[5 cases of occupational heat illness]

Objective: Through the analysis of five cases of occupational heat illness caused by high temperature, we expounded the pathogenesis and summarized the clinical characteristics of heat cramp and heat exhaustion of the newly revised diagnostic criteria for occupational heat illness (GBZ41-2019), in order to prevent the occurrence of occupational heat illness to put forward controllable countermeasures. Methods: According to the occupational history, clinical diagnosis and treatment and the other relevant data submitted by five patients, the diagnosis process was analyzed and summarized. Results: Five patients developed symptoms from July to August in summer, belonging to high-temperature operation. They improved by timely treatment. The symptoms, signs and laboratory tests of the five patients were different, but they were diagnosed as occupational heat illness. Conclusion: Employers should pay attention to the high temperature protection and cooling work, and strengthen the labor protection. If patients with heat cramp and heat exhaustion were timely treated, they could basically recover. Occupational disease diagnosticians should seriously study the new diagnostic criteria of occupational disease and constantly improve their diagnostic ability.

Application of an improved naive Bayesian analysis for the identification of air leaks in boreholes in coal mines

Borehole extraction is the basic method used for control of gases in coal mines. The quality of borehole sealing determines the effectiveness of gas extraction, and many influential factors result in different types of borehole leaks. To accurately identify the types of leaks from boreholes, characteristic parameters, such as gas concentration, flow rate and negative pressure, were selected, and new indexes were established to identify leaks. A model based on an improved naive Bayes framework was constructed for the first time in this study, and it was applied to analyse and identify boreholes in the 229 working face of the Xiashijie Coal Mine. Eight features related to single hole sealing sections were taken as parameters, and 144 training samples from 18 groups of real-time monitoring time series data and 96 test samples from 12 groups were selected to verify the accuracy and speed of the model. The results showed that the model eliminated strong correlations between the original characteristic parameters, and it successfully identified the leakage conditions and categories of 12 boreholes. The identification rate of the new model was 98.9%, and its response time was 0.0020 s. Compared with the single naive Bayes algorithm model, the identification rate was 31.8% better, and performance was 55% faster. The model developed in this study fills a gap in the use of algorithms to identify types of leaks in boreholes, provides a theoretical basis and accurate guidance for the evaluation of the quality of the sealing of boreholes and borehole repairs, and supports the improved use of boreholes to extract gases from coal mines.

Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer evaluated using strain ultrasonic elastography

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer in China is increasing while its mortality rate is decreasing. The annual breast cancer incidence in China is 39.2 million, accounting for two-thirds of the urban population. In China, breast cancer is the fifth most common malignant tumor overall and the most common in women, accounting for 17% of female malignant tumors.

AIM

To investigate the accuracy of strain ultrasound elastography (SUE) on the evaluation of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer.

METHODS

Overall, 90 patients with breast cancer treated at our hospital between January 2018 and February 2019 were selected for this study. The patients received six cycles of NAC with docetaxel, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide. Surgical treatment was also performed, and pathological reactivity was assessed. The patients were evaluated using conventional ultrasonography and SUE before biopsy. The differences between groups were analyzed to calculate the mean and standard deviation with significance measured using a t-test, while multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the patients analyzed, 20 had a pathological complete remission (pCR) while 70 did not achieve pCR after NAC. The ratio of the elastic strain ratio (SR) and elastic score of 4–5 in patients with pCR were 5.5 ± 1.16 and 15.00%, respectively; these were significantly lower than those in patients without pCR (85%) and significantly higher than in patients without pCR (14%). SR and elastic score 4–5 were independent factors influencing NAC efficacy (OR=0.644, 1.426 and 1.366, respectively, P < 0.05). SR was positively correlated with elasticity score (r_s = 0.411, P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of SR and SR combined with elastic score in predicting patients without pCR was 0.822 and 0.891, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Strain ultrasonic elastography may be used to evaluate the effects of preoperative NAC in patients with breast cancer.

Ergothioneine exhibits longevity-extension effect in Drosophila melanogaster via regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and fatty acid oxidation

Many studies have demonstrated the protective effect of ergothioneine (EGT), the unique sulfur-containing antioxidant found in mushrooms, on several aging-related diseases. Nevertheless, to date, no single study has explored the potential role of EGT in the lifespan of animal models. We show here that EGT consistently extends fly lifespan in diverse genetic backgrounds and both sexes, as well as in a dose and gender-dependent manner. Additionally, EGT is shown to increases the climbing activity of flies, enhance acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, and maintain the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG)of aged flies. The increase in lifespan by EGT is gut microorganism dependent. We proposed potential mechanisms of lifespan extension in Drosophila by EGT through RNA-seq analysis: preservation of the normal status of the central nervous system via the coordination of cholinergic neurotransmission, tyrosine metabolism, and peroxisomal proteins, regulation of autophagic activity by altering the lysosomal protein CTSD, and the preservation of normal mitochondrial function through controlled substrate feeding into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the major energy-yielding metabolic process in cells.

Simulation of stray radiation from optical window with temperature-dependent spectral properties

Stray radiation analysis coupled with a temperature field is performed for a semitransparent window, focusing on the temperature-dependent optical properties. The transient temperature response of the optical window-based encapsulation structure is first investigated under an external transient high-heat flux loading. The spectral selectivity of the window to thermal radiation is involved. Subsequently, several typical cases for stray radiation are conducted, considering the inhomogeneous optical properties caused by the temperature heterogeneity. It is found that the stray radiation distribution is more chaotic compared to the results with optical properties independent of temperature. In addition, the stray radiation power has a large deviation (150%) if one neglects the temperature dependence. Meanwhile, the difference in wave band power decreases with the wavelength rising. Additionally, the stray radiation power generated by the window is far less in the visible wave band than that in the near-infrared wave band. The results reveal that the temperature dependence in optical properties of a semitransparent window should be seriously considered when calculating the stray radiation, especially in high-precision detection devices.

Successful biosynthesis of natural antioxidant ergothioneine in Saccharomyces cerevisiae required only two genes from Grifola frondosa

Background

Ergothioneine (EGT) has a unique antioxidant ability and diverse beneficial effects on human health. But the content of EGT is very low in its natural producing organisms such as Mycobacterium smegmatis and mushrooms. Therefore, it is necessary to highly efficient heterologous production of EGT in food-grade yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Results

Two EGT biosynthetic genes were cloned from the mushroom Grifola frondosa and successfully heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae EC1118 strain in this study. By optimization of the fermentation conditions of the engineered strain S. cerevisiae EC1118, the 11.80 mg/L of EGT production was obtained. With daily addition of 1% glycerol to the culture medium in the fermentation process, the EGT production of the engineered strain S. cerevisiae EC1118 can reach up to 20.61 mg/L.

