Ophiopogonin D ameliorates non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease in high‑fat diet‑induced obese mice by improving lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammatory response

Lipid metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver are key steps in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ophiopogonin D (OP-D), the main active ingredient of Ophiopogon japonicus, exhibits several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the role of OP-D in NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. To investigate the effect of OP-D on NAFLD in vivo, a NAFLD mouse model was established following feeding mice with HFD, then the mice were randomly treated with HFD or HFD + OP-D for 4 weeks. Subsequently, primary mouse hepatocytes were isolated, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used for assessment to explore the direct effect of OP-D in vitro. The results of the present study indicated that OP-D could ameliorate NAFLD in HFD-induced obese mice by regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Additionally, OP-D treatment decreased lipogenesis and inflammation levels in vitro, suggesting that the NF-κB signaling pathway may be involved in the beneficial effects of OP-D on NAFLD.

[Behavioral response pattern of Aythya baeri under different weather conditions during wintering]

We observed behavior response of overwintering Aythya baeri to different weather conditions by using fixed point-based observation and scanning sampling methods, at Henan Minquan National Wetland Park during November to December 2018. The results showed that, on sunny days, the dominant behaviors of A. baeri were resting, flying, and locomotion (65.5%), the second were foraging and maintaining (31.9%). The daily behavioral rhythm was foraging in the morning, resting at noon, and foraging and maintain in the afternoon. The flying usually occurred before the peak of foraging. The locomotion behavior was mostly accompanied by other behaviors, which positively associated with foraging and negatively correlated with resting. A. baeri increased resting and foraging in rainy days compared with that in sunny days. The dominant behaviors were resting, foraging and locomotion (76.5%), and maintaining and flying were the secondary (20.3%). The peaks of foraging and resting postponed to the evening, while the flying and maintaining were significantly decreased. Compared with the sunny days, the resting, foraging, locomotion and maintaining behaviors were increased in mist days, and flying was decreased. The peak of foraging delayed to the noon and afternoon, and that of resting postponed to the afternoon. The dominant behaviors were resting, locomotion and foraging (70.6%), while maintaining and flying behavior were the secondary (27.5%). In summary, there are variations in time allocation of A. baeri behaviors, activity rhythm and dominant behaviors due to the change of weather conditions during wintering. To overcome the bad weather conditions in rainy and mist days, A. baeri would allocate more time on foraging for increasing energy intake, and more resting time for reducing energy consumption.

Population-attributable fractions of risk factors for all-cause dementia in China rural and urban areas: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of dementia in China, particularly in rural areas, is consistently increasing; however, research on population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of risk factors for dementia is scarce.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey, namely, the China Multicentre Dementia Survey (CMDS) in selected rural and urban areas from 2018 to 2020. We performed face-to-face interviews and neuropsychological and clinical assessments to reach a consensus on dementia diagnosis. Prevalence and weighted PAFs of eight modifiable risk factors (six classical: less childhood education, hearing impairment, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, and social isolation, and two novels: olfactory decline and being unmarried) for all-cause dementia were estimated.

RESULTS

Overall, CMDS included 17,589 respondents aged ≥ 65 years, 55.6% of whom were rural residents. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence for all-cause dementia was 9.11% (95% CI 8.96-9.26), 5.19% (5.07-5.31), and 11.98% (11.8-12.15) in the whole, urban, and rural areas of China, respectively. Further, the overall weighted PAFs of the eight potentially modifiable risk factors were 53.72% (95% CI 52.73-54.71), 50.64% (49.4-51.89), and 56.54% (55.62-57.46) in the whole, urban, and rural areas of China, respectively. The eight risk factors' prevalence differed between rural and urban areas. Lower childhood education (PAF: 13.92%) and physical inactivity (16.99%) were primary risk factors in rural and urban areas, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial urban-rural disparities in the prevalence of dementia and its risk factors exist, suggesting the requirement of resident-specific dementia-prevention strategies.

Prolonged viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 and related factors in symptomatic COVID-19 patients: a prospective study

Background

The temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and antibody production and clinical progression remained obscure. The aim of this study was to describe the viral kinetics of symptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and identify factors that might contribute to prolonged viral shedding.

Methods

Symptomatic COVID-19 patients were enrolled in two hospitals in Wuhan, China, from whom the respiratory samples were collected and measured for viral loads consecutively by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. The viral shedding pattern was delineated in relate to the epidemiologic and clinical information.

Results

Totally 2726 respiratory samples collected from 703 patients were quantified. The SARS-CoV-2 viral loads were at the highest level during the initial stage after symptom onset, which subsequently declined with time. The median time to SARS-CoV-2 negativity of nasopharyngeal test was 28 days, significantly longer in patients with older age (> 60 years old), female gender and those having longer interval from symptom onset to hospital admission (> 10 days). The multivariate Cox regression model revealed significant effect from older age (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96), female gender (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55–0.96) and longer interval from symptom onset to admission (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33–0.59) on longer time to SARS-CoV-2 negativity. The IgM antibody titer was significantly higher in the low viral loads group at 41–60 days after symptom onset. At the population level, the average viral loads were higher in early than in late outbreak periods.

Conclusions

The prolonged viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 was observed in COVID-19 patients, particularly in older, female and those with longer interval from symptom onset to admission.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-07002-w.

The Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study: Study Design, Baseline Characteristics, and Prevalence of Cognitive Impairments

BACKGROUND

Despite the improved access to health services in China, inadequate diagnosis and management of dementia are common issues, especially in rural regions.

