[Gemcitabine long-term maintenance chemotherapy benefits patients with survival: a multicenter, real-world study of advanced breast cancer treatment in China]

Objective: This study collected a real-world data on survival and efficacy of gemcitabine-containing therapy in advanced breast cancer. Aimed to find the main reasons of affecting the duration of gemcitabine-base therapy in advanced breast cancer patients. Methods: Advanced breast cancer patients who received gemcitabine-base therapy from January 2017 to January 2019 were enrolled(10 hospitals). The clinicopathological data, the number of chemotherapy cycles and the reasons for treatment termination were collected and analyzed. To identify the reasons related with continuous treatment for advanced breast cancer and the factors which affect the survival and efficacy. Results: A total of 224 patients with advanced breast cancer were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 52 years (26-77 years), 55.4%(124/224) was postmenopausal. Luminal type were 83 cases, TNBC were 97 cases, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER's-2) overexpression were 44. At the analysis, 224 patients who received the gemcitabine-based regimens were evaluated, included 5 complete reponse (CR), 77 partial response (PR), 112 stable disease (SD) and 27 progressive disease (PD). The objective response rate (ORR) was 36.6%(82/224). Seventy patients had serious adverse diseases, including leukopenia (9), neutrophilia (49), thrombocytopenia (15), and elevated transaminase (2). The median follow-up time was 41 months (26~61 months), and the median PFS was 5.6 months. The reasons of termination treatment were listed: disease progression were 90 patients; personal reasons were 51 patients; adverse drug reactions were 18 patients; completed treatment were 65 patients. It was found that progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients receiving >6 cycles than that in patients with ≤6 cycles (8.2 months vs 5.4 months, HR=2.474, 95% CI: 1.730-3.538, P＜0.001). Conclusions: Gemcitabine-based regimen is generally well tolerated in the Chinese population and has relatively ideal clinical efficacy in the real world. The median PFS is significantly prolonged when the number of treatment cycles are appropriately increased.

[Multicenter real world study on the efficacy and safety of eribulin for the treatment of advanced breast cancer]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of real-world eribulin in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Methods: From December 2019 to December 2020, patients with advanced breast cancer were selected from Beijing Chaoyang District Sanhuan Cancer Hospital, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, and Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test were used for survival analysis, and Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: The median progression-free survival (PFS) of 77 patients was 5 months, the objective response rate (ORR) was 33.8%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 71.4%. The ORR of patients with triple-negative breast cancer was 23.1%, and the DCR was 57.7%; the ORR of patients with Luminal breast cancer was 40.0%, and the DCR was 77.8%; the ORR of patients with HER-2 overexpression breast cancer was 33.3%, and the DCR was 83.3%. ORR of 50.0% and DCR of 66.7% for patients treated with eribulin as first to second line treatment, ORR of 29.4% and DCR of 76.5% for patients treated with third to fourth line and ORR of 28.6% and DCR of 71.4% for patients treated with five to eleven line. The ORR of patients in the eribulin monotherapy group was 40.0% and the DCR was 66.0%; the ORR of patients in the combination chemotherapy or targeted therapy group was 22.2% and the DCR was 81.5%. Patients with a history of treatment with paclitaxel, docetaxel, or albumin paclitaxel during the adjuvant phase or after recurrent metastasis had an ORR of 32.9% and a DCR of 69.9% when treated with eribulin. The treatment efficacy is an independent prognostic factor affecting patient survival (P<0.001). The main adverse reactions in the whole group of patients were Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ neutrophil decline [29.9% (23/77)], and other adverse reactions were Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ fatigue [5.2% (4/77)], Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ peripheral nerve abnormality [2.6% (2/77)] and Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ alopecia [2.6% (2/77)]. Conclusions: Eribulin still has good antitumor activity against various molecular subtypes of breast cancer and advanced breast cancer that has failed multiple lines of chemotherapy, and the adverse effects can be controlled, so it has a good clinical application value.

One-pot synthesis and enzyme-responsiveness of amphiphilic doxorubicin prodrug nanomicelles for cancer therapeutics

In this study, we report a one-pot synthesis and enzyme-responsiveness of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glutamic acid (Glu)-based amphiphilic doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug nanomicelles for cancer therapeutics. The nanomicelles were accomplished by esterification and amidation reactions. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data confirmed the structure of nanomicelles. The DOX-loaded nanomicelles showed a DLS-measured average size of 107 nm and excellent stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 7 days. The drug loading and cumulative release rates were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry at 481 nm. The cumulative release rate could reach 100% in an enzyme-rich environment. Further, the therapeutic efficiency of nanomicelles to cancer cells was determined by cell viability and cellular uptake and distribution using HeLa cells. The cell viability study showed that the DOX-loaded nanomicelles could effectively inhibit the HeLa cell proliferation. The cellular uptake study confirmed that the nanomicelles could be effectively ingested by HeLa cells and distributed into cell nuclei. Based on the collective experimental data, this study demonstrated that the synthesized nanomicellar prodrug of DOX is a potential candidate for cancer therapeutics.

A doxorubicin-based nanomedicine with a one-pot synthesis method and FDA-approved materials could solve the problems of a complicated preparation process and avoid the use of non-FDA-approved materials for clinical use and industrial production.

[Multi-center real world study of the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Multi-center data of patients who accepted single-drug albumin-bound paclitaxel or combination regimens from 2013 to 2019 were collected and the efficacy and safety were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, while Log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates. Results: A total of 203 advanced breast cancer cases were enrolled. The median progression-free survival time (PFS) lasted for 4 months, the median overall survival(OS)was 14 months, objective response rate (ORR) was 36.0% while the disease control rate (DCR) was 81.3%. The ORRs of Luminal, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression and triple-negative breast cancer patients underwent albumin-bound paclitaxel treatment were 37.3%, 45.5% and 31.0%, respectively, the DCRs were 85.5%, 68.2% and 78.9%, respectively. The OS of patients with relapse or metastasis who accepted less than two and more than two chemotherapy regimens were 22 months and 11 months (P<0.000 1), the ORRs were 44.9% vs 30.4%, DCRs were 87.2% vs 77.6% (P=0.018). The ORR and DCR of patients who accepted traditional paclitaxel treatment before the albumin-bound paclitaxel treatment were 35.8% and 82.1%, respectively. The common adverse reaction of these patients was numbness of limbs, which incidence rate was 64.5% (131/203), and 61.1% (124/203) were degree 1 to 2. Other adverse reactions including decreased white blood cells, which incidence rate was 56.1% (114/203); nausea and vomit, which incidence rate was 36.9% (75/203); anemia, which incidence rate was 21.2% (43/203); decreased platelet, which incidence rate was 18.7% (38/203); hepatic dysfunction, which incidence rate was 18.2% (37/203). Conclusions: Albumin-bound paclitaxel single or combination regimen is still significant efficient for various molecular subtypes of breast cancer patients or patients with traditional paclitaxel resistance or multi-line chemotherapy failure. Early usage has better prognosis, controllable adverse reaction and prominent clinical application value.

Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley on high fat diet-induced fatty liver in rats

A long-term high-fat (HF) diet can cause metabolic disorders, which might induce visceral obesity and ectopic triglyceride storage (e.g., hepatic steatosis), and increase hepatic oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of complications associated with obesity. Fermented whole cereal foods exhibit healthy potential due to their unique phytochemical composition and the presence of probiotics. In the present study, the regular nutrients and phytochemicals of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley (Hordeum distichum L.) were analyzed. Further, the black barley fermentation broth (1 mL per 100 g BW per d, equivalent to 1 mL per kg BW of daily human intake) was administered orally to the rats fed on a high fat diet (HF). The anti-oxidative activity and hepatic metabolic profile of Lactobacillus-fermented black barley were investigated. The results showed that the fermentation processing significantly increased the contents of polyphenols (e.g., ferulic acid, etc.), flavonoids (e.g., flavone, etc.), vitamin B1 and B2, partial mineral elements (e.g., Ca, etc.), and thymine. Furthermore, compared to the HF-fed only rats, fermented black barley treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase), and decreased the level of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in serum, the levels of TG (triglyceride), TC (total cholesterol), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) in the liver, and the levels of TC, NEFA in the adipose tissue. This suggested the beneficial effects of fermented black barley on ameliorating oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis, which could be attributed to its regulatory role in the hepatic metabolism of glycerophospholipids, nicotinate and nicotinamide, glutathione, and nucleotide, and on the expression of genes related to oxidative stress (Heat shock protein 90 and reactive oxygen species modulator 1).

Hsa_circ_0003998 promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p and PCBP1

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical regulatory role in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis remain mostly unknown.

METHODS

Has_circ_0003998 (circ0003998) was identified by RNAs sequencing in HCC patients with /without portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) metastasis. The expression level of circ0003998 was further detected by in situ hybridization on tissues microarray (ISH-TMA) and qRT-PCR in 25 HCC patients with PVTT metastasis. Moreover, the 25 HCC patients with PVTT metastasis and 50 HCC patients without PVTT metastasis were recruited together to analyze the correlation between circ0003998 expression and HCC clinical characteristics. Transwell, migration and CCK8 assays, as well as nude mice model of lung or liver metastasis were used to evaluate the role of circ0003998 in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC. The regulatory mechanisms of circ0003998 in miR-143-3p and PCBP1 were determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation, fluorescent in situ hybridization, RNA pull- down, microRNA sequence, western blot and RNA immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent normal liver tissues (ANL), circ0003998 expression was significantly upregulated in PVTT tissues and HCC tissues, and its expression correlates with the aggressive characteristics of HCC patients. Further assays suggested that circ0003998 promoted EMT of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, our data indicated that circ0003998 may act as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) of microRNA-143-3p to relieve the repressive effect on EMT-related stimulator, FOSL2; meanwhile, circ0003998 could bind with PCBP1-poly(rC) binding protein 1 (PCBP1) to increase the expression level of EMT-related genes, CD44v6.

CONCLUSION

Circ0003998 promotes EMT of HCC by circ0003998/miR-143-3p/FOSL2 axis and circ0003998 /PCBP1/CD44v6 axis.

Repurposing of clinically approved drugs for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 in a 2019-novel coronavirus-related coronavirus model

BACKGROUND

Medicines for the treatment of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections are urgently needed. However, drug screening using live 2019-nCoV requires high-level biosafety facilities, which imposes an obstacle for those institutions without such facilities or 2019-nCoV. This study aims to repurpose the clinically approved drugs for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 2019-nCoV-related coronavirus model.

METHODS

A 2019-nCoV-related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V/pangolin/2017/Guangxi was described. Whether GX_P2V uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the cell receptor was investigated by using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of ACE2. The pangolin coronavirus model was used to identify drug candidates for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Two libraries of 2406 clinically approved drugs were screened for their ability to inhibit cytopathic effects on Vero E6 cells by GX_P2V infection. The anti-viral activities and anti-viral mechanisms of potential drugs were further investigated. Viral yields of RNAs and infectious particles were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and plaque assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The spike protein of coronavirus GX_P2V shares 92.2% amino acid identity with that of 2019-nCoV isolate Wuhan-hu-1, and uses ACE2 as the receptor for infection just like 2019-nCoV. Three drugs, including cepharanthine (CEP), selamectin, and mefloquine hydrochloride, exhibited complete inhibition of cytopathic effects in cell culture at 10 μmol/L. CEP demonstrated the most potent inhibition of GX_P2V infection, with a concentration for 50% of maximal effect [EC50] of 0.98 μmol/L. The viral RNA yield in cells treated with 10 μmol/L CEP was 15,393-fold lower than in cells without CEP treatment ([6.48 ± 0.02] × 10vs. 1.00 ± 0.12, t = 150.38, P < 0.001) at 72 h post-infection (p.i.). Plaque assays found no production of live viruses in media containing 10 μmol/L CEP at 48 h p.i. Furthermore, we found CEP had potent anti-viral activities against both viral entry (0.46 ± 0.12, vs.1.00 ± 0.37, t = 2.42, P < 0.05) and viral replication ([6.18 ± 0.95] × 10vs. 1.00 ± 0.43, t = 3.98, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V is a workable model for 2019-nCoV research. CEP, selamectin, and mefloquine hydrochloride are potential drugs for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Our results strongly suggest that CEP is a wide-spectrum inhibitor of pan-betacoronavirus, and further study of CEP for treatment of 2019-nCoV infection is warranted.

miR-515-5p suppresses HCC migration and invasion via targeting IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as critical modulators of cell migration and invasion, which are the major causes of cancer progression including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the accurate role of miR-515-5p in HCC is still uncertain. Here, we report that miR-515-5p expression is down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and associated with absence of capsule formation (p = 0.015)﹑microvascular invasion(p = 0.003)﹑and advantange TNM stage (II-III) (p = 0.014) in HCC patients. Overexpression of miR-515-5p inhibited migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, while miR-515-5p knockdown has the inverse effect. Moreover, using miRNA databases and dual-luciferase report assay, we find miR-515-5p directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of interleukin 6 (IL6). In addition, the regulatory association between miR-515-5p and the IL-6/Janus kinase (JNK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway was explored. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-515-5p inhibited the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which was rescued by overexpression of IL-6. The results of the current study indicate that miR-515-5p overexpression may serve an important role in inhibiting migration and invasion of HCC cells via suppression of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway activation. MiR-515-5p may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

