleukin-2

A plasmid DNA that encodes chicken interleukin-2 (pCI-ChIL-2-EGFP) was investigated for its distribution and expression after intramuscular (i.m.) injection in chickens. After the i.m. injection, serum distribution was detectable from 2 h post inoculation (p.i.), peaked at 8 h p.i., and disappeared at 7 days p.i. The plasmid DNA was also observed in several organs including heart, liver, lung, spleen, bursa and inoculated muscle at different time points, but at 19 days p.i. the plasmid DNA was not found in any organ except inoculated muscle. Fluorescence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was found in cytoplasm and nucleus of cultured Vero cells, chicken embryo fibroblasts and peripheral blood lymphocytes, which were transfected in vitro with the plasmid DNA or in vivo with Lipofectamine. The expression profile of the fusion gene (ChIL-2-EGFP) in vivo was measured by RT-PCR, ELISA and fluorescence microscopy. The EGFP expression was detected from 8 h p.i. to 14 days p.i. and peaked at 5 days p.i., when the number of EGFP-expression myocytes was about 5% in the injected site. These results demonstrate that intramuscular administration of plasmid DNA leads to widespread distribution and long-term expression in vivo.

In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms

The estrogenic activity of 70% EtOH extracts of 32 traditional Chinese medicinal plants, selected according to their reported efficacy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, was assessed using a recombinant yeast system with both a human estrogen receptor expression plasmid and a reporter plasmid. Among them, 11 (34%) species proved to be active. Polygonum cuspidatum had the highest estrogenic relative potency (RP) (3.28 x 10(-3)), followed by Rheumpalmatum (3.85 x 10(-4)), Cassia obtusifolia (3.49 x 10(-4)), Polygonum multiflorum (2.87 x 10(-4)), Epimedium brevicornum (2.30 x 10(-4)), Psoralea corylifolia (1.90 x 10(-4)), Cynomorium songaricum (1.78 x 10(-4)), Belamcanda chinensis (1.26 x 10(-4)), Scutellaria baicalensis (8.77 x 10(-5)), Astragalus membranaceus (8.47 x 10(-5)) and Pueraria lobata (6.17 x 10(-5)). The EC(50) value of 17beta-estradiol used as the positive control was 0.205+/-0.025 ng/ml (RP=100). This study gave support to the reported efficacy of Chinese medicines used for hormone replacement therapy.

[Chemical constituents from Eremurus chinensis Fedtsch]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents from the herb Eremurus chinensis.

METHOD

The chemical constituents were extracted with solvent and separated with column chromatography.

RESULT

The structures were identified as chrysophanol 8-Me ether, aloesaponol III, daucosterol and beta-sitosterol.

CONCLUSION

These compounds were separated from genus Eremurus first time.

[Chemical constituents from Speranskia tuberculata (Bge.) Baill]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents from the herb Speranskia tuberculata.

METHOD

The chemical constituents were extracted with solvent and separated with column chromatography. The structures were elucidated by spectral analysis.

RESULT

Two compounds were isolated from the plant and identified as 18-hydroxy(-)-manool and beta-sitosterol.

CONCLUSION

Both were separated from this plant first time.

Constituents of Eremurus chinensis

A novel bianthraquinone glycoside, 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1,1', 8'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethyl-2,7'-bianthraquinone (1); two naphthalene derivatives, 2-acetyl-1-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-methylnaphthalene (2) and 2-acetyl-1, 8-dimethoxy-3-methylnaphthalene (3); and a novel pre-anthraquinone, 1-oxo-4(S),9-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-6-hydroxymethyl-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroanthracene (4), were isolated from Eremurus chinensis. Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. In addition, the known compounds chrysophanol, chrysophanol 8-methyl ether, aloesaponol III 8-methyl ether (5), and 10-(chrysophanol-7'-yl)-10-hydroxychrysophanol-9-anthrone were also isolated and identified from this plant.

[Study the chemical constituents from Phlomis mongolica turcz]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents from the root of Phlomis mongolica.