OBJECTIVE

The Hubei Memory & Aging Cohort Study was designed as a prospective study in Central China to determine the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among urban and rural older adults.

METHODS

From 2018-2020, participants aged ≥65 years were screened, and data regarding their life behaviors, families, socio-economic status, physical and mental health, social and psychological factors, and cognition were collected. Diagnoses of MCI and dementia were made via consensus diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition criteria.

RESULTS

Of 8,221 individuals who completed their baseline clinical evaluation, 4,449 (54.1%) were women and 3,164 (38.4%) were from remote rural areas (average age: 71.96 years; mean education period: 7.58 years). At baseline, 25.98%(95%confidence interval [CI]: 24.99-26.96) and 7.24%(95%CI: 6.68-7.80) of the participants were diagnosed with MCI and dementia, respectively. Prevalence showed a strong relationship with age. The substantial disparities between rural and urban regions in MCI and dementia prevalence and multiple dementia-related risk factors were revealed. Especially for dementia, the prevalence rate in rural areas was 2.65 times higher than that in urban regions.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that public health interventions are urgently needed to achieve equitable diagnosis and management for people living with dementia in the communities across urban and rural areas.

Urban-Rural Disparities in the Association Between Body Mass Index and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central China

BACKGROUND

Some studies have demonstrated an association between low and high body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of dementia. However, only a few of these studies were performed in rural areas.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between BMI and cognitive impairment among community-dwelling older adults from rural and urban areas.

METHODS

8,221 older persons enrolled in the Hubei Memory & Ageing Cohort Study (HMACS) were recruited. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data, comorbidities, physical measurements, and clinical diagnoses of cognitive impairment were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to assess the associations of BMI categories with cognitive impairment. A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to test whether reverse causality could influence our results.

RESULTS

Being underweight in the rural-dwelling participants increased the risk of cognitive impairment. Being overweight was a protective factor in rural-dwelling participants aged 65-69 years and 75-79 years, whereas being underweight was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.03-1.83; p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses support that underweight had an additive effect on the odds of cognitive impairment and was related to risk of dementia. Interaction test revealed that the differences between urban/rural in the relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment are statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Associations between BMI and cognitive impairment differ among urban/rural groups. Older people with low BMI living in rural China are at a higher risk for dementia than those living in urban areas.

Role of gut microbiome in regulating the effectiveness of metformin in reducing colorectal cancer in type 2 diabetes

The prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing globally. It is rarely noticed that the incidence of CRC is higher in patients with T2DM. What needs to be mentioned is that metformin, a commonly used clinical drug for T2DM, attracts scholars’ attention because of its benefits in lowering the risk of developing CRC. Hence, we try to find the common grounds of initiation of T2DM and CRC and the reason why metformin reduces the risk of CRC in patients with T2DM. We noticed consistent changes of gut microbiota, such as elevated Bacteroides, Prevotella and Bifidobacterium and depressed Firmicutes and Lactobacillus. Furthermore, many studies in recent years have proved that the efficacy of metformin, such as improving blood glucose, depends on the gut microbiota. Coincidentally, the progression of CRC is inseparable from the contributions of gut microbiota. Therefore, we first proposed the concept of the metformin-gut microbiota–CRC (in T2DM) axis to explain the effect of metformin in reducing CRC in patients with T2DM. In this review, we elaborated the new concept and its potential clinical application value.

Effect and Safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke of Blood Stasis Syndrome: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multiple-Dose, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect and safety of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A for Injection (HSYAI) in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and blood stasis syndrome (BSS).

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, active-controlled phase II trial was conducted at 9 centers in China from July 2013 to September 2015. Patients with moderate or severe AIS and BSS were randomly assigned to low-, medium-, high-dose HSYAI groups (25, 50 and 70 mg/d HSYAI by intravenous infusion, respectively), and a control group (Dengzhan Xixin Injection (, DZXXI) 30 mL/d by intravenous infusion), for 14 consecutive days. The primary outcome was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment. The secondary outcomes included the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ⩽1, Barthel Index (BI) score ⩾95, and BSS score reduced ⩾30% from baseline at days 14, 30, 60, and 90 after treatment. The safety outcomes included any adverse events during 90 days after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 266 patients included in the effectiveness analysis, 66, 67, 65 and 68 cases were in the low-, medium-, and high-dose HSYAI and control groups, respectively. The proportions of patients in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups with mRS score ⩽1 at days 90 after treatment were significantly larger than the control group (P<0.05). The incidences of favorable outcomes of NIHSS and BI at days 90 after treatment as well as satisfactory improvement of BSS at days 30 and 60 after treatment in the medium- and high-dose HSYAI groups were all significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was reported among the 4 groups in any specific adverse events (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HSYAI was safe and well-tolerated at all doses for treating AIS patients with BSS. The medium (50 mg/d) or high dose (75 mg/d) might be the optimal dose for a phase III trial. (Registration No. ChiCTR-2000029608).