Conclusion

A successful EGT de novo biosynthetic system of S. cerevisiae containing only two genes from mushroom Grifola frondosa was developed in this study. This system provides promising prospects for the large scales production of EGT for human health.

Decreased expression of GBA3 correlates with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Beta-glucosidase (GBA), also known as acid β-glucosidase, exhibits an activity of glucosylceramidase (EC 3.2.1.45). Three main isoforms of β-glucosidases have been identified in mammals: GBA1, GBA2, and GBA3. The deficiency of these enzymes leads to glucosylceramide accumulation, resulting in Gaucher's disease. The present study is focused on the cytosolic β-glucosidase, GBA3, and its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of GBA3 mRNA in HCC was evaluated first using the TCGA database, and then by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays of 328 clinically characterized HCC samples and 151 non-tumor liver controls. Moreover, the presence of a correlation between GBA3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of patients was examined. The obtained results indicated that the expression of GBA3 mRNA was significantly lower in HCC than in the adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. The expression of GBA3 was inversely related to the number of tumors (p=0.041), tumor size (p<0.001), Edmondson grade (p=0.007), microvascular invasion (p=0.049), patient status (p<0.001), and α-fetoprotein level (p<0.001). Patients exhibiting low GBA3 expression had a shorter survival time than those with high expression (p<0.001). In conclusion, the decreased GBA3 expression is strongly associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients, and GBA3 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Fungi Causing Rice Seedling Blight in Northeast China Based on Microsatellite Markers

Rice seedling blight, which is caused by diverse pathogenic microorganisms, occurs worldwide and is the most important seedling disease affecting rice production in Northeast China. To further characterize the population structure and genetic diversity of the fungi responsible for rice seedling blight in Northeast China, 225 fungal strains were isolated from diseased rice seedlings collected from various rice-producing areas. The isolated strains included Fusarium oxysporum (48.0%), F. verticillioides (11.6%), F. tricinctum (8.0%), F. redolens (6.7%), F. equiseti (6.2%), F. solani (6.2%), Rhizoctonia solani (6.7%), Alternaria alternata (4.0%), and Curvularia coatesiae (2.7%). F. oxysporum was the dominant fungal species causing rice seedling blight, with most isolates exhibiting moderate pathogenicity. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first study to identify A. alternata and C. coatesiae as causal agents of rice seedling blight in Northeast China. None of the F. oxysporum isolates were sensitive to 10 μg/ml of carbendazim, implying that carbendazim is ineffective for controlling rice seedling blight in Northeast China. The F. oxysporum isolates were divided into nine groups based on a simple sequence repeat analysis involving 14 primer pairs. In addition, an analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant correlation between the F. oxysporum population and geographical location, which had a significant effect on the differentiation of the dominant isolate population. The results of this study provide insights into the genetic diversity of F. oxysporum strains causing rice seedling blight and may be useful for selecting isolates to screen for disease-resistant rice varieties, evaluating fungicide efficacy, and developing effective disease management strategies.

Population structure and genetic diversity of Setosphaeria turcica from corn in Heilongjiang province, China

AIM

The aims of this study were to identify races and mating types of Setosphaeria turcica causing northern corn leaf blight in Heilongjiang province of China and analyse the genetic diversity of S. turcica isolates using SSR markers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on gene-for-gene interactions, 13 races of S. turcica (races 0, 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 23, 123, N, 1N, 12N, 3N and 23N) were isolated from infected corn plants in Heilongjiang province. Races 0 and 1 were the predominant races, and race 23N was identified for the first time in the region. Using two pairs of specific primers, three mating types, 'a', 'Aa' and 'A', were identified, with 'a' being the predominant mating type. SSR markers were used to analyse genetic diversity of 60 S. turcica isolates. Five SSR primers were polymorphic, which resulted in 45 reproducible bands with 2-15 bands for each primer. Cluster analysis separated the isolates into five groups at a similarity coefficient of 0·84. Analysis of molecular variance showed that there was significant correlation between SSR groups and mating type of the isolates. No significant correlation was found between SSR groups and physiological races or geographical location of the isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

The work reported that races 0 and 1 were the predominant races, and race 23N was identified for the first time in Heilongjiang province with 'a' being the predominant mating type. There was significant correlation between SSR groups and mating type of S. turcica isolates.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results provide information on population structure and genetic diversity of S. turcica causing Northern corn leaf blight, which will facilitate the development of effective disease management programs.

Down-regulated expression of microRNA-338-5p contributes to neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia. However, the mechanisms responsible for development of AD, especially for the sporadic variant, are still not clear. In our previous study, we discovered that a small noncoding RNA (miR-188-3p) targeting β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE)-1, a key enzyme responsible for Aβ formation, plays an important role in the development of neuropathology in AD. In the present study, we identified that miR-338-5p, a new miRNA that also targets BACE1, contributes to AD neuropathology. We observed that expression of miR-338-5p was significantly down-regulated in the hippocampus of patients with AD and 5XFAD transgenic (TG) mice, an animal model of AD. Overexpression of miR-338-5p in the hippocampus of TG mice reduced BACE1 expression, Aβ formation, and neuroinflammation. Overexpression of miR-338-5p functionally prevented impairments in long-term synaptic plasticity, learning ability, and memory retention in TG mice. In addition, we provide evidence that down-regulated expression of miR-338-5p in AD is regulated through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results suggest that down-regulated expression of miR-338-5p plays an important role in the development of AD.-Qian, Q., Zhang, J., He, F.-P., Bao, W.-X., Zheng, T.-T., Zhou, D.-M., Pan, H.-Y., Zhang, H., Zhang, X.-Q., He, X., Sun, B.-G., Luo, B.-Y., Chen, C., Peng, G.-P. Down-regulated expression of microRNA-338-5p contributes to neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease.