METHOD

The chemical constituents were extracted with solvent and separated with chromatographic methods. Three compounds were obtained and identified by MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, HMQC and HMBC methods.

RESULT

The structures were established as phloyoside III, phloyoside I and cistanoside B.

CONCLUSION

These compounds were obtained from P. mongolica for the first time. Phloyoside III is a new compound.

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I induce bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4: a mediator role in bone and tooth formation?

GH is known to increase the formation of bone and hard tissues of the tooth (dentine, cementum, and enamel), as do bone morphogenetic proteins. GH receptors are expressed in these tissues and could mediate local growth responses. Here we report that both GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are able to increase expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and -4 messenger RNAs 4- to 5-fold in human dental pulp fibroblasts in vitro. Induction was seen at physiological concentrations of hormone (25-100 ng/ml GH; 50-200 ng/ml IGF-I) and reached a maximum at 4-8 h. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the increase in messenger RNAs resulted in an increase in expressed protein. Anti-IGF-I inhibition experiments indicate that GH is able to induce the response without a requirement for local IGF-I production. These results raise the possibility that bone morphogenetic proteins mediate the local osteogenic actions of GH and IGF-I, and lend support to the view that GH can act through the mediation of factors other than IGF-I. These factors may combine with IGF-I in different tissues to enhance GH action and specificity.

Evidence for a local action of growth hormone in embryonic tooth development in the rat

Studies in non-dental embryonic tissues have suggested that an interaction between growth hormone and its receptor may play a role in growth and development before the foetal pituitary gland is competent. This study reports the distribution of growth hormone, its receptor and binding protein in developing rat tooth germs from embryonic day 17 to 21 and postnatal day 0 using antibodies specific for each of these proteins. Four foetal rats were processed at each time point (E17, E18, E20/21 and postnatal day 0). Following routine fixation and paraffin embedding, sections were treated with antisera to rat growth hormone, rat growth hormone binding protein and growth hormone receptor. Localization of antibody/antigen complexes was subsequently visualized by addition of biotinylated IgG and reaction with streptavidin peroxidase and diaminobenzidine. Assessment of the level of staining was qualitative and based on a subjective rankings ranging from equivocal to very strong staining. Overall, growth hormone and its binding protein were located both in the cellular elements and throughout the extracellular matrix, whereas the growth hormone receptor showed an exclusively intra-cellular location. All three proteins were detectable in cells of the dental epithelium and mesenchyme at the primordial bud stage (E17) which occurs prior to expression of pituitary growth hormone. At the cap stage of odontogenesis (E18-19), numerous cells in both the dental epithelium and mesenchyme were intensely immunoreactive for growth hormone, its binding protein and receptor. In the succeeding early bell stage (E20-21), most of the mesenchymal cells in the dental pulp were mildly positive for these proteins, while the dental epithelium and adjacent mesenchyme were more immunoreactive. At the late bell stage (postnatal day 0), all three proteins were localized in dental epithelium, differentiating mesenchymal cells the cuspal surface facing the epithelial-mesenchymal interface, preodontoblasts, and odontoblasts forming dentine. From these observations, immunoreactive growth hormone, its receptor and binding protein appear to be expressed in odontogenic cells undergoing histodifferentiation, morphodifferentiation and dentinogenesis in a cell-type and stage-specific pattern throughout embryonic tooth development. This suggests the possibility that growth hormone, or a growth hormone-like protein, plays a paracrine/autocrine role in tooth development in utero.