[Economic burden of hepatitis C patients and related influencing factors in Guangdong province]

Objective: To investigate the economic burden of hepatitis C patients and related factors in Guangdong province. Methods: In this study, cluster sampling method was used to select cases, including acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis cases from eligible outpatients and inpatients in 1 or 2 large general hospitals in all the 21 cities in Guangdong province. Questionnaire survey was conducted for all the hepatitis C patients to analyze their economic burden, while multivariate linear regression model was used to identify the related influencing factors. Results: A total of 356 hepatitis C patients were enrolled in the study, with 176 outpatients (49.4%) and 180 inpatients (50.6%) respectively. The average age of the study subjects was (44.79±11.73) year-olds. The annual direct economic costs of patients with acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis were 10 703.22 (IQR: 7 396.75-16 891.91), 14 886.63 (IQR: 7 274.00-30 228.25) and 28 874.00 (IQR: 13 093.69-56 350.00) Yuan (RMB) respectively. The annual indirect costs appeared as 2 426.99 (IQR: 1 912.18-7 354.52), 3 235.99 (IQR: 1 323.81-6 619.07) and 5 442.35 (IQR: 3 235.99-10 296.33) Yuan (RMB) respectively. The annual intangible costs were 5 000.00 (IQR:2 000.00-10 000.00), 10 000.00 (IQR: 4 000.00-30 000.00) and 10 000.00 (IQR: 3 000.00-100 000.00) Yuan (RMB) respectively. The annual total costs were 22 306.17 (IQR: 14 581.24-50 569.17), 38 050.33 (IQR: 17 449.57-68 319.62) and 80 152.18 (IQR: 40 856.09-228 460.79) Yuan (RMB) respectively. Results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that factors as: annual hospitalization days, annual number of outpatient visits, annual number of hospitalization, type of disease and the levels of the hospitals were related to the economic burden of patients with hepatitis C. Conclusion: Patients with HCV-related diseases presented serious economic problem which calls for close attention in Guangdong province.

Synthesis, preliminarily biological evaluation and molecular docking study of new Olaparib analogues as multifunctional PARP-1 and cholinesterase inhibitors

A series of new Olaparib derivatives was designed and synthesized, and their inhibitory activities against poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases-1 (PARP-1) enzyme and cancer cell line MDA-MB-436 in vitro were evaluated. The results showed that compound 5l exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects on PARP-1 enzyme (16.10 ± 1.25 nM) and MDA-MB-436 cancer cell (11.62 ± 2.15 μM), which was close to that of Olaparib. As a PARP-1 inhibitor had been reported to be viable to neuroprotection, in order to search for new multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds against the enzymes AChE (from electric eel) and BChE (from equine serum) were also tested. Compound 5l displayed moderate BChE inhibitory activity (9.16 ± 0.91 μM) which was stronger than neostigmine (12.01 ± 0.45 μM) and exhibited selectivity for BChE over AChE to some degree. Molecular docking studies indicated that 5l could bind simultaneously to the catalytic active of PARP-1, but it could not interact well with huBChE. For pursuit of PARP-1 and BChE dual-targeted inhibitors against AD, small and flexible non-polar groups introduced to the compound seemed to be conducive to improving its inhibitory potency on huBChE, while keeping phthalazine-1-one moiety unchanged which was mainly responsible for PARP-1 inhibitory activity. Our research gave a clue to search for new agents based on AChE and PARP-1 dual-inhibited activities to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

The lncRNA PDIA3P Interacts with miR-185-5p to Modulate Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Targeting Cyclin D2

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators during tumorigenesis by serving as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). In this study, the qRT-PCR results indicated that the lncRNA protein disulfide isomerase family A member 3 pseudogene 1 (PDIA3P) was overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and decreased the survival rate of OSCC patients. CCK-8 and clonal colony formation assays were used to detect the effects of PDIA3P on proliferation. Results revealed that silencing PDIA3P by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and repressed tumor growth and reduced the expression of proliferation antigen Ki-67 in vivo. Furthermore, the interaction between PDIA3P and miRNAs was then analyzed by qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter gene assay. We found that PDIA3P negatively regulated miR-185-5p in OSCC cells. Simultaneously, we found that silencing PDIA3P by siRNA suppressed proliferation via miR-185-5p in OSCC cells. Moreover, silencing PDIA3P by siRNA inhibited CCND2 protein (no influence on mRNA levels) expression via miR-185-5p in OSCC cells, and CCND2 facilitated cell proliferation of SCC4 and SCC15 cells induced by sh-PDIA3P#1. Therefore, our study demonstrated that PDIA3P may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.

SIRT2 mediated antitumor effects of shikonin on metastatic colorectal cancer

SIRT2 is involved in the development of a variety of cancers. Shikonin is a natural compound that is known to have antitumor effects. This study aims to assess the effects of shikonin on the development and metastatic progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through regulation of SIRT2 expression and whether this effect is related to the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). The results demonstrated that SIRT2 is downregulated in CRC biopsy samples (n=31) compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT, n=26). Furthermore, CRC metastases were positive for SIRT2 despite a lack of expression in the primary tumor. In addition, data from an in vitro assay revealed that overexpression of SIRT2 inhibited the proliferation and metastatic progression of SW480 cells while blocking of SIRT2 expression induced the proliferation and metastatic progression of HT29 cells. Shikonin inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of SW480 cells and it also inhibited the tumor growth in the nude mice model; while AGK2 (a specific inhibitor of SIRT2) reversed these effects. Epidermal growth factor (EGF, an activator of ERK) and ERK-overexpression inhibited the effects of shikonin on SIRT2 expression, proliferation and metastasis in SW480 cells. However, this proliferative effect of EGF was reversed by SIRT2 overexpression. In conclusion, these results suggest that SIRT2 is a new therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC. The antitumor effects of shikonin on CRC seem to be mediated by SIRT2 upregulation via phospho-ERK inhibition.

Effect of cake-separated moxibustion on expression of mineralocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid receptor and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A in the hippocampus of functional dyspepsia rats with liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome

AIM: To observe the effect of cake-separated moxibustion on the expression of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5-HTR1A) in the hippocampus of rats with functional dyspepsia (FD), and to explore the possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of cake-separated moxibustion on FD.

METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: a blank group (A), a model group (B), a cake-separated moxibustion group (C), a Xiaoyaosan group (D) and a domperidone group (E), with 10 rats in each group. Except group A, the other four groups received chronic restraint stress + excessive fatigue + irregular food for 3 wk. After molding, group C received herbal cake-separated moxibustion for 2 wk, and groups D and E were given Xiaoyaosan and domperidone by gavage for the same duration, respectively. At the end of the experiment, gastric emptying was observed and the expression of MR, GR and 5-HTR1A in the hippocampus was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCT).

RESULTS: The rate of gastric emptying in model rats was significantly lower than that of group A (P < 0.01), while the rates of gastric emptying in the three treatment groups were significantly higher than that in group B (P < 0.01 for all), although there were no significant differences among the three treatment groups (P > 0.05). The expression of MR in the hippocampus in group B was statistically alike to that in group A (P > 0.05), while the expression of GR and 5-HTR1A was significantly lower than that in group A (P < 0.05 for both). Compared with group B, the expression of MR in the hippocampus in groups C, D and E was statistically similar (P > 0.05), but the expression of GR and 5-HTR1A was significantly higher (P < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the expression of GR or 5-HTR1A among the three treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Cake-separated moxibustion can regulate the expression of GR and 5-HTR1A in the hippocampus to accommodate the function of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to increase the gastric emptying rate of FD rats, and to improve the gastrointestinal motility as Xiaoyaosan and domperidone. This might be one of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of cake-separated moxibustion on FD.

Influence of herbal cake-separatedmoxibustion on substance P expression and intestinal sensitivity in rats with functional gastrointestinal disorders due to syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency

AIM: To observe the influence of herbal cake-separated moxibustion on the expression of substance P (SP) and intestinal sensitivity in rats with functional gastrointestinal disorders due to syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency and to explore the possible mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of herbal cake-separated-moxibustion against functional gastrointestinal disorders.

METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups: blank group, model group, herbal cake-separatedmoxibustion group, Xiaoyaosan group and domperidone group. Except for the blank group, the other four groups underwent modeling by applying chronic restraint stress + excessive fatigue + irregular food + tail clipping + shaking for 21 consecutive days. The herbal cake-separatedmoxibustion group underwent herbal cake-separated moxibustion for 14 d, while the Xiaoyaosan group and domperidone group were given Xiaoyaosan and domperidone by gavage for the same duration, respectively. At the end of the experiment, intestinal sensitivity was determined by intestinal water injection rate when the abdominal withdrawal reflex score was 3 points, and the expression of SP in the tissues of the hypothalamus, spinal cord, gastric antrum and colon were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS: The intestinal water injection rate was significantly higher in the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group, Xiaoyaosan group and domperidone group than in the model group (0.8308 mL ± 0.2364 mL, 0.9217 mL ± 0.1752 mL, 0.8000 mL ± 0.1924 mL vs 0.5775 mL ± 0.1103 mL, P < 0.01 for all), while the expression of SP (relative grey value ) in the tissues of the hypothalamus, spinal cord, gastric antrum and colon was significantly lower in herbal cake-separated moxibustion group, Xiaoyaosan group and domperidone group than in the model group (hypothalamus: 0.6780 ± 0.0220, 0.6840 ± 0.0288, 0.6933 ± 0.0278 vs 0.8998 ± 0.0239; spinal cord: 0.4430 ± 0.0393, 0.4763 ± 0.0308, 0.4628 ± 0.0185 vs 0.5563 ± 0.0261; gastric antrum: 0.5690 ± 0.0292, 0.5546 ± 0.0261, 0.5583 ± 0.0163 vs 0.6821 ± 0.0224; colon: 0.5556 ± 0.0209, 0.5705 ± 0.0282, 0.5823 ± 0.0361 vs 0.7477 ± 0.0210, P < 0.01 for all). There were no significant differences in the above parameters among the three treatment groups (P > 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION: Herbal cake-separated moxibustion can improve intestinal sensitivity possibly by reducing the expression of SP in rats with functional gastrointestinal disorders due to syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency.

P162 enhances radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling transcription factor Gli-1

AIM: To investigate whether P162 enhances radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling transcription factor Gli-1.

METHODS: Eca109 cells (a total dose of 60 Gy) to induce radioresistant esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109R. The inhibition of cell proliferation was determined by Cell Counting Kit assay. The expression of Gli-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. HE staining was employed to observe the changes in cell morphology. Western blot was employed to determine the nuclear expression of Gli-1 and dynamic changes of Gli-1 in irradiated Eca109 cells. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The following four groups were included in the experiments: untreated cells, P162-treated cells, irradiated cells, and P162-treated irradiated cells. Eca109 and Eca109R cells were included in each group.

RESULTS: Eca109R possessing certain radiation resistance displayed lower ability of growth inhibition than Eca109 cells. Nuclear Gli-1 expression was significantly higher in Eca109R cells than in Eca109 cells (0.45 ± 0.01 vs 0.32 ± 0.01, P < 0.0001). On days 2 and 14 after irradiation, the nuclear expression of Gli-1 in Eca109 cells was higher than that in control cells (0.0882 ± 0.011, 0.3560 ± 0.015 vs 0.2552 ± 0.0103, P < 0.05). In both Eca109R and Eca109 cells, the nuclear expression of Gli-1 was reduced after treatment with 20 µmol/L P162 [0.2553 ± 0.011, 0.2578 ± 0.014 (non-irradiation); 0.1324 ± 0.012, 0.0595 ± 0.011(2 d after irradiation); 0.1741 ± 0.013, 0.2397 ± 0.112 (14 d after irradiation), P < 0.0001]. P162 combined with radiotherapy facilitated cells apoptosis.