[Reevaluation of the methodological quality in meta-analyses of accelerated rehabilitation on recovery after surgery for colorectal cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the methodological quality and impacts on outcomes for systematic reviews (SRs) of accelerated rehabilitation versus traditional control for colorectal surgery. Methods: We comprehensively searched six databases and additional websites to collect SRs, or meta-analysis from inception to July 2016. The Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ) was applied for quality assessment of the included studies, the tools recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration was applied for quality assessment for RCT and CCT and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess observational study. The relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were integrated using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results: Fourteen meta-analyses were included in total. The mean OQAQ score was 3.8 with 95% CI 3.2 to 4.3. Only three meta-analyses were assessed as good quality. Two studies misused statistical models. A total of 42 primary studies referenced by meta-analyses were included, of which, 25 RCTs were levelled grade B and 1 CCT was levelled grade C. An estimated mean NOS score of 16 observation studies was 6.75 (totally scored 9 with 95% CI 6.4 to 7.1), of which, 10 studies scored ≥7 were high quality, 6 studies scored 6 were moderate quality. Conclusions: Currently, the overall quality of meta-analyses about comparing the effects and safety between accelerated rehabilitation and traditional control for colorectal surgery is fairly poor and the evidence level is lower. Health providers should apply the evidence with caution in clinical practice.

[Application of rabbit monoclonal antibody GCET2 in diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Objective: To prepare a rabbit monoclonal antibody GCET2 and to investigate its diagnostic value in the workup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: GCET2 rabbit monoclonal antibody was developed by using RabMAb^® technology, and its specificity was confirmed by ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry. A panel of immunomarkers including GCET2, CD10, bcl-6, MUM1, GCET1, FOXP1, Ki-67 and CMYC was evaluated in 81 cases of DLBCLs, 5 cases of follicular lymphomas (FL) and 2 cases of Burkitt's lymphomas. Results: Rabbit monoclonal GCET2 antibody (clone EP316) was developed with specificity for normal germinal center B-cells (GCB) and GCB origined lymphomas. In 81 cases of DLBCL, the positive rate of GCET2 was 43.2%(35/81), which was significantly higher than that of other germinal center markers. Moreover, among 81 DLBCLs, the proportions of high CMYC expression in GCET2 negative and positive groups were 15.2% (7/46) and 2.8% (1/35), respectively. Conclusion: GCET2 is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker for GCB derived lymphomas. Combined with other biomarkers, it may improve the diagnostic sensitivity of GCB-DLBCL.

[A comparison of clinical characteristics between non-erosive reflux disease and reflux esophagitis]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical symptoms of patients with non-erosive reflux disease(NERD) and reflux esophagitis(RE), which is helpful to the differential diagnosis.

METHODS

Out-patients who met the criteria of NERD or RE according to the Montreal definition in Gastroenterology Department Wuhan Union Hospital from 2010-2014 were enrolled in our study. Clinical data were comprehensively collected. Incidence of disease, severity, frequency of esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms, and the rates of overlapping with functional dyspepsia (FD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were all studied.

RESULTS

Totally 446 subjects were recruited, including 225 patients with NERD and 221 patients with RE. The occurrence rates of esophageal symptoms including heartburn [76.0%(171/225) vs 52.0%(115/221), P<0.01] and acid regurgitation [74.7%(168/225) vs 54.3%(120/221), P<0.05] in NERD group were significantly higher than those in RE patients, with more severe and frequent (P<0.05). Despite the rates of food regurgitation were similar, NERD patients behaved more severely and frequently (P<0.05). Extraesophageal symptoms including throat burning and foreign body sensation in NERD group [40.9%(92/225) vs 27.6%(61/221), 42.2%(95/225) vs 31.7%(70/221), all P<0.05] were also higher than those in RE group, the degree of which was more severe too (P<0.05). RE patients claimed a higher proportion of chronic cough. The incidences of overlapping with IBS in two groups were similar. But there were more patients with FD in NERD group [72.0%(162/225) vs 62.9%(139/221), P<0.05] than in RE group.

CONCLUSIONS

The menifestations and degree of esophageal and extraesophageal symptoms in patients with NERD or RE are different, as well as comorbidities such as FD and IBS. These results suggest that NERD and RE are independent diseases.

Interaction between mDia1 and ROCK in Rho-induced migration and adhesion of human dental pulp cells

AIM

To investigate the effects of mammalian homologue of Drosophila diaphanous-1(mDia1) and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) on the migration and adhesion of dental pulp cells (DPCs).

METHODOLOGY

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was used to activate Rho signalling. mDia1 and ROCK were inhibited by short interfering RNA and the specific inhibitor, Y-27632, respectively. The migration of DPCs was assessed using the transwell migration assay and scratch test. Formation of cytoskeleton and focal adhesions(FAs) was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell adhesion and spreading assays were performed. Phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin was detected by Western blotting, and the bands were analysed using Adobe Photoshop CS5 software. All experiments were performed at least three times, and data were analysed with one-way anova and a post hoc test.

RESULTS

LPA-triggered activation of Rho and inhibition of ROCK significantly increased the cell migration rate. Cell migration was inhibited by silencing mDia1. mDia1 silencing and ROCK inhibition suppressed the LPA-induced formation of the cytoskeleton, FA and phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin. Inhibition of ROCK or mDia1 facilitated early cell adhesion and spreading; by contrast, the combined inhibition of ROCK and mDia1 neutralized these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

mDia1 promoted RhoA-induced migration of DPCs, but ROCK had an opposite effect. Both mDia1 and ROCK participated in cytoskeleton formation and adhesion of DPCs. The interactions between mDia1 and ROCK might influence dental pulp repair by determining the migration and adhesion of DPCs.

Isolation, partial characterization, and cloning of an extracellular chitinase from the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii

The entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii is a well-known biocontrol agent of fungal phytopathogens, as well as insect pests. A 42-kDa chitinase belonging to family 18 of the glycosyl hydrolases was isolated and partially characterized. Chitinase was purified using successive column chromatography on phenyl-sepharose, DEAE-sepharose, and CM-sepharose. The enzyme showed the highest activity at 40°C and pH 4.6. Enzyme activity was strongly activated in the presence of Mg(2+). The purified enzyme showed inhibitory activity of spore germination against several plant pathogens, particularly Fusarium moniliforme. The genomic DNA and cDNA sequences were resolved by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing. Protein modeling and comparative investigation of different chitinase amino acids showed that chitinases are conserved in parasitic fungi.