[Comparison of radiological and clinicopathological features of craniofacial fibro-osseous lesions]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and radiological features of benign fibro-osseous lesion (BFOL). Methods: Sixty-five cases of craniofacial BFOL, eight cases of peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) and one case of low-grade central osteosarcoma diagnosed at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2010 and March 2019 were collected. The clinicopathologic features, hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and radiographic features were analyzed. MDM2 gene amplification was detected by FISH in difficult borderline cases. Results: This cohort of BFOLs included 50 cases of fibrous dysplasia (FD), 12 cases of ossifying fibroma (OF), and three cases of juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF). The average ages of patients with FD,OF and JPOF were 31.7, 39.2 and 26.0 years respectively. The male to female ratio was 1.0∶1.8.The average age of POF was 47.0 years, with male to female ratio of 1∶7. Patient of low-grade central osteosarcoma was a 48-year-old man. Twenty-seven cases of FD were located in the jaw, and 23 cases were in other craniofacial bones. Nine cases of OF were located in the jaw, and three cases were in the nasal cavity. Two cases of JPOF were in the nasal sinus, and one was in the jaw. All POF were located in the gingiva, and low-grade central osteosarcoma was located in the mandible. The imaging features of FD were luffa-like or ground-glass like signal shadows with poorly defined borders with expansion. OF had clear borders or sclerosing margins. Both JOF and low-grade central osteosarcoma were expansile intraosseously and with focally invasive nodular masses with ground-glass like signal shadows; and POF showed soft tissue mass with bone formation. Histological features of BFOLs showed mixed fibrous and irregular osteoid lesions. FD had no clear relationship with the host bone and no osteoblasts surrounded the bone trabeculae. Osteoblasts rimming was found in OF, and the boundaries of the host bone were clear. JPOF and low-grade central osteosarcoma infiltrated the host bone focally, and the latter showed mild cellular atypia. MDM2 amplification was detected in low-grade central osteosarcoma. Conclusions: BFOLs are a group of fibro-osseous lesions with similar morphology in the head and neck and face, but their clinical features and prognosis are different; and their imaging and histological characteristics are also slightly different. Attentions should be given to the combination of clinical, imaging and pathologic features of BFOLs, especially the differential diagnosis between BFOLs and low-grade central osteosarcoma. Molecular detection could be used to assist the diagnosis in difficult cases.

Effects of hydrogen-rich water on the nutrient composition and antioxidative characteristics of sprouted black barley

Hydrogen gas (H₂), a multifunctional signaling molecule, has received increasing attention in recent years. In the present study, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) (2 ppm) was used for the processing of sprouted black barley (Hordeum distichum L.), and the results showed that the HRW treatment could significantly increase the germination rate and growth rate of black barley (P < 0.05). A chemical component analysis showed that in sprouted black barley, the HRW treatment could change the distribution of phytochemicals (e.g., the ionic strength of guanosine), increase the concentrations of free vanillic acid, coumaric acid, sinapic acid, conjugated sinapic acid, Ca and Fe and the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and decrease the protein, fat, starch and dietary fibre contents compared with the results obtained after treatment with ultra-pure water (P < 0.05). HRW can be used for the processing of sprouted grains to effectively increase their germination efficiency and concentrations of bioactive phytochemicals.

Downregulation of miR-196-5p Induced by Hypoxia Drives Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the hypoxic tumor microenvironment can drive enhance tumor malignancy and recurrence. The microRNA (miRNA) miR-196-5p has been shown to modulate the progression of several cancer types, but its roles in HCC remain uncertain. In the present report we observed significant miR-196-5p downregulation in HCC tissues and cells, and we found that the expression of this miRNA significantly impaired the proliferation and metastatic potential of HCC in vitro and in vivo. We identified high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a miR-196-5p target gene that was associated with the ability of miR-196-5p to modulate the progression of HCC. Expression of miR-196-5p and HMGA2 were correlated with the clinical characteristics and poor outcomes in patients with HCC. Finally, we found that hypoxic conditions were linked with reduced miR-196-5p expression in the context of HCC. Together these results highlight the role for miR-196-5p as an inhibitor of the proliferation and metastasis of HCC via the targeting of HMGA2, with this novel hypoxia/miR-196-5p/HMGA2 pathway serving as a potential target for future therapeutic intervention.

Effects of various additives on the pyrolysis characteristics of municipal solid waste

Additives can have a significant impact on the pyrolysis process. The effects of three additives (CaO, MSW char and biomass) on the pyrolysis characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) were investigated using a fixed-bed reactor. In addition, the effects of additives and temperature on the MSW pyrolysis product yield, the composition of MSW pyrolysis gases, and the composition of MSW pyrolysis tar were investigated using fixed bed reactor, GC-MS and FTIR, respectively. The results showed that the maximum tar yield of the MSW reached 28.73% at 600 °C and the tar yield decreased with increasing amounts of CaO and MSW. The tar yield began to decrease when the additive amount of CaO was 5% and decreased to 23.05% when the additive amount of MSW char (C) was 30%. Synergistic pyrolysis of the biomass and MSW was observed when the additive amount of the pine increased to 75% (with a tar yield of 37.91%). Regarding gas composition, with increasing additives content, the CO₂ yield decreased, while the CO yield increased. According to the FTIR analysis of the tar, CaO enhanced the condensation of the aromatic rings and converted the aliphatic hydrocarbons, while C reduced the oxygenic groups of the tar. The GC-MS results revealed that the additives decreased the yield of carboxylic acid and ethanol, and increased the ester yield. The additives were also found to have a deoxidation effect that decreased the acid content, potentially improving the quality and stability of the tar.

Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of p16/Ki-67 dual staining and HPV DNA testing of abnormal cervical cytology in the detection of histology proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and above (CIN 2+)

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is used as a means of triaging cervico-vaginal smears with low grade squamous abnormalities or as part of co-testing with cytology. While HPV testing has a high sensitivity, it has a low specificity in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and above (CIN 2+) leading to unnecessary colposcopy referrals. We investigate the accuracy of the p16/Ki-67 dual immunocytochemical stain in determining the presence of CIN 2+ lesions on histology and its potential as a superior biomarker for triage.

METHODS

Liquid based cervico-vaginal cytology specimens with squamous abnormalities and corresponding histology from 97 women with subsequent colposcopy and biopsy were included. The specimens were then subjected to the dual stain and Roche Cobas 4800 multiplex real time PCR HPV DNA testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the dual stain and HPV testing were calculated using CIN 2+ on histology as a reference standard.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of the dual stain in detecting histology proven CIN 2+ was 93.7% and 76.5% while HPV testing was 85.7% and 14.7% respectively. Of the 44 women with ASCUS or LSIL on cytology, the dual stain also reduced the number of unnecessary colposcopy referrals from 27 to 7 when used as a triage marker compared to HPV testing.

CONCLUSION

p16/Ki-67 dual stain was more sensitive and specific than HPV testing in determining the presence of CIN 2+ on histology. It could triage low grade cervico-vaginal specimens more effectively and potentially help women avoid unnecessary colposcopies. Future studies are needed to further evaluate its role in cervical cancer screening programmes.

Bigelovin triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo via upregulating death receptor 5 and reactive oxidative species

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer and the third highest cancer-related mortality in the United States. Bigelovin, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Inula helianthus aquatica, has been proven to induce apoptosis and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities. However, the effects of bigelovin on CRC and underlying mechanisms have not been explored. The present study demonstrated that bigelovin exhibited potent anti-tumor activities against CRC in vitro and in vivo. Bigelovin suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation and induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer HT-29 and HCT 116 cells in vitro. Results also revealed that bigelovin activated caspases, caused the G2/M cell cycle arrest and induced DNA damage through up-regulation of death receptor (DR) 5 and increase of ROS. In HCT 116 xenograft model, bigelovin treatment resulted in suppression of tumor growth. Bigelovin at 20 mg/kg showed more significant tumor suppression and less side effects than conventional FOLFOX (containing folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) treatment. In addition, in vivo data confirmed that anti-tumor activity of bigelovin in CRC was through induction of apoptosis by up-regulating DR5 and increasing ROS. In conclusion, these results strongly suggested that bigelovin has potential to be developed as therapeutic agent for CRC patients.