CONCLUSION: Nuclear Gli-1 expression is related to radioresistance of esophageal cancer cells. P162 enhances radiosensitivity of Eca109 cell possibly by inhibiting Gli-1 expression and promoting apoptosis.

P162 increases radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cell line Eca109 by inhibiting Chk1/2 expression

AIM: To investigate whether P162 increases the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cell line Eca109 by inhibiting the expression of Chk1/2, and to observe its influence on cell cycle progression.

METHODS: Eca109 cells were exposed to small doses of repeated X-rays to develop a radio-resistant cell line Eca109R. Cells were divided into four groups: a group without exposure to either P162 or X-rays, a group exposed only to X-rays, a group exposed only to P162, and a group exposed to both P162 and X-rays. Both Eca109 and Eca109R cell lines were used in each group. The optimal radiation dose was determined by MTT assay. The CCK-8 method was used to determine the optimal drug concentration needed for subsequent experiments. Western blot was used to detect the dynamic changes in Chk1 and Chk2 proteins. The change in cell cycle progression was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: The radio-resistant Eca109R cell line was successfully developed. A radiation dose of 6 Gy was used as the optimal radiation dose for subsequent experiments, and 20 mg/L was used as the optimal concentration of P162. Western blot showed that both Eca109 and Eca109R cell lines expressed a small amount of Chk1 and Chk2. After irradiation, Chk1 and Chk2 expression was up-regulated in both cell lines. After treatment with 20 mg/L P162 for 48 h, the expression levels of Chk1 and Chk2 in Eca109 cells were 0.244 ± 0.013 and 0.148 ± 0.011, respectively, and the corresponding values in Eca109R cells were 0.139 ± 0.010 and 0.134 ± 0.008. At 24 h after 6 Gy irradiation, the expression levels of Chk1 and Chk2 in Eca109 cells were 0.154 ± 0.013 and 0.124 ± 0.011, respectively, and the corresponding values in Eca109R cells were 0.083 ± 0.010 and 0.059 ± 0.009. P162 treatment significantly reduced Chk1 and Chk2 expression (P < 0.05 for all). Cell cycle analysis revealed that exposure to P162 alone only slightly reduced the percentage of cells in G₂ phase, but exposure to both P162 and X-rays significantly decreased the percentage of cells in G₂ phase.

CONCLUSION: Eca109R cells are more radio-resistant than Eca109 cells. P162 relieves G₂/M phase arrest by inhibiting the expression of Chk1 and Chk2 to increase radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cell line Eca109.

A pregnant mouse model for the vertical transmission of Brucella melitensis

Abortion is the major clinical sign of brucellosis in animals but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This study was designed to evaluate a pregnant mouse model for the vertical transmission of Brucella melitensis using four infectious doses: 10(3) colony-forming units (CFU), 10(4) CFU, 10(5) CFU, and 10(6) CFU. During the experimental period, no instances of abortion were recorded, but stillbirths were observed in the groups infected with doses of 10(4) CFU and higher. Regardless of whether the fetuses were stillborn or alive, transmission of bacteria to the fetus and bacterial replication in the cytoplasm of placental trophoblast giant cells were detected. A higher degree of bacterial colonization was found in the placenta than in the spleen or fetus. Doses of 10(5) CFU of B. melitensis or higher produced a severe, necrotizing placentitis similar to the pathological damage observed in ruminants. The data suggest that experimental murine brucellosis resembles ruminant brucellosis and represents a potential model for studying the pathogenic mechanisms of B. melitensis.

[Post-stroke constipation treated with acupuncture therapy of regulating qi circulation of fu-organ]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference in the efficacy on post-stroke constipation between acupuncture therapy of regulating qi circulation of fe-organ and Shengxue Tongbian Capsules.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients of post-stroke constipation were randomized into an acupuncture group (39 cases) and a Chinese medicine group (36 cases). The unit mode comprehensive therapy of stroke was adopted as basic treatment in the two groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture therapy of regulating qi circulation of fu-organ was added at Tianshu (ST 25), Zhigou (TE 6), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once every day. In the Chinese medicine group, Shengrue Tongbian Capsules were supplemented for oral administration, once every day, 10 g each time. The clinical symptom score of constipation was observed before treatment, after 1 and 2 weeks treatment in the two groups, respectively. The efficacy in 1 week and 2 weeks of treatment and the adverse reaction were observed.

RESULTS

In 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, the clinical symptom score of constipation was reduced significantly as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in the acupuncture group were significant than those in the Chinese medicine group in 2 weeks of treatment (8.03 +/- 2.38 vs 9.20 +/- 2.45, P < 0.05). Concerning to the occurrence of adverse reaction, there was 1 case of local bruises in needling local site in the acupuncture group; and there were 1 case of abdominal pain, 3 cases of diarrhea and 2 cases of nausea and vomiting in the Chinese medicine group.

CONCLUSION

Both the acupuncture therapy of regulating qi circulation of fu-organ and Shengxue Tongbian Capsules achieve the significant efficacy on post-stroke constipation. The efficacy of the acupuncture therapy of regulating qi circulation of fe-organ is better and the adverse reaction is less after long-term persistent treatment.