Effect of growth hormone on the distribution of decorin and biglycan during odontogenesis in the rat incisor

Previous studies have shown that growth hormone can influence the expression of N-acetylgalactosamine-containing molecules in the extracellular matrix of developing rat incisors. N-acetylgalactosamine is a principal component of proteoglycans containing chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate, as well as of some glycoproteins. Since chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are identifiable components in enamel, dentin, and cementum, we have tested the hypothesis that growth hormone modulates their expression in developing rat incisors. The distribution of the chondroitin-sulfate-rich proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan, was investigated. We used the Lewis dwarf rat as a model because their circulating growth hormone levels are markedly reduced. Polyclonal antibodies against decorin and biglycan were used to localize these two proteoglycans. Semi-quantitative assessments of the staining patterns and intensities were made for each proteoglycan within compartments of the developing teeth. In normal Lewis rats, decorin and biglycan differentially expressed throughout the enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental follicle. Decorin displayed a wide distribution throughout all three regions and was closely associated with different cellular components. In contrast, biglycan showed little association with cells and was identified in the predentin and osteoid matrices. The expression of both proteoglycans was dramatically decreased in the growth-hormone-deficient animals. Administration of growth hormone to the dwarf rats markedly elevated the expression of both proteoglycans, approximating the distribution and intensity of staining seen in normal animals. These findings confirm that growth hormone status can modulate the expression of decorin and biglycan, and hence matrix deposition, in the rat tooth.

Comparison of the effects of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I and fetal calf serum on mouse molar odontogenesis in vitro

The effects of growth hormone, its mediator insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and fetal calf serum on odontogenesis were compared to those of serum-free medium. Explanted, 16-day, fetal mouse first molar tooth germs in early bell stage were grown on semisolid, serum-free medium supplemented with ascorbic and retinoic acids. Recombinant human growth hormone at 50 or 100 ng/ml, IGF-I at 100 or 200 ng/ml, or fatal calf serum at 20% concentration were added to the media. Volumetric changes in serial sections of six tooth germs per treatment over 3 days of treatment (4, 5, 6 days in vitro) were compared by digitized morphometry. Mitotic indices were also compared and the cell densities of the dental papillae recorded. Qualitative ratings of differentiation were ascribed to each tooth germ by light microscopy. Differences in volume, mitotic activity and cell densities were found. The growth hormone-treated tooth germs were not larger than the serum-free ones but had increased mitotic indices and higher cell densities in the dental papillae. IGF-I-treated tooth germs had larger volumes than with all other treatments, e.g. germs treated with 200 ng/ml of IGF-I, after 6 days in culture, were significantly larger than with all other treatments (p<0.01-<0.001). Whilst IGF-I-treated germs displayed the greatest extent of differentiation, growth hormone-treated germs also showed advanced differentiation compared to those on serum-free medium. These results suggest that growth hormone and IGF-I are involved in odontogenesis of murine teeth in vitro by affecting mitotic activity, tissue volume and cell differentiation. In conjunction with previous immunohistochemical studies that show expression of growth hormone receptor and IGF-I in developing teeth, these results provide evidence that both growth hormones and its mediator play a part in odontogenesis.

Analysis of beam propagation in thick nonlinear media

We present a theoretical analysis of beam propagation in thick nonlinear media by using the Gaussian decomposition method and considering a thick medium as a stack of thin media. Simple analytic solutions of Z-scan characteristics and optical limiting with thick nonlinear media are obtained. Comparisons of these results with those obtained by use of a distributed-lens model and Gaussian-Laguerre mode decomposition are made. Good agreement is obtained with a distributed-lens model.

Ultrastructure of cementogenesis as affected by growth hormone in the molar periodontium of the hypophysectomized rat

To document the effect of hypophysectomy and growth hormone replacement on the ultrastructure of cementogenesis in the developing rat third molar, 12 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to normal control, hypophysectomized or hypophysectomized plus human growth hormone (for 10 days) treatment groups. The results of this study by electron and light microscopy and morphometry have shown that qualitative and quantitative changes occur in the organelles of cementoblasts forming cellular cementum as a result of hypophysectomy and growth hormone replacement. After hypophysectomy, the changes of less prominent nucleoli and nuclear pores, less prominent Golgi apparatuses and decreased endoplasmic reticulum can be interpreted as diminished cementum matrix biosynthesis--an interpretation that can be confirmed morphometrically by less cellular cementum formation. Growth hormone replacement for 10 days reactivates protein synthesis and cementogenesis as evidenced by ultrastructural changes in cementoblasts and a greater production of cementum.