Lazaroid U83836E protects the heart against ischemia reperfusion injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of PKC

Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to be important during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). The lazaroid U83836E, which combines the amino functionalities of the 21‑aminosteroids with the antioxidant ring portion of vitamin E, is a reactive oxygen species scavenger. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of U83836E on MIRI and its mechanisms of action. Rat hearts were subjected to 30 min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 2 h reperfusion. The results demonstrated that at 5 mg/kg, U83836E markedly protected cardiac function in ischemia/reperfusion rat models, decreased the malondialdehyde content and creatinine kinase activity, while increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Additionally, U83836E significantly decreased the histological damage to the myocardium, reduced the area of myocardial infarction in the left ventricle and modified the mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, U83836E enhanced the translocation of protein kinase Cε (PKCε) from the cytoplasm to the membrane. However, the cardioprotective effects of U83836E were reduced in the presence of the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (1 mg/kg). Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that U83836E has a potent protective effect against MIRI in rat models through the direct anti‑oxidative stress mechanisms and the activation of PKC signaling.

Animal models of ulcerative colitis developed with chemicals

In recent years, the incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been rising obviously with the changes in people's diet (e.g., high fat diet), and it has become a common digestive system disease as well as a main cause of chronic diarrhea. Patients usually suffer from great pain because of the delayed recovery and repeated attacks of UC, and some of the patients may develop into colon cancer. At present, the pathogenesis of UC is not fully clear, anti-inflammatory drugs are mostly used clinically for the treatment of UC, but their efficacy is not satisfying. Therefore, it is of great significance to further investigate the etiology, mechanisms and new treatment strategies for UC using effective animal models of UC. There are many methods to establish animal models of UC. The present review mainly focuses on the mechanisms, characteristics and applications of UC animal models established using chemical substances.

Compound antimalarial ethosomal cataplasm: preparation, evaluation, and mechanism of penetration enhancement

Malaria is still a serious public health problem in some parts of the world. The problems of recurrence and drug resistance are increasingly more serious. Thus, it is necessary to develop a novel antimalarial agent. The objectives of this study were to construct a novel compound antimalarial transdermal nanosystem–ethosomal cataplasm, to investigate its characteristics and efficiency, and to systematically explore the penetration-enhancing mechanisms of ethosomal cataplasm. Artesunate-loaded ethosomes and febrifugine-loaded ethosomes were prepared, and their characteristics were evaluated. Drug-loaded ethosomes were incorporated in the matrix of cataplasm to form the compound antimalarial ethosomal cataplasm. With the help of ethosomal technology, the accumulated permeation quantity of artesunate significantly increased at 8 hours after administration, which was 1.57 times as much as that of conventional cataplasm. Soon after administration, the ethosomal cataplasm could make a large quantity of antimalarial drug quickly penetrate through skin, then the remaining drug in the ethosomal cataplasm could be steadily released. These characteristics of ethosomal cataplasm are favorable for antimalarial drugs to kill Plasmodium spp. quickly and prevent the resurgence of Plasmodium spp. As expected, the ethosomal cataplasm showed good antimalarial efficiency in this experiment. The negative conversion rates were 100% and the recurrence rates were 0% at all dosages. The mechanism of penetration enhancement of the ethosomal cataplasm was systematically explored using an optics microscope, polarization microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure, ultrastructure, and birefringent structure in skin were observed. Data obtained in this study showed that the application of ethosomal technology to antimalarial cataplasm could improve the transdermal delivery of drug, enhance the efficacy, and facilitate practical application in clinic.

Identification of a natural intergenotypic recombinant hepatitis delta virus genotype 1 and 2 in Vietnamese HBsAg-positive patients

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is acquired as a co- /superinfection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can modulate the pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis B and related liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the eight distinct HDV genotypes reported, relatively few studies have attempted to investigate the prevalence of HDV mixed genotypes and RNA recombination of HDV. With a recorded prevalence of 10-20% HBV infection in Vietnam, this study investigated the HDV variability, HDV genotypes and HDV recombination among twenty-one HDV isolates in Vietnamese HBsAg-positive patients. HDV subgenomic and full-length genome sequences were obtained using newly established HDV-specific RT-PCR techniques. The nucleotide homology was observed from 74.6% to 99.4% among the investigated full-length genome of the HDV isolates. We observed HDV genotype 1 and HDV genotype 2 in the investigated Vietnamese patients. Although no HDV genotype mixtures were observed, we report here a newly identified recombinant of HDV genotypes (HDV 1 and HDV 2). The identified recombinant HDV isolate C03 revealed sequence homology to both HDV genotype 1 (nt1 to nt907) and HDV genotype 2 (nt908 to nt1675; HDAg coding region) with a breakpoint at nt908. Our findings demonstrate the prevalence of intergenotypic recombination between HDV genotypes 1 and 2 in a Vietnamese HBsAg-positive patient. Extended investigation on the distribution and prevalence of HDV, HDV mixed genotypes and recombinant HDV genotypes in a larger Vietnamese population offers vital insights into understanding of the micro-epidemiology of HDV and subsequent pathophysiology in chronic HBV- /HDV-related liver diseases.

Multiple-fingerprint analysis for investigating quality control of Flammulina velutipes fruiting body polysaccharides

Quality control issues overshadow potential health benefits of the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes, with the detection and isolation of polysaccharides posing particular problems. In this study, multiple-fingerprint analysis was performed using chemometrics to assess polysaccharide quality and antioxidant activity of F. velutipes fruiting bodies from different sources. The authentic source exhibited differences in both oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power from foreign sources. IR spectroscopic/HPLC fingerprints of polysaccharide extracts from the authentic source were established and applied to assess the polysaccharide quality of foreign sources. Analysis of IR fingerprints using Pearson correlation coefficient gave correlation coefficient r values of 0.788 and 0.828 for two foreign sources, respectively, indicating distinctness from the authentic source. Analysis of HPLC fingerprints using the supervised method by Traditional Chinese Medicine could not discriminate between sources (r > 0.9), but principal component analysis of IR and HPLC fingerprints distinguished the foreign sources.

Preventive effects of phytosterol ester on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

AIM: To explore the preventive effects of phytosterol ester (PSE) on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: An NAFLD rat model was established by giving a high fat diet, and different dosages of PSE [PSE_L: 0.05 g/100 g body weight (BW); PSE_M: 0.10 g/100 g BW; PSE_H: 0.15 g/100 g BW] fortified milk were given to rats by intragastric administration. Serum lipid profile and liver lipids were detected, and histological changes were observed after HE staining.

RESULTS: Compared with the high fat diet group (HF group), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in animals in the PSE_L group was lowered by 13.6%, while no further effect was observed with higher concentrations of PSE; liver triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFAs) were reduced significantly in all the PSE treatment groups, among which the level of FFA was close to the normal level. Glucose (GLU) levels in the PSE_M and PSE_H groups were lower than that in the HF group, which were close to the normal level. HE staining results showed that the degree of hepatic steatosis was obviously ameliorated in all the PSE treatment groups.

CONCLUSION: PSE could effectively reduce serum LDL-C and hepatic fat accumulation induced by a high fat diet, and attenuate hepatic steatosis, thus exhibiting preventive effects on NAFLD.