Modification of vectors for functional genomic analysis in plants

Simple, efficient, and economical recombinant plant binary expression vectors for deciphering large-scale functional genomic research in plants and promoting crop improvement by genetically engineering and biotechnology is in great demand. In this research, using the pCHF3, pCAMBIA1301, pCAMBIA3300, pCAMBIA3301 vectors, we successfully constructed general plant binary expression vectors carrying CaMV35S and Arabidopsis rd29A promoters mediating multiple cloning sites (

MCS

SacI, KpnI, SmaI, BamHI, XbaI, SalI, and PstI). Meanwhile, a series of applicative binary expression vectors that can be utilized for subcellular localization were constructed by fusion of the MCS and eGFP. Subsequently, the recombinant vectors were successfully transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana for further investigation of functional elements in these plant binary expression vectors. Our results demonstrated that this system was a convenient and versatile vector system for phenotypic, functional, subcellular localization, and promoter activity analysis, and it provided a relatively high-efficiency and reliable platform for researchers in vector construction and may facilitate large-scale functional genomics analysis in plants.

A heavy metal-associated protein (AcHMA1) from the halophyte, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt., confers tolerance to iron and other abiotic stresses when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Many heavy metals are essential for metabolic processes, but are toxic at elevated levels. Metal tolerance proteins provide resistance to this toxicity. In this study, we identified and characterized a heavy metal-associated protein, AcHMA1, from the halophyte, Atriplex canescens. Sequence analysis has revealed that AcHMA1 contains two heavy metal binding domains. Treatments with metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, Cd or Pb), PEG6000 and NaHCO3 highly induced AcHMA1 expression in A. canescens, whereas NaCl and low temperature decreased its expression. The role of AcHMA1 in metal stress tolerance was examined using a yeast expression system. Expression of the AcHMA1 gene significantly increased the ability of yeast cells to adapt to and recover from exposure to excess iron. AcHMA1 expression also provided salt, alkaline, osmotic and oxidant stress tolerance in yeast cells. Finally, subcellular localization of an AcHMA1/GFP fusion protein expressed in tobacco cells showed that AcHMA1 was localized in the plasma membrane. Thus, our results suggest that AcHMA1 encodes a membrane-localized metal tolerance protein that mediates the detoxification of iron in eukaryotes. Furthermore, AcHMA1 also participates in the response to abiotic stress.

Thermally robust Mo/CoFeB/MgO trilayers with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

The recent discovery of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) at the CoFeB/MgO interface has accelerated the development of next generation high-density non-volatile memories by utilizing perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs). However, the insufficient interfacial PMA in the typical Ta/CoFeB/MgO system will not only complicate the p-MTJ optimization, but also limit the device density scalability. Moreover, the rapid decreases of PMA in Ta/CoFeB/MgO films with annealing temperature higher than 300°C will make the compatibility with CMOS integrated circuits a big problem. By replacing the Ta buffer layer with a thin Mo film, we have increased the PMA in the Ta/CoFeB/MgO structure by 20%. More importantly, the thermal stability of the perpendicularly magnetized (001)CoFeB/MgO films is greatly increased from 300°C to 425°C, making the Mo/CoFeB/MgO films attractive for a practical p-MTJ application.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate mediates AKT/ERK maintenance of dental pulp homoeostasis

AIM

To investigate the cell status of dental pulp cells (DPCs) in a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced microinflammation environment and the possible mechanisms of cell homoeostasis maintenance by S1P.

METHODOLOGY

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) expression was examined in DPCs within a local S1P-induced microinflammation model established using 1 μmol L(-1) S1P. U0126 [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor], LY294002 (AKT inhibitor) and Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor) were used to inhibit corresponding signalling pathways of DPCs. CCK8 and cell cycle analysis tested cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining JC-1 detected changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Tests for apoptosis and the apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively. Expressions of ERK and AKT were evaluated by western blot analysis. The results were analysed using the Student's t-test and the significance level set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Expressions of S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 in DPCs differed amongst individuals. DPCs maintained self-homoeostasis in response to S1P-induced microinflammation via S1PRs. During this repair process, ERK, AKT and ROCK had a short-term complementary interaction at 60 min, but then AKT and ERK gradually played decisive roles after 24 h in proliferation enhancement and apoptosis inhibition, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The AKT-ERK balance may determine whether DPC homoeostasis in S1P-induced microinflammation is maintained by synergistic regulation of cell growth and apoptosis.

Effects of broccoli stem and leaf meal on broiler performance, skin pigmentation, antioxidant function, and meat quality

Three hundred sixty 1-d-old Ross 308 male broilers were used to study the effects of broccoli stem and leaf meal (BSLM) on growth performance, skin pigmentation, antioxidant function, and meat quality. The chicks were fed 4 diets containing different levels (0, 4.0, 8.0, and 12.0%) of BSLM as partial replacement for corn and soybean meal for a period of 42 d. The results showed that dietary supplementation of BSLM had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance. As compared with control, dietary 4%, 8%, and 12% BSLM increased (P < 0.05) b value (yellowness) both in shank and breast skin, increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of xanthophylls in abdominal fat and breast skin, improved (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capability, lowered malondialdehyde concentration, and decreased drip loss percentage of breast muscle. Dietary 8% and 12% BSLM decreased (P < 0.05) shank L values (lightness), increased (P < 0.05) shank a value (redness), and increased (P < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase of breast muscle as compared with control. The results indicated that dietary supplementation of BSLM in broiler chickens improved the poultry products quality with the more skin pigmentation and the less drip loss percentage of breast meat. The more skin pigmentation mainly related to the high amount of xanthophylls in BSLM. The decreased meat drip loss fed BSLM may be caused by the antioxidative function of BSLM.

Common polymorphism near the MC4R gene is associated with type 2 diabetes: data from a meta-analysis of 123,373 individuals

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Genome-wide association studies have shown that variants near the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) (rs17782313 and rs12970134) are associated with risk of obesity in Europeans. As obesity is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, many studies have investigated the association between polymorphisms near the MC4R gene and type 2 diabetes risk across different ethnic populations, with inconsistent results. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association of variants near MC4R with type 2 diabetes risk.