Growth hormone regulates an N-acetylgalactosamine component in odontogenesis: a specific lectin-binding study in the Lewis dwarf rat

Dental organs of incisors from normal, dwarf and growth hormone-treated dwarf rats were analysed histochemically using a panel of lectins. A distinctive pattern of differential staining was obtained with Helix pomatia agglutinin, a lectin specific for N-acetylgalactosamine. In Bouin's perfused and paraffin-embedded undecalcified tissues from normal rats, reaction product for N-acetylgalactosamine was visible in the odontogenic cells and some extracellular matrices. In the growth hormone-deficient dwarf rats, the N-acetylgalactosamine reaction was consistently minimal in the odontoblasts, predentin, cementoblasts, cementoid, osteoblasts and osteoid matrices, although the staining of ameloblasts and osteoclasts was similar to normal. Administration of growth hormone to dwarf rats for six days (66 micrograms/100 g rat b.i.d.) restored the reaction for N-acetylgalactosamine in the affected matrices. Thus, an N-acetylgalactosamine rich matric component is differentially expressed during odontogensis. Growth hormone may regulate this component in these matrices, which may be a proteoglycan or a glycoprotein, essential for normal growth of the teeth.

A bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemical and morphometric study of the influence of growth hormone on cell proliferation in odontogenic mesenchyme of the Lewis dwarf rat

Cell proliferation was studied in pre-odontoblasts, and in cells of the dental papilla and lingual dental follicle using bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry and morphometry in Bouin's perfused and paraffin-embedded, undemineralized maxillary incisors. Cells in DNA synthesis, as shown by this technique, or in mitosis, were counted. Significantly fewer labelled nuclei, unlabelled nuclei and total nuclei were found in the tissues of growth hormone-deficient dwarf rats than in normal tissues. However, in dwarf rats treated for 6 days with bovine growth hormone, their numbers were equivalent to, or in some instances greater than those in normal tissues. The bromodeoxyuridine labelling index, the ratio of positive to negative nuclei and the mitotic index of pre-odontoblasts in dwarf rats were consistently lower than in normal rats, and were reversible by growth hormone. Growth hormone thus plays a part in odontogenic mesenchymal proliferation.

The influence of growth hormone on cell proliferation in odontogenic epithelia by bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry and morphometry in the Lewis dwarf rat

For investigation of how growth hormone affects tooth development, bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry and morphometry were used for the study of cell proliferation in odontogenic epithelial cell layers. The number of cells in the S phase, as revealed by this technique, and in mitosis, were counted in Bouin's-perfused and paraffin-embedded undecalcified maxillary incisor enamel organs of normal rats, in growth-hormone-deficient dwarf rats, and in dwarf rats treated with growth hormone (66 micrograms/100 g body wt) twice daily for six days. Significantly fewer labeled nuclei, unlabeled nuclei, and total nuclei of various odontogenic epithelia were found in dwarf rats, but in dwarf rats treated with growth hormone, numbers of labeled nuclei equivalent to normal were found in the internal enamel epithelium, stratum intermedium, and Hertwig root sheath. Moreover, the mitotic index for pre-ameloblasts was 1.64 in normal rats, 0.92 for dwarf rats, and 1.66 for growth-hormone-treated dwarf rats (SD, 0.10). Other parameters--such as the labeling index and the ratio of positive to negative nuclei--were similarly related to GH status. Thus, growth hormone may play a role in the proliferation of the odontogenic epithelia in the rat.