Total glucosides of paeony inhibit the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes through the regulation of G proteins in rats with collagen-induced arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of G proteins in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to determine the effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP). CIA rats were induced with chicken type II collagen (CCII) in Freund's complete adjuvant. The rats with experimental arthritis were randomly separated into five groups and then treated with TGP (25, 50, and 100mg/kg) from days 14 to 35 after immunization. The secondary inflammatory reactions were evaluated through the polyarthritis index and histopathological changes. The level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was measured by radioimmunoassay. The FLS proliferation response was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G proteins was performed through autoradiography. The results show that TGP (25, 50, and 100mg/kg) significantly decreased the arthritis scores of CIA rats and improved the histopathological changes. TGP inhibited the proliferation of FLSs and increased the level of cAMP. Moreover, the FLS proliferation and the level of Gαi expression were significantly increased, but the level of Gαs expression was decreased after stimulation with IL-1β (10ng/ml) in vitro. TGP (12.5 and 62.5μg/ml) significantly inhibited the FLS proliferation and regulated the balance between Gαi and Gαs. These results demonstrate that TGP may exert its anti-inflammatory effects through the suppression of FLS proliferation, which may be associated with its ability to regulate the balance of G proteins. Thus, TGP may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma: functional roles of MICA variants

Hepatitis B virus infection is a high-risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The human major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) is a ligand of the NKG2D receptor that modulates the NK and T-cell-mediated immune responses and is associated with several diseases. This study determined the effects of MICA polymorphisms during HBV infection and HBV-induced HCC. We conducted a case-controlled study in a Vietnamese cohort and genotyped ten functional MICA polymorphisms including the microsatellite motif in 552 clinically classified hepatitis B virus patients and 418 healthy controls. The serum soluble MICA levels (sMICA) were correlated with MICA variants and liver enzyme levels. We demonstrated a significant contribution of MICA rs2596542G/A promoter variant and nonsynonymous substitutions MICA-129Met/Val, MICA-251Gln/Arg, MICA-175Gly/Ser, triplet repeat polymorphism and respective haplotypes with HBV-induced HCC and HBV persistence. The circulating sMICA levels in HBV patient groups were elevated significantly compared with healthy controls. A significant contribution of studied MICA variants to sMICA levels was also observed. The liver enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were positively correlated with sMICA levels suggesting sMICA as a biomarker for liver injury. We conclude that MICA polymorphisms play a crucial role in modulating innate immune responses, tumour surveillance and regulate disease susceptibility during HBV infection.

[Study on in vitro release and percutaneous absorption for Zhitong cataplasm]

To evaluate in vitro release and transdermal behaviors of Zhitong cataplasm, modified Franz diffusion cell method was applied to investigate in vitro transdermal absorption of Zhitong cataplasm and the content of tetrahydropalmatine was determined by HPLC. In 24 hours, accumulative release rate of tetrahydropalmatine was 81. 9%, transmission rate was 2.26 microg x cm(-2) x h(-1). In 48 hours, accumulative transdermal rate and transmission rate of tetrahydropalmatine were 20.31%, 0.22 pg x cm(-2) x h(-1). So Zhitong cataplasm had a good release and transdermal properties and transdermal actions were consistent with zero-order kinetics process.

Pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin microemulsion after repeated dosing in rats with adjuvant arthritis

An investigation was designed and conducted to detect pharmacokinetic differences between paeoniflorin (Pae) microemulsion and Pae saline. Pae microemulsion (25, 50,100 mg x kg(-1)) was administered to three groups of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) while Pae (25, 50,100 mg x kg(-1)) was given to another three groups of rats both for ten days. A HPLC assay was developed to determine the plasma concentrations of Pae. The plasma concentrations of Pae groups (25, 50 mg x kg(-1)) were undetectable. Furthermore, compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of Pae group (100 mg x kg(-1)), maximum concentration (C(max)), the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-t)), and mean retention time MRT(0-infinity))(h) of Pae microemulsion (100 mg x kg(-1)) increased apparently, while volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance rate (CL/F) decreased. These results indicate that a microemulsion significantly improves the absorption of Pae in AA rats.

Melatonin modulates TLR4-mediated inflammatory genes through MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells

Increasing evidence demonstrates that melatonin has an anti-inflammatory effect. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms remain obscure. In this study, we investigated the effect of melatonin on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated molecule myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with LPS (2.0 μg/mL) in the absence or presence of melatonin (10, 100, 1000 μm). As expected, melatonin inhibited TLR4-mediated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, melatonin significantly attenuated LPS-induced upregulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages. Further analysis showed that melatonin inhibited the expression of MyD88 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Although it had no effect on TLR4-mediated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), melatonin significantly attenuated the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, melatonin inhibited TLR4-mediated Akt phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, melatonin significantly attenuated the elevation of interferon (IFN)-regulated factor-3 (IRF3), which was involved in TLR4-mediated TRIF-dependent signaling pathway, in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Correspondingly, melatonin significantly alleviated LPS-induced IFN-β in macrophages. In conclusion, melatonin modulates TLR4-mediated inflammatory genes through MyD88-dependent and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways.

Pyridine-2-carbaldehyde thio-semi-carbazone

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C₇H₈N₄S, contains two independent mol­ecules with slightly different conformations; the dihedral angles between the pyridine ring and mean plane of the thio­semicarbazone unit in the two mol­ecules are 2.88 (5) and 6.30 (5)°. Inter­molecular N—H⋯N and N—H⋯S hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into layers parallel to the ab plane.

[Study on the ability of mammalian reovirus BYD1 to induce apoptosis and analysis of the structure of viral major membrane penetration protein involved in proapoptosis induction]

OBJECTIVE

To study a newly isolated domestic mammalian reovirus, BYD1, its ability to induce apoptosis analyze the three-dimensional structure of its major membrane penetration protein to predict its function in inducing apoptosis.

METHODS

HeLa cells infected with BYD1 reovirus were metered with flow cytometer (FCM) to quantify the ratio of apoptotic cells. The data were analyzed with Student's t-test to judge the ability of BYD1 strain to induce apoptosis. The primary sequence ranged from 582 to 675 per microliter protein of BYD1, T1L, T2J and T3D were aligned and compared. The three-dimensional comparative protein structure model of microliter protein was generated by homology-modeling pipeline SWISS MODEL was applied to annotate its secondary and tertiary structure.

RESULTS

BYD1 strain was verified with the ability to induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells. The 643-675 segment composing an alpha-helix showed major difference compared with prototype T2J.

CONCLUSION

The newly isolated reovirus BYD1 is an apoptosis inducing strain. The alpha-helix (residues 643 to 675) of microliter protein of BYD1 may play a key role to induce the proapoptotic activity of infected cells.

Characterization of integrons-mediated antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli strains isolated from bovine mastitis

To assess the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and class I integrons in Escherichia coli strains (n=58) isolated from bovine mastitis in Inner Mongolia, antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of various types of integrons were characterized. Most isolates were susceptible to amikacin, colistin, ceftazidime, gentamicin and kanamycin, while those also exhibited high resistant incidence rates to ampicillin, amoxicillin, sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxydiazine. The integrase gene of integrons was amplified by PCR using degenerate primers. The integrons were confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of positive PCR products. Neither class II nor class III integron was detected, while 56.90% (n=33) of the isolates were positive for the presence of intI1 gene. Sequencing analysis of gene cassettes revealed that seven gene cassettes were found, which encoded resistance to trimethoprim (dfrA1 and dfrA17), aminoglycosides (aacA4, aadA1 and aadA5) and chloramphenicol (catB3), respectively. Of them, the gene cassette array dfrA17-aadA5 was found most prevalent (62.96%). The percentage of positive-integron among the isolates whose resistant profile was relatively broad (n> or =7) is 100.00%, while the one in narrow-profile isolates (n=2-6) is 30.56%. The correlation analysis revealed the incidence of integrons among the isolates were highly related to the resistant profile, indicating integrons play an important role in the dissemination and spread of the antimicrobial resistant strains.