[The combined application of scalp and body acupuncture by stages for low limb dysfunction of patients with apoplexy]

OBJECTIVE

To verify the clinical efficacy on the function recovery of lower extremities for patients with cerebral apoplexy by the staging treatment with the combined therapy of the scalp and body acupuncture.

METHODS

Ninty-six cases were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 48 cases in each one. The conventional medication and rehabilitation therapy were given in each group. In the observation group, the combined therapy of the scalp acupuncture and the body acupuncture was provided by stages. At the flaccid stage, Futu (ST 32), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. were selected. At the spasmodic stage, Huantiao (GB 30), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc. were selected. In combination with the scalp acupuncture the anterior oblique line of vertex-temploral (motor area) on the affected side was selected. In the control group, the acupoints were not selected according to the disease stages and no scalp acupuncture was applied, and the cases were treated with the needling technique as "regaining consciousness" and in light of the principle as "Yangming meridians specialized for Wei syndrome". The treatment lasted continuously for 8 weeks. The modified Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BI) were used to assess the motor function of the lower extremities and the activities of daily living before and after treatment for the patients in two groups separately.

RESULTS

FMA and BI score were all improved apparently after treatment for the patients in two groups (all P < 0.05), and FMA and BI score after treatment in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). In 8 weeks treatment, the walking ability rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group [56.3% (27/48) vs 35./4% (17/48), P < 0.05]. The walking speed in the observation group was faster than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combined therapy of the scalp and body acupuncture in the staging treatment improves obviously the motor function of the lower extremities and the activities of daily living for the patients with cerebral apoplexy. This therapy recovers as quickly as possible the walking ability and speed for the patients, which is superior to the conventional acupuncture in comparison.

Molybdenum increases chemosensitivity of ECA-109 cells to cisplatin and cisplatin-induced inhibition of p75NTR expression in esophageal stem cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of molybdenum on the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer ECA-109 cells to cisplatin and expression of p75^NTR in esophageal stem cells.

METHODS: ECA-109 cells were divided into four groups: blank control group, cisplatin group, molybdenum group, cisplatin plus molybdenum group. Cell proliferation was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The expression of p75^NTR in human esophageal stem cells was examined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Cisplatin reduced the percentage of p75^NTR-positive cells and the proliferation of ECA-109 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with molybdenum alone had no significant influence on the proliferation of ECA-109 cells and the percentage of p75^NTR-positive cells. However, treatment with molybdenum significantly enhanced the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer ECA-109 cells to cisplatin and cisplatin-induced inhibition of p75^NTR expression in esophageal stem cells when compared to cells incubated with cisplatin alone or blank control cells (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Molybdenum can increase the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on the proliferation of ECA-109 cells, which provides an experimental basis for the use of molybdenum as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent for esophageal cancer.

Significance of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and microvessel density in gastric cancer

AIM: To detect the correlations among vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, microvessel density (MVD) and multiple pathological parameters in gastric cancer and analyze the significance of VEGF expression and MVD in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS: A total of 169 patients with gastric cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The expression of VEGF and CD34 in gastric cancer specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlations among VEGF expression, MVD, and prognostic parameters were then analyzed.

RESULTS: A positive correlation was noted between VEGF expression and MVD in gastric carcinoma (P = 0.0053). Both VEGF expression and MVD were associated with tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. The five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were lower in patients with tumors positive for VEGF than in those with tumors negative for VEGF (38.8% vs 57.1% and 35.3% vs 54.8%, respectively; both P < 0.01). The five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were lower in patients with tumors having high MVD score (> 5) than in patients with tumors having low MVD score (35.3% vs 53.9% and 23.5% vs 49.3%, both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: VEGF expression is closely associated with tumor angiogenesis and progression in gastric cancer. VEGF expression, MDV and tumor site are valuable parameters for predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer.

Selenomethionine increases the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer BGC-803 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of seleno-methionine on the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer BGC-803 cells.

METHODS: BGC-803 cells were incubated with cisplatin alone or in combination with selenomethionine of different concentrations. Cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The expression of selenoprotein P in BGC-803 cells was detected by immunohistochemistry using the streptavidin-peroxidase method.

RESULTS: The proliferation of cells incubated with cisplatin in combination with selenomethionine was more significantly inhibited when compared with cells incubated with cisplatin alone or blank controls (all P < 0.05), and the inhibitory actions were concentration- and time-dependent. The most marked inhibitory effect appeared 72 hours after incubation with cisplatin (40 mg/L) and selenomethionine (20 mmol/L). Selenium addition during cisplatin treatment could increase the expression of selenoprotein P in BGC-803 cells.

CONCLUSION: Selenomethionine can increase the inhibitory action of cisplatin on the proliferation of BGC-803 cells, which provides a theoretical basis for use of selenomethionine in adjuvant chemotherapy of gastric cancer. Selenoprotein P expression level may be used as a parameter for measuring chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells.

[Forage habitat selection of white-naped crane during its incubation period in Zhalong wetland]

By using the methods of fixed-spot observation, GPS positioning, sampling plot investigation, and factor analysis, the forage habitat selection of white-naped crane (Grus vipio) during its incubation period in Zhalong Wetland was studied from April to May 2002-2008. In the study area, the crane during its incubation period chose a variety of habitat types as its forage habitat, among which, wetland (reed swamp) was the main one, occupying 74. 36% of the total, followed by farmland. The forage habitat included four elements, i. e., habitat identification, food, water, and cover, and the main selection criteria were the identification factor and energy factor, followed by eating feasibility factor, security distance factor, and concealment factor. The forage habitat selection of the crane during its incubation period had two levels (macro- and microhabitat) and three courses (forage habitat type choice, forage area choice, and forage microhabitat choice).