METHODS

Published literature from PubMed and Embase was retrieved. All studies that evaluated the association of at least one of the two MC4R polymorphism(s) with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Pooled ORs with 95% CIs were calculated using the fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies (comprising 34,195 cases and 89,178 controls) of the rs17782313 polymorphism (or its proxy rs12970134) were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the rs17782313 polymorphism was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk among the overall study population (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07, 1.13, p = 2.83 × 10(-12) [Z test], I(2) = 9.1%, p = 0.345 [heterogeneity]). The association remained significant even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03, 1.09, p = 2.14 × 10(-5) [Z test], I(2) = 4.9%, p = 0.397 [heterogeneity]). Further sensitivity analysis confirmed the statistically significant association of rs17782313 polymorphism with type 2 diabetes, and no publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The present meta-analysis confirmed the significant association of the rs17782313 polymorphism near the MC4R gene with type 2 diabetes risk, which was independent of BMI.

Quantitative trait loci for cold tolerance of rice recombinant inbred lines in low temperature environments

Low temperature is one of the major environmental stresses in rice cultivation in high-altitude and high-latitude regions. In this study, we cultivated a set of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from Dasanbyeo (indica) / TR22183 (japonica) crosses in Yanji (high-latitude area), Kunming (high-altitude area), Chuncheon (cold water irrigation) and Suwon (normal) to evaluate the main effects of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and epistatic QTL (E-QTL) with regard to their interactions with environments for cold-related traits. Six QTLs for spikelet fertility (SF) were identified in three cold treatment locations. Among them, four QTLs on chromosomes 2, 7, 8, and 10 were validated by several near isogenic lines (NILs) under cold treatment in Chuncheon. A total of 57 QTLs and 76 E-QTLs for nine cold-related traits were identified as distributing on all 12 chromosomes; among them, 19 QTLs and E-QTLs showed significant interactions of QTLs and environments (QEIs). The total phenotypic variation explained by each trait ranged from 13.2 to 29.1% in QTLs, 10.6 to 29.0% in EQTLs, 2.2 to 8.8% in QEIs and 1.0% to 7.7% in E-QTL × environment interactions (E-QEIs). These results demonstrate that epistatic effects and QEIs are important properties of QTL parameters for cold tolerance at the reproductive stage. In order to develop cold tolerant varieties adaptable to wide-ranges of cold stress, a strategy facilitating marker-assisted selection (MAS) is being adopted to accumulate QTLs identified from different environments.

Metabolic engineering of isoflavone genistein in Brassica napus with soybean isoflavone synthase

Genistein, 4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone, is an isoflavonoid compound predominantly restricted to legumes and known to possess phyto-oestrogenic and antioxidative activities. The key enzyme that redirects phenylpropanoid pathway intermediates from flavonoids to isoflavonoids is the isoflavone synthase (IFS). Brassica napus is a non-legume oilseed crop with vegetative tissues producing phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, but does not naturally accumulate isoflavones due to the absence of IFS. To demonstrate whether exogenous IFS is able to use endogenous substrate to produce isoflavone genistein in oilseed crop, the soybean IFS gene (GmIFS2) was incorporated into B. napus plants. The presence of GmIFS2 in B. napus was shown to direct the synthesis and accumulation of genistein derivatives in leaves up to 0.72 mg g(-1) DW. In addition, expression levels for most B. napus genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway were altered. These results suggest that the heterologous GmIFS2 enzyme is functionally active at using the B. napus naringenin as a substrate to produce genistein in oilseed rape.

Decreased expression of profilin 2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its clinicopathological implications

Profilins are small proteins essential for many normal cellular dynamics and constitute one of the crucial components of actin-based cellular motility. Several recent studies have implicated a role for the profilin (PFN) family in cancer pathogenesis and progression. However, their expression and promising functions are largely unknown in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we analyzed the correlation between PFN1 and PFN2 expression in vitro and in vivo. The protein expression levels were roughly compared between cell lines (HIOEC, HB96) with the employment of mass spectrometry. PFN2 was singled out as one of the significantly down-regulated genes in the cancerous HB96 cells. The expression levels of PFN1 and PFN2 in vitro were validated by RT-PCR, real-time PCR and Western blotting. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used for the first time to assess the localization of PFN2 expression. In subsequent experiments, we observed the relationship between PFN2 expression levels and the proliferation of transfected HB96 cancer cells. VASP, N-WASP and P27 expression was also examined in the PFN2-transfected or non-transfected HB96 cells. In vivo, antigen expression was determined by immunohistochemical analyses in 88 paired tissue specimens. Decreased protein expression was confirmed in cancerous tissues from 88 OSCC patients compared with paracancerous normal mucous epithelia. Tumors with weak PFN2 expression were associated with a significantly worse prognosis than strongly expressed tumours (P<0.001). Other statistical analyses were performed to assess the differences in expression and their clinical and pathological significance. In conclusion, PFN2 can be utilized as both a potential suppressor marker and a prognostic protein for OSCC. The function of PFN2 may be to regulate the N-WASP/Arp2/3 signaling pathway.

Identification of QTLs for seed germination capability after various storage periods using two RIL populations in rice

Seed germination capability of rice is one of the important traits in the production and storage of seeds. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed germination capability in various storage periods was identified using two sets of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) which derived from crosses between Milyang 23 and Tong 88-7 (MT-RILs) and between Dasanbyeo and TR22183 (DT-RILs). A total of five and three main additive effects (QTLs) associated with seed germination capability were identified in MT-RILs and DT-RILs, respectively. Among them, six QTLs were identified repeatedly in various seed storage periods designated as qMT-SGC5.1, qMT-SGC7.2, and qMT-SGC9.1 on chromosomes 5, 7, and 9 in MT-RILs, and qDT-SGC2.1, qDT-SGC3.1, and qDT-SGC9.1 on chromosomes 2, 3, and 9 in DT-RILs, respectively. The QTL on chromosome 9 was identified in both RIL populations under all three storage periods, explaining up to 40% of the phenotypic variation. Eight and eighteen pairs additive × additive epistatic effect (epistatic QTL) were identified in MT-RILs and DT-RILs, respectively. In addition, several near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed to confirm six repeatable QTL effects using controlled deterioration test (CDT). The identified QTLs will be further studied to elucidate the mechanisms controlling seed germination capability, which have important implications for long-term seed storage.

Isolation and characterization of a new ginsenoside from the fresh root of Panax Ginseng

A new saponin, malonylginsenoside Ra₃, was isolated from the fresh root of Panax ginseng, along with four known ginsenosides. The new compound was identified as (20S)-protopanaxadiol-3-O-(6-O-malonyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-20-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRESI-MS spectroscopic data analysis.