[Preparation and characterization of human colon tumor-associated antigen and its clinical significance]

AIM

To purify the colon tumor-associated antigen from cultured colon tumor cells, and to investigate its expression in the sera of patients with colon cancer.

METHODS

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) against human colon tumor-associated antigen 4D10 was employed as the ligand for the immunoaffinity chromatography to purify the colon tumor-associated antigen from the lysate of colorectal tumor cell LOVO. The purified antigen was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The expression of colon tumor-associated antigen in the sera of patients with colon cancer and in normal sera was detected by Sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

The purified colon tumor-associated antigen binding to mAb 4D10 was a heterodimer composed of two subunits with relative molecular mass M(r) of 30 x 10(3) and 35 x 10(3) respectively. The antigen was significantly higher expressed in sera from patients with colon cancer than that in normal sera (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The tumor-associated antigen obtained from the colon tumor cells has been successfully purified through immunoaffinity chromatography with mAb 4D10, which may be useful for diagnosis on clinic.

Gene expression profiles in the liver of mice irradiated with (60)Co gamma rays and treated with soybean isoflavone

PURPOSE

To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the radio-protective effect of soybean isoflavone that we observed in our recent animal experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We utilized a cDNA microarray to investigate the expression profiles of 4,096 known genes in the livers of irradiated-mice with or without soybean isoflavone treatment. Dye swap approach was employed to control for gene-specific dye bias and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed on several genes to validate the cDNA microarray data.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 68 genes were up-regulated and 28 genes were down-regulated in mice treated with irradiation alone, whereas only 6 genes were down-regulated and 35 genes were up-regulated in mice treated with soybean isoflavone. Interestingly, some of the down-regulated genes in the irradiated group, such as DNA repair and stress response genes and cytoskeleton-associated genes, which are markers of cellular damage after irradiation, were maintained at close to normal expression levels after soybean isoflavone treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of gene expression profiles in the livers of irradiated-mice treated with or without soybean isoflavone suggested that soybean isoflavone may be an efficient tool to reverse irradiation damage of the liver through multiple-pathways and also provides important clues to further pursue the molecular mechanisms underlying the radio-protective activity of soybean isoflavone.

Protective effects of soybean isoflavone against gamma-irradiation induced damages in mice

In the present work, we investigated the radioprotective efficacy of soybean isoflavone (SI) in mitigating gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative damage to the livers and blood systems of adult Swiss albino mice. We administered various doses of SI (50 mg/kg b.wt, 100 mg/kg b.wt, and 400 mg/kg b.wt) to the mice for seven consecutive days before exposing them to a single dose of 4.56 Gy 60Co-gamma whole-body irradiation. The irradiated mice continued to receive SI for two or seven days before sacrifice. The SI treatments significantly elevated liver catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities and mRNA abundances, and decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. The SI treatments also accelerated the recovery of circulating white blood cells (WBCs) and reticulocytes (RETs) seven days following irradiation. These effects were dose-dependent, and the strongest effect on most biomarkers (but not on histopathology) was seen with an intermediate dose. Our results provide useful information for future investigations, and strongly implicate a clinical application for SI.

Protective effect of paeoniflorin on immunological liver injury induced by bacillus Calmette-Guerin plus lipopolysaccharide: modulation of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 MRNA

1. Paeoniflorin is one of the main effective components of the total glucosides of paeony (TGP) extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora which has been used for gynaecological problems and for cramp, pain and giddiness for over 1,500 years in Chinese medicine. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antihepatic injury and immunoregulatory activities of TGP have been extensively proved in our laboratory for many years. Our present study investigates the effects and mechanisms of paeoniflorin on immunological liver injury in mice. 2. A model of immunological liver injury was induced by tail vein injection of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured by biochemical methods. Hepatic tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) expression in mouse liver were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. 3. Immunological liver injury induced by BCG plus LPS was successfully duplicated. Serum ALT activities were significantly decreased by paeoniflorin. (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Histological examination demonstrated that paeoniflorin could attenuate the area and extent of necrosis and reduce the immigration of inflammatory cells. The increase in TNF-alpha, LBP and CD14 mRNA expression in mouse liver after BCG and LPS injection was significantly decreased by paeoniflorin (100 mg/kg) and was changed by paeoniflorin (25, 50 mg/kg) at different time-point. The augmentation of IL-6 mRNA in mouse liver was markedly increased by paeoniflorin at 1 h and 3 h after LPS injection. 4. Paeoniflorin could significantly protect against immunological liver injury in mice. TNF-alpha, IL-6, LBP and CD14 mRNA expression in mouse liver may be involved in BCG plus LPS induced liver injury. The protective mechanism of paeoniflorin might be partially related to modulation of TNF-alpha, IL-6, LBP and CD14 mRNA expressions in mouse liver.

Upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA in mouse liver induced by bacille Calmette-Guerin plus lipopolysaccharide

AIM

To investigate the mechanism of immunological liver injury induced by bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHODS

Mice were injected via the tail vein with 125 mg/kg BCG, and 12 d later, the mice were injected intravenously with different doses of LPS (125, 250, or 375 microg/kg). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and liver pathological changes were examined. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA, and NF-kappaB and IkappaB-alpha protein in mouse liver at different time points after BCG and LPS injection were measured using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

The activity of serum ALT in mice treated with BCG and LPS was significantly increased. Different degrees of liver injury, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, spotty necrosis, piecemeal necrosis, even bridging necrosis, could be seen in liver sections from mice after BCG and LPS administration. Furthermore, the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA in mouse liver were significantly elevated after administration of BCG plus LPS (P<0.05). The levels of LBP and CD14 mRNA in mouse liver were markedly upregulated after treatment with BCG and LPS, and treatment with BCG alone led to an increase in CD14 mRNA in mouse liver. Finally, immunoreactivity for NF-kappaB p65 was predominantly detected in hepatocyte nuclei from mice treated with BCG plus LPS, compared with the normal group. Protein levels of IkappaB-alpha were strikingly decreased by LPS or BCG plus LPS treatment, compared with the normal group or BCG group.

CONCLUSION

TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA were partially involved in early immunological liver injury induced by challenge with small doses of LPS after BCG priming. Upregulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA might be related to increases in LBP and CD14 mRNA expression and activation of NF-kappaB. Furthermore, BCG priming in immunological liver injury may occur via upregulation of CD14 mRNA expression in mononuclear cell infiltration into the liver.