[Acupuncture at points of the liver and gallbladder meridians for treatment of migraine: a multi-center randomized and controlled study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine.

METHODS

Multi-central, randomized and controlled trial was used and 253 cases of migraine were divided into an acupuncture group and a western medicine group. The acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Channels with Taichong (LR 3), Yang-lingquan (GB 34), Fengchi (GB 20), Ququan (LR 8) selected as main points, and the western medicine group with oral administration of Flunarizine tablets for 4 therapeutic courses. The total therapeutic effects 3 and 6 months after the treatment, the scores of various symptoms of migraine before and after treatment, and the stability of therapeutic effect in one-year following-up survey were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, mean times and duration of the headache attack were significantly improved in the two groups (all P < 0.01) with the acupuncture group better than the western medicine group (P < 0.05). The total effective rates for stopping pain after treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment in the acupuncture group were 93.0%, 93.0% and 87.7%, respectively, which were better than 85.6%, 86.5% and 69.2% in the western medication group (all P < 0.01). One year later, the stability of the therapeutic effect in the acupuncture group was better than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05); the adverse reaction and the compliance in the acupuncture group were significantly superior to those in the western medicine group.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture at points of The Liver and Gallbladder Meridians for treatment of migraine is safe, effective, and with stable long-term therapeutic effect.

Adenovirus expressing p27kip1 suppresses growth of established esophageal carcinoma xenografts

AIM: To investigate the growth suppression of ade-novirus expressing p27^kip1 on established esophageal tumors in nude mice.

METHODS: Esophageal carcinoma xenografts in nude mice were established by tumor tissue mass transplantation. The successfully constructed reco-mbinant adenoviral vectors carrying p27^kip1 gene (Ad-p27^kip1) were directly injected into the esophageal tumors in nude mice. Compared to control group, the growth curve of tumor was drawn and the growth inhibition rate of tumor was calculated. The histology of tumors was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of p27^kip1 and survivin was detected in tumors by immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTS: The growth of tumors in gene therapy group with Ad-p27^kip1 was obviously suppressed compared to control group (0.42±0.08 g vs 1.17±0.30 g, t=6.39, P<0.01), the inhibition rate of tumor growth reached 64.1%. Pathological detection showed that the tumors in nude mice were poorly differentiated esophageal squamous carcinoma. In addition, the expression of p27^kip1 was increased, while the expression of survivin was decreased in tumors after being transfected with Ad-p27^kip1.

CONCLUSION: p27^kip1 gene therapy mediated by adenovirus vector has a significant inhibitory effect on esophageal carcinoma in vivo. Up-regulated p27^kip1 expression and down-regulated survivin expression may be its important mechanisms.

Effects of adenovirus-mediated human cyclooxygenase-2 antisense RNA on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the relation between the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and liver cancer, to construct the recombinant adenovirus encoding human COX-2 antisense RNA, and to explore its effects on liver cancer cell proliferation.

METHODS: We studied the expression of COX-2 in 34 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and SMMC7402 and SMMC7721 by immunohistochemical technique. Recombinant adenovirus Ad-AShcox-2 was constructed and transfected into human HCC cell lines SMMC7402 and SMMC7721, and its effects on COX-2 expression, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by colony-forming efficiency.

RESULTS: We observed COX-2 expression in 82.4% of HCC and SMMC7402 cells, but no COX-2 expression in SMMC7721 cells. In addition, recombinant adenovirus encoding antisense COX-2 fragment Ad-AShcox-2 was obtained with the titer of 1.06×10¹² PFU/mL. Ad-AShcox-2 could reduce the expression of COX-2 and enhance the percentage of cells in G₁/G₀ phase in SMMC7402 cell line. The difference of apoptotic index between the Ad-AShcox-2 group and control group was statistically significant (t_{control group} = 32.62 and t_Ad-LacZ = 10.93, P<0.001) in SMMC7402 but not in SMMC7721. Similarly, colony-forming rates of SMMC7402 and SMMC7721 cell lines, after the transfer of Ad-AShcox-2, were (2.7±0.94)% and (33.6±4.24)%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Reduction in the expression of COX-2 can inhibit COX-2 expressing HCC cells.

Effect of Seleno Methionine on P-glycoprotein in cisplatin-resistant esophageal carcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Seleno Methionine (SM) on the P-glycoprotein in cisplatin(DDP)-resistant esophageal carcinoma cells.

METHODS: High concentration of DDP was used intermittantly to induce drug-resistant esophageal carcinoma cells EC9706. The effect of SM on the sensibility of cells to DDP was detected by MTT. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of P-glycoprotein and then semi-quantative analysis was performed.

RESULTS: SM could improve the sensibility of EC9706 cells to DDP in a time- and concentration- dependent manner, which had significant difference with DDP or SM alone at the same concentration (P<0.01). The most marked effect appeared 72 h after DDP (40 mg/L) and SM (20 mmol/L) were administered. The expression of P-glycoprotein in the drug-resistant cells was highly positive, but it was lowly positive or negative after SM was used. There was significant difference between them (56.2% vs 25.7%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: SM can inhibit the expression of P-glycoprotein encoded by multidrug-resistant gene in esophageal carcinoma, and can overcome drug-resistance of tumor cells to some extent.

Inhibitory effect of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway on proliferation of esophageal carcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) on proliferation of esophageal carcinoma cells.