A new geldanamycin analogue from Streptomyces hygroscopicus

A new geldanamycin analogue was isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus A070101. The structure was elucidated as 11-methoxy-17-formyl-17-demethoxy-18-O-21-O-dihydrogeldanamycin (1) on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRESI-MS spectroscopic data analysis. Compound 1 showed considerable cytotoxicity (SRB) against human cancer cell lines (breast cancer MCF-7, skin melanoma SK-MEL-2 and lung carcinoma COR-L23).

Purple canola: Arabidopsis PAP1 increases antioxidants and phenolics in Brassica napus leaves

Anthocyanins, other flavonoids, and phenolic acids belong to a group of plant natural products with antioxidant activity and may play important roles in plant protection against biotic and abiotic stress and in protection against human diseases. In the present study, the Arabidopsis regulatory gene Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (AtPAP1) was expressed in Brassica napus (canola), and its presence enhanced the antioxidant capacity in transgenic leaves up to 4-fold. Transgenic plants had intense purple coloration, cyanidin and pelargonidin levels were enhanced 50-fold, and quercetin and sinapic acid were 5-fold higher. Consistent with these phytochemical and biological changes, expression for most genes in the flavonoid and phenolic acid biosynthetic pathways was also stimulated.

Boehmite nanostructures preparation by hydrothermal method from anodic aluminium oxide membrane

Boehmite nanostructures were successfully synthesized from porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membrane by a simple and efficient hydro-thermal method. The experiment used high purity alumina as raw material, and the whole reaction process avoided superfluous impurities to be introduced. Thus, the purity of Boehmite products was ensured. The examinations of the morphology and structure were carried out by atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Composition of the specimens was analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Based on these observations the growth process was analyzed.

Cucurbitane and hexanorcucurbitane glycosides from the fruits of Cucurbita pepo cv dayangua

Phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Cucurbita pepo cv dayangua has led to the isolation of two cucurbitane glycosides: cucurbitacin L 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), cucurbitacin K 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and two hexanorcucurbitane glycosides: 2,16-dihydroxy-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanorcucurbit-5-en-11,20-dione 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and 16-hydroxy-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanorcucurbit-5-en-11,20-dione 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 were isolated from Cucurbita genus for the first time, while compound 4 is a new one. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

Alteration of cell-cycle regulatory proteins in human oral epithelial cells immortalized by HPV16 E6 and E7

E6 and E7 oncoproteins from high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can transform cells in tissue culture and induce tumors in vivo by abrogating the cell-cycle checkpoint. To investigate the impact of HPV16 E6 and E7 on the cell-cycle regulatory machinery in oral epithelial cells, normal human oral epithelial cells were transfected with HPV16 E6 and E7 open reading frames, and alterations in cell-cycle regulatory proteins in cells expressing HPV16 E6 and E7 were analyzed. E6 and E7 expression results in immortalization of oral epithelial cells. E7 inactivates retinoblastoma protein (Rb) by forming complexes with hypophosphorylated Rb in immortalized oral epithelial cells. P53 and P21 protein levels were increased in immortalized cells compared to normal primary oral epithelial cells. Cyclin D1-cell-cycle-dependent kinase 4 binary association is disrupted in immortalized oral epithelial cells. These results indicate that E7 plays an important role in abrogation of cell-cycle regulation in oral epithelial cells, with E6 having a smaller impact. This suggests that the pathogenesis of HPV in oral epithelial cells differs from that in cervical epithelial cells.

Reverse transcription slippage over the mRNA secondary structure of the LIP1 gene

The secondary structures in mRNA often cause early termination during the synthesis of cDNA. In an attempt to determine the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the gene LIP1 using the RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM-RACE), we found that reverse transcriptases skipped over the LIP1 RNA secondary structures and continued the DNA synthesis through RNA adapter sequences without early termination. A fragment of only three nucleotides upstream of the LIP1 translation initiation codon was obtained from the initial RACE-PCR, which was much shorter than the 57-nucleotide fragment obtained from the cDNA library screening. Analysis of the 5' end sequence indicates the presence of high G+C content and stem-loop secondary structures. Therefore, optimizations of the reaction with high temperature (70 degrees C) and a thermostable reverse transcriptase were performed to synthesize the first-strand cDNA, which was determined to have 73 nucleotides in the 5'-UTR. These results suggest that, under cDNA synthesis conditions at 42 degrees C and 60 degrees C, the reverse transcriptases skipped over the stem-loop structures of LIP1 mRNA and continued the cDNA synthesis until they reached the RNA adapter sequences. Thisfinding draws attention to adopting optimized conditions for cDNA synthesis on G+C-rich RNA templates.

Characterization of the promoter region of the viral interferon regulatory factor encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Viral interferon regulatory factor (vIRF) encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) inhibits the expression of interferon-responsive genes, causes cellular transformation and transactivates KSHV genes. In the present study, we characterized the mRNA expression pattern of the vIRF gene and its promoter. A vIRF transcript of 1.7 kb in size was detected in low level in uninduced KSHV-infected cells and its expression was inducible by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), sensitive to cycloheximide and resistant to phosphonoacetic acid. The transcription start site was mapped to 79 nt upstream of the ATG initiation site by 5'-RACE. Mutagenesis analysis identified a region between -56 and the transcription start site (+1) as the minimal promoter region that contains a functional TATA box at -27. A region between -337 and -125 contains a repressor domain negated by sequence from -991 to -499 in BCBL-1 cells, a region which was also identified to be responsive to TPA induction. These results demonstrate vIRF as a KSHV early gene, identify its promoter and define the promoter regions that contain regulatory elements controlling vIRF transcription.

Coping with systematic bias during bilateral movement

The present studies examined the nature of kinematic interlimb interference during bilateral elbow movements of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 frequency ratios and the manner in which subjects cope with coordination bias. Analysis of movement trajectories in the first experiment indicated progressively greater angular velocity assimilation across 2:1 and 3:1 conditions. The desired temporal relationship was maintained by slowing or pausing the low-frequency movement at peak extension while the high-frequency arm produced intervening cycles. An increase in amplitude was also evident for concurrent, homologous cycles. Movement smoothness was emphasized and additional practice was provided in a second experiment. This resulted in dissociated peak angular velocity between limbs and eliminated hesitations and amplitude effects. Bias was still evident, however, as an intermittent approach toward a 1:1 ratio within each cycle. This systematic tendency was somewhat greater at the lower of two absolute frequency combinations but was not influenced by the role of each arm in producing the higher or lower frequency movement. The findings from the first experiment suggest that subjects initially accommodate interlimb kinematic assimilation, while producing the intended timing ratio, by intermittently slowing or pausing the lower-frequency movement. This attenuates the need for bilaterally-disparate movement parameters and provides additional time for organizing residual kinematic differences, perhaps reducing "transient coupling." Evidence from the second experiment indicates that subtle relative motion preferences are still evident following sufficient practice to perform the movements smoothly. The within-cycle locations of the points of greatest interlimb bias for the 2:1 rhythms were positively displaced from those previously observed for 1:1 oscillations. The persistent coordination tendencies noted in both experiments perhaps reflect an assimilation/compensation cycle and constitute one potential source of the systematic error that often emerges during the acquisition of complex skills.