Genistein stimulates the osteoblastic differentiation via NO/cGMP in bone marrow culture

The soybean phytoestrogen, genistein (Gen), has anabolic effects on bone through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. We examined the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its downstream effector guanylyl cyclase (GC) in mediating the effects of Gen on the proliferation and osteoblastic maturation of primary mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Gen (10(-8) approximately 10(-6) M) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cell proliferation as measured by increased [3H]thymidine incorporation, and stimulated osteoblastic maturation as assessed by culture duration-dependent increments in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition into extracellular matrix and Runx2/Cbfa1 gene expression in BMSCs cultures. Gen also resulted in a dose-dependent increase in NO synthase (NOS) activity, NO formation, and cGMP production in BMSCs cultures. The effects of Gen were mimicked by 17beta-estradiol (E2, 10(-8) M). Concurrent treatment with the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182,780 (10(-7) M) or the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (3 x 10(-3) M) diminished the Gen (10(-6) M)-mediated increase in NOS activity, NO production, and cGMP content. In contrast, a soluble GC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo [4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 10(-6) M) selectively blocked the Gen (10(-6) M)-mediated increase in cGMP content but not in NO production and NOS activity. Moreover, inhibition of ER, NOS activity or cGMP blocked Gen-induced proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs and Runx2/Cbfa1 gene expression in culture. Gen has estrogen-like activity and stimulates the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of mouse BMSCs at least in part through NO/cGMP pathway.

Low frequency of mutations in the X gene, core promoter and precore region of hepatitis B virus infected Vietnamese

Numerous mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome have been described, but in most cases their role in the pathogenesis of HBV infection is still unclear. Therefore, we analysed specific mutations in HBV-infected Vietnamese patients and assessed their potential relationship with their clinical outcome. A total of 153 HBV-infected Vietnamese patients with well-characterised clinical profiles were enrolled. None of the study participants had a history of alcohol or drug use and none received any antiviral or immunosuppressive therapy before or during the course of this study. The HBx- and core promoter regions were analysed by sequencing. The majority of isolates corresponded to genotype A. The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was associated with significantly higher viral loads in the chronic HBV-infection group (P = 0.026). Double mutations in the core promoter (1762/1764) were more frequent in those with cancer than in noncancer patients (P < 0.01). Mutations at nucleotide (nt) 1766/1773 were found at low prevalence but with no obvious association to clinical presentation. Cytosine at nt 1858 was predominant but the stop codon mutation in the precore region was not detected. In the study, 4/48 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients revealed truncated HBx, whilst the serine to alanine mutation (codon 31) of HBx was more prevalent in cancer patients than in asymptomatic HBV carriers (P < 0.01). Thus, the low frequency of mutations indicates the relation of the absence of antiviral pressure in this population. The exclusively found prevalence of certain mutations detected in those with HBV-related carcinoma nevertheless indicates a degree of association with disease progression.

Synergistic antitumor activity of TRAIL combined with chemotherapeutic agents in A549 cell lines in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

To investigate the synergistic cytotoxicity of TRAIL in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in A549 cell lines, we systematically evaluated the cytotoxicity of TRAIL alone and TRAIL in combination with cisplatin, paclitaxel (Taxol) or actinomycin D in A549 cell lines in vitro and in vivo, and whether the sensitivity was correlated with the expression level of TRAIL receptors.

METHODS

We investigated the cytotoxicity of TRAIL alone and the synergistic antitumor effects of TRAIL in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in A549 cells by crystal violet staining and FACS in vitro. The expression levels of DR4, DR5, DcR1 and DcR2 were measured in TRAIL-treated and chemotherapeutic agent-treated A549 cells by Western blotting. The growth inhibition of tumors was evaluated in terms of incidence, volume and weight in a A549-implanted nude mice model.

RESULTS

Chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin (5.56 mug/ml), Taxol (10 and 30 mug/ml) or actinomycin D (9.26, 83.3 and 750 ng/ml) augmented the cytotoxicity of TRAIL in A549 cell lines within a range of concentrations of TRAIL (1.98-160 ng/ml) in vitro. The expression levels of DR4 and DR5 were not significantly different and the expression of DcR2 was slightly downregulated, but the expression of DcR1 was not detected in non-treated, TRAIL-treated and chemotherapeutic agent-treated A549 cells. The rates of tumor inhibition following treatment with TRAIL alone (15 mg/kg per day, daily for 10 days) and TRAIL/cisplatin (15 mg/kg per day TRAIL, daily for 10 days; 1.5 mg/kg per day cisplatin, daily for 10 days with 7-day intervals) were 28.3% and 76.8% by tumor weight ( P<0.05 for TRAIL alone versus control, P<0.05 for TRAIL/cisplatin versus cisplatin alone and TRAIL alone) on day 65 in vivo.

CONCLUSION

TRAIL in combination with chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, Taxol or actinomycin D exerted synergistic antitumor effects in A549 cell lines in vitro and TRAIL/cisplatin demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects in vivo. The expression levels of TRAIL receptors suggested that the synergistic effects of TRAIL in combination with chemotherapeutic agents are not at the receptor level in A549 cell lines.

Lead can inhibit NMDA-, K(+)-, QA/KA-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of Pb2+ on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-, K(+)- and quisqualate(QA)/kainite(KA)-induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured fetal rat hippocampal neurons in order to explain the cognitive and learning deficits produced by this heavy metal.

METHODS

Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used.

RESULTS

The results clearly demonstrated that adding Pb2+ before or after NMDA/glycine stimulation selectively inhibited the stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, Pb2+ treatment did not markedly affect increases in [Ca2+]i induced by an admixture of QA and KA. The minimal inhibitory effect of Pb2+ occurred at 1 mumol/L, and more than seventy percent abolition of the NMDA-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i was observed at 100 mumol/L Pb2+. Evaluation of Pb(2+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i response to elevating extracellular concentrations of NMDA, glycine or calcium revealed that Pb2+ was a noncompetitive antagonist of both NMDA and glycine, and a competitive antagonist of Ca2+ at NMDA receptor channels. In addition, Pb2+ inhibited depolarization-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i mediated by K+ stimulation (30 mumol/L), indicating that Pb2+ also depressed the voltage-dependent calcium channels. Also, the results showed that Pb2+ appeared to be able to elevate the resting levels of [Ca2+]i in cultured neurons, implying a reason for Pb(2+)-enhanced spontaneous release of several neurotransmitters reported in several previous studies.

CONCLUSION

Lead can inhibit NMDA-, K(+)-, QA/KA-induced increases in intracellular [Ca2+]i in cultured hippocampal neurons.

The analgesic domain of interferon-alpha2b contains an essential proline(39) residue

OBJECTIVE

It has been demonstrated that there are structural and functional similarities between interferon-alpha (INF-alpha) and endorphins. We have reported that there are distinct domains in the IFN-alpha molecule that mediate immune and analgesic effects, respectively, and that the opioid-like analgesic effect of IFN-alpha is mediated by the mu opioid receptor, thus inferring that the analgesic domain of IFN-alpha consists of Tyr(122) and the residues around Tyr(122) in the tertiary structure. The aim of this work was to further explore the molecular basis for the analgesic domain of IFN-alpha.

METHODS

By using site-directed mutagenesis, the structure of IFN-alpha was changed and a mutant of IFN-alpha was obtained. Then, the antiviral activity and opioid-like analgesic activity of IFN-alpha were measured.