METHODS: Esophageal carcinoma cell strain EC9706 was treated with MG-132 to inhibit its UPP specificity. Cell growth suppression was evaluated with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. DNA synthesis was evaluated by ³H-thymidine (³H-TdR) incorporation. Morphologic changes of cells were observed under microscope. Activity of telomerase was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) of PCR-ELISA. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). DNA fragment analysis was used to confirm the presence of apoptosis. Expression of p27^kip1 was detected by immunocytochemical technique.

RESULTS: After exposed to MG-132, the growth and value of ³H-TdR incorporation of EC9706 cells were obviously inhibited. Cells became round, small and exfoliative under microscope. TRAP PCR-ELISA showed that light absorption of cells gradually decreased after exposed to 5 μmol/L of MG-132 for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h (P < 0.01). The percentage of cells at G₀/G₁ phase was increased and that at S and G₂/M was decreased (P < 0.01). The rate of apoptotic cells treated with 5 μmol/L of MG-132 for 48 and 96 h was 31.7% and 66.4%, respectively. Agarose electrophoresis showed marked ladders. In addition, the positive signals of p27^kip1 were located in cytoplasm and nuclei in MG-132 group in contrast to cytoplasm staining in control group.

CONCLUSION: MG-132 can obviously inhibit proliferation of EC9706 cells and induce apoptosis. The mechanisms include upregulation of p27^kip1 expression, G₁ arrest and depression of telomerase activity. The results indicate that inhibiting UPP is a novel strategy for esophageal carcinoma therapy.

Inhibition of adenovirus-mediated p27kip1 gene on growth of esophageal carcinoma cell strain

AIM: To investigate the inhibition of p27kip1 gene on the growth of esophageal carcinoma cell strain (EC9706).

METHODS: Recombinant adenovirus Ad-p27kip1 was constructed and transfected into esophageal carcinoma cell EC-9706, and its effect on p27kip1 expression, the growth of esophageal carcinoma cell, DNA replication, protein synthesis, cell multiplication and apoptosis were explored by means of cell growth count, ³H-TdR, ³H-Leucine incorporation, flow cytometry, DNA fragment analysis and TUNEL.

RESULTS: Recombinant adenovirus Ad-p27kip1 was successfully constructed with a virus titer of 1.24 × 10¹² pfu/mL. p27kip protein expression increased markedly after EC-9706 transfection, while incorporation quantity of ³H-TdR and ³H-Leucine decreased significantly. The growth of esophageal carcinoma cell was inhibited obviously. Testing of flow cytometry displayed a typical apoptosis peak, and DNA gel electrophoresis showed a typical apoptosis ladder. TUNEL showed the apoptosis rate of Ad-p27kip1 group and control group to be 37.3% and 1.26% (P < 0.001) respectively.

CONCLUSION: Ad-p27kip1 can inhibit the growth and multiplication of esophageal carcinoma cells and induce apoptosis. Therefore, enhanced p27kip1 expression may be a new way to treat esophageal carcinoma.

Inhibitory effect of p27kip1 mediated by adenovirus on model of esophageal carcinoma in nude mice

AIM

To investigate the inhibitory effect of p27kip1 mediated by adenovirus vector on esophageal carcinoma in vivo.

METHODS

Eca109 cells were injected into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice to establish tumors. The transplanted tumors were reproduced among the nude mice contionually after original grafts grew well. The model of esophageal carcinoma in nude mice was established by transplanting the tumor tissue mass into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice .The successful constructed recombinant adenoviral vector carrying p27kip1 gene and LacZ recombinant adenovirus were directly injected into the esophageal tumors in nude mice respectively. Compared with control group, the growth curves of tumor were drawed and the growth inhibition rates of tumor were calculated.

RESULTS

The growth of tumors in gene therapy group with p27kip1 was obviously suppressed, which had a significant difference compared with control group (P < 0.001). The growth inhibition rate of tumor reached 64.1%.

CONCLUSION

p27kip1 gene therapy mediated by adenovirus vector has significant inhibitory effect on esophageal carcinoma in vivo.

Effects of adenovirus-mediated human cox-2 antisense RNA on synthesis of DNA and proteins in esophgeal carcinoma cell line

AIM

To construct the recombinant adenovirus encoding human cox-2 antisense RNA, and to investigate its effect on synthesis of DNA and proteins in esophgeal carcinoma cell line EC9706.

METHODS

The shuttle plasmid encoding antisense cox-2 was constructed by cloning cox-2 cDNA fragment in the reverse direction into the pHCMVSP1A. Then the plasmid pJM17 and the shuttle plasmid were cotransferred into 293 cells with lipofectamine for homologouserecombinantion to acquire recombinant adenovirus confirmed by PCR. The expressions of cox-2 in esophgeal carcinoma cell line EC9706 cells were evaluated, and its effects on cell proliferation were determined by cell growth rate, ³H-TdR and ³H-Leucine incorporation.

RESULTS

The recombinant adenovirus encoding antisense cox-2 fragment ad-AShcox-2 was obtained with the titer of 0.86±10¹² PFU/ml. Ad-AShcox-2 can reduce the expression of cox-2, and inhibit cell growth rate and cause cellular death. Meanwhile, The efficiency of ³H-TdR and ³H-Leucine incorporation was significant lower than that in the control group at 48, 72, 96 hours (q_{48 h} = 16.36 vs 16.36, q_{72 h} = 39.07 vs 19.90 , q_{96 h}= 54.80 vs 30.33; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Reducing the expression of cox-2 may inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells through inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and protein.