Gastrointestinal absorption of pravastatin in healthy subjects

The bioavailability of pravastatin, a hypocholesterolmic agent, may be enhanced by decreasing its exposure to stomach contents, where it may be converted nonenzymatically to a relatively inactive metabolite. The pharmacokinetics of pravastatin and its metabolite were determined after infusion of pravastatin directly into the stomach (locus for greatest bioavailability for the metabolite), duodenum (greatest bioavailability for pravastatin), jejunum, or ileum. An enterically coated formulation of pravastatin may increase its bioavailability.

Steady state serum concentrations of pravastatin and digoxin when given in combination

Pravastatin is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor used in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. The steady state pharmacokinetics of pravastatin (20 mg) and digoxin (0.2 mg) were evaluated in 18 healthy male subjects following the administration of each drug alone or in combination for 9 days. Serum and urine were collected for up to 48 h after the ninth dose in this open, randomized 3-way crossover study. Digoxin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, and pravastatin and its metabolites. SQ 31,906 and SQ 31,945 were measured by GC-MS. Digoxin and pravastatin pharmacokinetics were unchanged following combined administration. Combination therapy with pravastatin and digoxin is unlikely to expose patients to additional risk compared with pravastatin alone.

Pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in elderly versus young men and women

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in men and women. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive steroids on the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in young women.

DESIGN

Open, single-dose study.

SETTING

Clinical Pharmacology Unit of Princeton Medical Center for study in men and Hill Top Pharmatest, Cincinnati, for study in women.

PARTICIPANTS

Normal, healthy male (aged 19-75 y) and female (aged 18-78 y) volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects received a single 20-mg dose of pravastatin after an overnight fast.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The maximum plasma pravastatin concentration (Cmax), time required for that concentration to develop (Tmax), and the elimination half-life (beta t1/2). Serum concentrations of pravastatin and its major metabolite, the 3-alpha isomer, SQ 31,906, were determined at 12 intervals from 0.33 to 48 hours after the dose. Urine was collected cumulatively during the same period to determine urinary excretion of pravastatin and SQ 31,906. Both measures were used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetic profiles of pravastatin and SQ 31,906 in young and elderly subjects of men and women differed little. Although the mean area under the concentration time curve of pravastatin was higher in the elderly and significantly higher in the elderly women, Cmax and beta t1/2 values were similar in the young and the elderly volunteers. Concomitant administration of oral contraceptives in young women did not affect the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin or SQ 31,906.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetics of pravastatin do not necessitate dosage adjustments in elderly men or women. No differences were detected between the disposition of the parent drug or its metabolite in men and women.

Effect of food on pravastatin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pravastatin 20 mg administered twice daily when taken with or one hour before meals were evaluated in 24 hypercholesterolemic men in an 8-week, open-label, randomized, two-way crossover study. The bioavailability of pravastatin was reduced significantly (p < or = 0.001) when it was taken with meals (AUC dropped 31% and Cmax dropped 49%), and mean Tmax increased 50% (p < or = 0.01). The mean elimination t1/2 was unaffected by taking pravastatin with food. However, reductions in mean total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were identical whether pravastatin was given with or before meals. In both treatment groups, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced from baseline (p < 0.001). These results indicate that although the bioavailability of pravastatin is reduced when taken with meals, the lipid-lowering efficacy of pravastatin is not altered. It can be concluded that pravastatin can be ingested without regard to meal time.

Pravastatin experience in elderly and non-elderly patients

Epidemiologic evidence linking elevated cholesterol concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD) through the eighth decade of life provides a rationale for lowering cholesterol concentrations to reduce morbidity and mortality from CHD. Pravastatin, a well tolerated HMG CoA reductase inhibitor with a convenient once-daily dosing regimen, has been shown to effectively lower total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Individual data from more than 1800 hypercholesterolemic patients enrolled in six double-blind, randomized, multicenter studies were pooled and then analyzed to compare the safety and efficacy of pravastatin in the elderly (i.e., patients at least 65 years old) and the non-elderly. In short-term studies (8-16 weeks), response was dose-related and similar in elderly and non-elderly subjects. Pravastatin 20 or 40 mg daily lowered total cholesterol 19-25%, LDL-cholesterol 25-33%, and triglycerides 14-23%; high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased 5-10%. During long-term studies, improvements were sustained for more than 24 months in both the non-elderly and elderly. The incidences of adverse drug events and laboratory abnormalities were similar in the elderly and non-elderly patients in all groups (active treatment control with resin, pravastatin alone, or combination therapy). In short-term studies, treatment was discontinued because of adverse events in < 1% of all patients treated with pravastatin (all doses) or placebo. The frequency and profile of adverse events were similar among patients treated with pravastatin or placebo. In long-term studies, treatment was discontinued in 0.4% of patients in the pravastatin group and in 0.3% of the patients in the bile-acid-binding resin group. If drug therapy is warranted, pravastatin appears to be safe and effective for long-term use in elderly patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Biotransformation of pravastatin sodium in humans