RESULTS

When the Pro(39) residue of IFN-alpha, which is located close to the Tyr(122) residue in the tertiary structure, was mutated to Gly, the analgesic activity of this mutant was lost completely, but the antiviral activity of IFN-alpha was maintained compared with wild-type IFN-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining the sequence of the endomorphin, it is suggested that the Pro(39) residue is one of the constituents of the analgesic domain of IFN-alpha and contributes to IFN-alpha binding to the mu opioid receptor.

Technical aspect of ThinPrep

AIM OF STUDY

To analyze the common technical problems encountered in ThinPrep preparations.

METHOD

A prospective and retrospective study of eight hundred and fifty (n = 850) conventional cervical smears with its corresponding paired ThinPrep specimens from July 1998 to December 1998.

RESULTS

139 ThinPreps were found to be technically suboptimal. Of these, 81 showed "patchy cells lost"; 18 showed "thick preparations"; 24 demonstrated "halo effect'" where the cellular material collected at the periphery of the cell circle, and 16 had "obscuring blood and amorphous debris", rendering the preparations "satisfactory for evaluation but limited" by the presence of the above artifacts.

CONCLUSION

Despite its many advantages in providing standardization of specimen preparation, superb cellular presentation, reduction in the number of unsatisfactory reports and increased lesion detection rate, ThinPrep has its own limitations in terms of technical problems, ease of operation and cost effectiveness.

Urban-rural comparison on cadmium exposure among general populations in Shandong Province, China

In 1996, peripheral blood samples and 24-h food duplicate samples together with samples of wheat, rice, foxtail millet and maize were collected from 50 non-smoking women each from Jinan (a provincial capital) and Baiquan (a nearby basically self-sustaining farming village) in China. The samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd) contents by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after wet digestion. The dietary Cd intake of the people in the city was 6.4 micrograms/day as a geometric mean (GM) and 5.9 micrograms/day for the villagers. The Cd level in blood was 0.48 and 0.29micrograms/l (as GMs) for the city and village people, respectively. Thus, Cd burden of the people in the city tended to be greater than that for those in the village. Nevertheless, the Cd burden of the Jinan citizens was lower than the values published for people in large cities in China. When Cd intake via the four cereals was compared with Cd in total food to estimate the total contribution of the four cereals (combined) in total dietary Cd intake, the cereals accounted for 60% of total dietary Cd intake among the city people and as high as 78% among the villagers. Cadmium contents in the four cereals were in a narrow range and it was considered acceptable to combine all cereals in evaluating them as dietary Cd sources.

Inhibition of the specific 3H-DL-Glu binding in the hippocampus of rat brain by lead

The effect of Pb2+ on 3H-DL-Glutamate (3H-DL-Glu) binding in the membrane preparations from the hippocampus of rat brain was investigated with a view to explaining the cognitive and learning deficits produced by the heavy metal. The results indicated that Pb2+ (3.1-25.0 mumol.L-1) inhibited 3H-DL-Glu binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Scatchard analysis further revealed that at a concentration of 6.3 mumol.L-1 Pb2+ interfered with binding mainly through significantly decreasing the density of binding sites. This finding provided an important insight into Pb2(+)-induced impairments in learning and memory previously documented in children and in experimental animals chronically exposed to Pb2+.

Maize and foxtail millet as substantial sources of dietary lead intake

In 1996, 24-h food duplicate samples were collected from two groups of 50 non-smoking women each; one group was in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province in China, and the other in a farming village in the Zhangqiu area some 30 km away from the city. The people in the village took significantly more dietary lead (46 micrograms/day) than their counterparts in the city (26 micrograms/day), and blood lead concentrations (35 and 50 micrograms/l for the urban and the rural people, respectively) were in parallel with the dietary lead intake. Search for cereals as the determinants of dietary lead intake and blood lead concentration by multiple regression analysis showed that maize was the most influential source of dietary lead intake among the four common cereals of wheat, rice, foxtail millet (to be called just millet) and maize, whereas millet was the leading determinant of the blood lead level among the four cereals although the influential power was weaker than millet for dietary lead. Lead content in maize (47 ng/g) and millet (47 ng/g) was twice or even more times higher than the levels in wheat (26-30 ng/g) and rice (20-21 ng/g). The significant roles of non-rice/non-wheat cereals such as millet and maize as possible dietary lead sources for farming populations are discussed.

Urban-rural difference in cereal consumption by people in Shandong Province, China

In October, 1996, 24-hour food duplicate samples were collected from two groups of 50 adult women each; one group was in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province in China, and the other in a farming village of Baiquan in Zhangqiu area some 30 km away from the city. Perusal of food menus showed that wheat, rice, foxtail millet and maize were major cereals for the two groups. Nutritional analysis of the food duplicate samples were conducted taking advantage of weight of each food item and the standard food composition tables for Chinese populations. Whereas wheat was the leading source in both groups (73% of cereal-based energy in the city and 64% in the village), further urban-rural comparison showed that women in the village took substantial amounts of millet (19%) and maize (12%) in contrast to small consumption by the city people (millet by 5% and maize by 2%). Rice consumption was larger in the city (20%) than in the village (5%). The differences between the two groups were all significant for each of the four cereals. Nutritional significance of consumption of maize in particular and also that of millet were discussed.

Urban-rural comparison of nutrient intake by adult women in Shandong Province, China

In 1996, 24-hour food duplicate samples were collected from two groups of 50 nonsmoking women each; one group was in Jinan, the capital city for of Shandong Province in China, and the other in a farming village in Zhangqiu area some 30 km away from the city. They had also physical examinations including hematology and serum biochemistry tests. Nutritional analysis of the duplicate samples were conducted utilizing standard food composition tables for Chinese populations. The urban-rural comparison between the two groups showed that women in Zhangqiu took significantly less lipid (54 g/day) and more carbohydrate (335 g/day) than Jinan counterparts (76 g lipid and 254 g carbohydrate/day), although there was no significant difference in total energy and protein intake (1968 kcal/day in Jinan vs. 2071 kcal/day in Zhangqiu, and 67 g protein/day in Jinan vs. 61 g/day in Zhangqiu). The intakes of the three major nutrients were sufficient in majorities of members in both groups. Iron intake was also sufficient (22 and 25 mg/day in Jinan and Zhangqiu, respectively), but intake of calcium was insufficient in more than a half of the subjects in both groups. Zhangqiu women heavily depended on plant-based foods both for protein and lipid, whereas the dependency was less remarkable among Jinan women.

Urban-rural comparison of HBV and HCV infection prevalence among adult women in Shandong Province, China

In order to make urban-rural comparison of the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV, respectively) infection in China, a twin survey was conducted in 1996 on two groups (50 subjects each) of 21-55 year-old, apparently healthy women for infection markers and serum enzyme levels; one group (the urban group) was in Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong Province, and the other (the rural group) was in a farming village in Zhangqiu area some 30 km away from Jinan City. Comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant (p > 0.10) difference in the prevalence of HBsAg+, anti-HBs+, anti-HBc+ and the cases positive to any of three HBV infection markers (i.e. HBV+). No age-dependent difference was detected within or between the groups. Thus the overall positivity rate was 8% for HBsAg+, 47% for anti-HBs+, 48% for anti-HBc+, and 64% for HBV+. No anti-HCV+ case was found either in the urban group or in the rural group. Liver function remained normal in all cases studied. The results together with perusal of published data suggest the urban-rural difference will not be remarkable, if present, in HBV and HCV infection in the regions studied, and possibly in China as a whole.