Growth hormone regulates nucleolar organizer regions during odontogenesis in the rat

Nucleolar organizers are major sites of ribosomal RNA synthesis and provide an index of transcriptional activity. In order to further define growth hormone actions on nucleolar organizer regions in tooth forming cells, hypophysectomized rats treated with growth hormone for 4 and 24 h, hypophysectomized and sham-operated animals were used. After demineralization and standard paraffin embedding, longitudinal sections of maxillary incisors were stained by a silver stain technique to reveal nucleolar organizer regions. The area of these regions per nucleus was measured using a modified microdensitometer. Analyses of variance of the resulting data showed that preameloblasts and preodontoblasts have greater silver stained nucleolar organizer region values than ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Hypophysectomy reduced and growth hormone partly restored the level of nucleolar organizer regions in preameloblasts and preodontoblasts, but not in mature ameloblasts or odontoblasts. In the case of the younger preameloblasts and preodontoblasts, the effect of growth hormone was seen within 4 h of growth hormone injection. In conclusion, rRNA synthesis, as revealed by the specific silver staining of nucleolar organizer regions in tooth forming cells, appears to be regulated by growth hormone over a relatively short time frame.

Automated microdensitometry of nucleolar organizer regions using microspectrophoto-microscopy

Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are major sites of ribosomal RNA synthesis, providing an index of transcriptional activity and possibly determining the malignant status of cells. Difficulties lie in quantifying them. This study reports a methodology to assist in the standardization of the assessment of interphase NORs. Regenerating hepatocytes, which have increased rRNA synthesis, were chosen as a model to test automated microdensitometry for silver-stained NORs. Quantification employed a microspectrophoto-microscope as a microdensitometer. Significant differences in silver-stained NORs in hepatocytes were recorded among treatment/fixative groups. As the quantitative method avoids subjective observer error and thus improves the accuracy of measurement, it would potentially have routine application to diagnostic pathology.

Expression of growth hormone receptor by immunocytochemistry in rat molar root formation and alveolar bone remodeling

Growth hormone (GH) may regulate tooth formation and bone remodeling associated with tooth eruption. This study reports the distribution of growth hormone receptor/binding protein in developing rat molars and adjacent alveolar bone by immunocytochemistry using well-characterized anti-growth hormone receptor monoclonal antibodies. These tissues represent an excellent model for studying the ontogenic changes that occur in odontogenic and osteogenic cells, as these cells are found in linear arrays displaying the various stages of morphological and functional differentiation, and differentiated function. Immunoreactivity was first seen in precementoblasts in contact with the epithelial root sheath, and preodontoblasts. However, growth hormone receptor immunoreactivity was associated primarily with the cytoplasm of odontogenic and osteogenic cells forming their respective matrices. Thus, cementoblasts and odontoblasts at sites of new matrix formation showed intense immunoreactivity whereas cementocytes and mature odontoblasts at later stages of tooth development were nonreactive. Osteoblasts engaged in intramembranous ossification in the alveolar bone were positive, although osteocytes and endosteal cells were immunonegative. Osteoclasts at sites of alveolar bone remodeling resorption were also immunopositive. These patterns of receptor expression parallel the ontogenic sequences of odontogenic and osteogenic cells and suggest that GH promotes the functional state of these cells. Our results also imply that GH may influence differentiation or differentiated functions associated with odontogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone remodeling independent of systemic insulin-like GF-I.

[Characteristics of clinical pathology and changes of liver function in blood stasis syndrome in liver diseases]

The experimental study on 30 patients of the Blood Stasis Syndrome of liver diseases was discussed in this paper. Two characteristics were found. One was the pathological feature which manifested as follows: (1) DIAGNOSIS: the Blood Stasis Syndrome of liver disease was mainly diagnosed in the chronic active hepatitis and the early stage of cirrhosis of liver, while that of non-Blood Stasis was mainly observed in the chronic persistent hepatitis (P less than 0.01); (2) Pathological change: The histological changes such as piecemeal necrosis, bridging necrosis, the destruction of limiting plate, eosinophilic change, etc. It was more obvious in the Blood Stasis group than that with non-Blood Stasis Syndrome (P less than 0.01), (3) The manifestation of Blood Stasis Syndrome was not in parallel with the severity of the liver disease. The another characteristic was the changes of liver function, which expressed more markedly in the Blood Stasis group with higher level of SGPT, lower ratio of A/G and increased globulin, they were more obvious than that in non-Blood Stasis group (P less than 0.01).

Immunocytochemical localization of growth hormone receptor in rat maxillary teeth

To address the question of what role growth hormone may have in stimulating tooth formation, the distribution of its receptor/binding protein in developing rat incisors and molars was studied immunocytochemically using well-characterized monoclonal antibodies. Ten female 45-day-old Wistar rats were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. Five-microns paraffin sections of the growing end of maxillary incisors and molars were cut, deparaffinized and incubated with mouse anti-growth hormone receptor antibodies or control antibodies. A three-layer streptavidin peroxidase technique was used to detect bound antibody. Immunoreaction product was associated primarily with the cytoplasm of cells at certain stages of differentiation. Dividing cells, differentiating preameloblasts and preodontoblasts, secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts showed immunoreactivity. Undifferentiated dental epithelium cells, stellate reticulum, external dental epithelial cells, mature odontoblasts, and most of cells in the dental papilla were non-reactive. However, at certain stages of tooth development, the stratum intermedium and the external dental epithelium also stained positively. The presence of growth hormone receptor/binding protein in tooth cells at different stages of their development indicates that growth hormone may influence cell proliferation, differentiation and differentiated functions of ameloblasts, odontoblasts and cementoblasts independent of a systemic mediator, and thus may be involved in stimulating odontogenesis directly.

Electrical performance of laser damaged silicon photodiodes

Laser induced electrical parameter degradation and morphological damage have been observed in silicon photodiodes. The samples were RCA reach-through avalanche photodiodes and EG&G PIN photodiodes. The laser source was a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (10-Hz, 10-ns pulses with a 300-microm spot radius). Reverse saturation current, noise current, breakdown voltage, junction capacitance, and surface morphology were monitored for permanent laser induced change. The current characteristics were clearly the most sensitive electrical parameters; however, the electrical performance was generally insensitive to severe surface morphological damage. The damage behavior indicated that the electrical degradation in photodiodes may be modeled by the introduction of defects into the depletion region by deep melting transients.

Studies on antihepatitic drugs. Total synthesis of (+/-)schizandrin C and its analogs

This paper reports the total synthesis of (+/-) schizandrin, C, namely 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1, 12-dimethoxy-2, 3, 10, 11-bismethylenedioxy-6, 7-cis-dimethyldibenzo (a, c) cyclooctene (12B), a new active SGPT lowering principle isolated from the Chinese medical plant Schizandra chinensis, and its 6, 7-trans-dimethyl isomer (16B). We also synthesized two more isomers, namely 5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-3, 10-dimethoxy-1, 2, 11, 12-bismethylenedioxy-6, and 7-cis-(and trans-) dimethyldibenzo (a, c) cyclooctene (12A and 16A). The NMR, UV and mass spectra of these four isomers are discussed. IR (in chloroform), UV, NMR and MS of synthetic schizandrin C (12B) are identical with those of the natural compound.

Absolute configuration of (-)anisodine (a new ganglio blocking agent) and (-)anisodinic acid

A new tropane alkaloid, (-)anisodine (I), was isolated from the plant of Anisodus tanguticus. It is a novel ganglio blocking agent. The absolute configuration of (-)anisodinic acid (VII), which is the side chain of (-)anisodine, was determined by chemical correlation with (R) (-)-2-phenyl-1, 2-propanediol (IV) and (R) (-)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylpropionic acid (VI). Thereby (-)anisodine with the absolute configuration shown as (I) is 6 beta, 7 beta-epoxy-1 alpha H, 5 alpha H-tropan-3 alpha-ol (S) 2'-phenyl-2', 3'-dihydroxypropionate. Two new tropane alkaloids; 6 beta, 7 beta-epoxy-1 alpha H, 5 alpha H-tropan-3 alpha-ol 2',3'-epoxypropionate (III) and 2'-phenyl-2'-hydroxypropionate (V) were prepared and its physical constant is reported in this paper.