Pravastatin sodium (PV) is a potent cholesterol-lowering agent that acts by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. Biotransformation profiles of PV in pooled human urine, plasma, and feces from healthy male volunteers given single 19.2-mg oral or 9.9-mg iv doses of [14C]PV were determined by HPLC. The predominant drug-related component in urine, plasma, and feces corresponded to intact PV; in the pooled urine samples, PV constituted 29 and 69% of the radioactivity after the po and iv doses, respectively. The delta 4.5-3 alpha-hydroxy isomer of PV constituted 10% (po) and 2% (iv), and 6-epi-PV constituted 3% (po) and 1% (iv) of the urinary radioactivity. Negligible amounts of the lactones of PV or its isomers were detected in urine, plasma, or feces. At least 15 other metabolites were also present; none of these accounted for more than 6% of the total urinary radioactivity. For metabolite isolation, an aliquot of pooled urine samples, obtained after administration of the radioactive dose, was added as a tracer to urine samples obtained from healthy subjects after administration of single nonradiolabeled 40-mg oral doses of PV. Urinary metabolites were concentrated on an XAD-2 column, extracted with ethyl acetate, and purified by extensive preparative HPLC. In addition to isolation and identification of unchanged drug and the two isomeric metabolites described above, eight other metabolites were isolated and structural assignments were made based on HPLC, UV spectra, mass spectral analysis, and proton NMR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacokinetic interaction between propranolol and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors pravastatin and lovastatin

1. Single oral 20 mg doses of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors pravastatin and lovastatin, with and without concomitant propranolol (40 mg twice daily), were administered to 16 healthy male subjects participating in a randomized, four-way crossover study. 2. Serum concentrations of total and active inhibitors were measured by bioassay and concentrations of pravastatin, two pravastatin metabolites and lovastatin acid were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. 3. Coadministration of propranolol with pravastatin reduced the mean area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) of total inhibitors by 23%, of active inhibitors by 20% and of pravastatin by 16%. 4. Coadministration of propranolol with lovastatin also resulted in decreases in the mean serum AUC of total inhibitors by 18%, of active inhibitors by 12% and of lovastatin acid by 13%. 5. These decreases in systemic drug concentrations may reflect enhanced drug first-pass hepatic clearance in the presence of propranolol. 6. The clinical significance of these changes is likely to be small.

Concentrations of pravastatin and lovastatin in cerebrospinal fluid in healthy subjects

The capability of pravastatin and lovastatin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors likely to be taken chronically for hypercholesterolemia, to cross the blood-brain barrier was investigated in normal male volunteers. Lovastatin, which is lipophilic, was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at concentrations that may have a pharmacologic effect. Pravastatin, which is hydrophilic, was not detected in CSF. It is concluded that pravastatin may have less potential for causing CNS-related side effects than lovastatin.

Comparative efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily pravastatin in primary hypercholesterolemia

The efficacy of once-daily versus twice-daily dosing of pravastatin was determined in men with primary hypercholesterolemia. The same group of patients was used in the two studies. In the once-daily study, 18 patients took 20 mg of pravastatin at bedtime for four weeks and then 40 mg of pravastatin for an additional four weeks. In the twice-daily study, 22 patients took 10 mg or 20 mg of pravastatin twice daily for four weeks. Total cholesterol was reduced 18% in the 20-mg once-daily group, 20% in the 10-mg twice-daily group, 23% in the 40-mg once-daily group, and 24% in the 20-mg twice-daily group; the respective reductions in low-density cholesterol were 27%, 28%, 32%, and 34%. All these reductions were statistically significant; no between-group differences were significant. Pravastatin was well tolerated and no patients dropped out because of side effects.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pravastatin and lovastatin

The oral bioavailability of two HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, pravastatin and lovastatin, was investigated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Twenty healthy men were randomly assigned to treatment with a 40-mg dose of pravastatin or lovastatin once daily for 1 week; steady state kinetics were assessed after the last dose. After 1 week of washout, each subject received the alternate treatment. Serum specimens were assayed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for intact pravastatin or lovastatin acid and by bioassay for active inhibitor concentration and, after hydrolysis of lactones, for total inhibitor concentration. The systemic bioavailabilities of total (active plus potentially active) inhibitors for the two drugs were different, with the mean AUC value for lovastatin being 50% higher than that of pravastatin (mean +/- SEM AUC0-24 values of 285 +/- 25 and 189 +/- 13 ng-equiv x hr/mL, respectively, P less than .0001). Pravastatin, which is administered as the monosodium salt, is present in the systemic circulation as the open acid; lovastatin, which is administered as the lactone, is present as both open-acid active metabolites (62%) and closed-ring lactone metabolites (38%), which are potentially active. Based on mean AUC values, pravastatin accounted for 75% of the active inhibitors from a pravastatin dose. Lovastatin acid accounted for just 25% of the active inhibitors from a lovastatin dose, with the remainder due to other active metabolites. Significant decreases from baseline in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were observed during the first treatment leg for both pravastatin and lovastatin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy and safety of pravastatin in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. II. Once-daily versus twice-daily dosing

This 8-week multicenter, placebo-controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, pravastatin, when administered either as single doses of 40 mg in the morning (AM) or evening (PM) or 20 mg twice daily (bid) in 196 diet-stabilized outpatients with primary type II hypercholesterolemia. Mean reductions in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were observed in all pravastatin groups after 1 week and were sustained throughout the study (P less than or equal to 0.001 versus baseline and placebo). At week 8, mean reductions from baseline in the pravastatin treatment groups were 23-27% for total cholesterol and 30-34% for LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol was reduced greater than or equal to 15% by pravastatin in all patients in the group treated with 40 mg PM and in 88 and 96% in those receiving 20 mg bid and 40 mg AM, respectively. High density lipoprotein cholesterol was elevated (up to 8%) and triglycerides were reduced (up to 25%) by all pravastatin regimens (P less than or equal to 0.05). Pravastatin was well tolerated and was associated with a low incidence of adverse events. No patient withdrew from the study due to a pravastatin-related adverse event. Once-daily pravastatin is a safe and effective treatment for patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and has a favorable safety profile.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pravastatin alone and with cholestyramine in hypercholesterolemia

The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of pravastatin, a new selective 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, were evaluated during monotherapy and with subsequent concomitant cholestyramine therapy in 33 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia in this randomized study. After 4 weeks, pravastatin monotherapy (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg twice daily) significantly decreased total cholesterol by 17% to 24% (p less than 0.001 versus baseline) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 23% to 35% (p less than 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 8% to 9%, and triglycerides decreased by 6% to 9%. The area under the serum concentration-time curve and maximum serum concentration of pravastatin showed dose-proportionality; time to maximum serum concentration and serum elimination half-life were independent of dose. When added to pravastatin therapy, cholestyramine enhanced the lipid-lowering effects of pravastatin. After 4 weeks of combination therapy, total cholesterol was reduced by 32% to 38% (p less than 0.001 versus baseline), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was reduced by 47% to 56% (p less than 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 11% to 18% (p less than 0.05). Pravastatin was well tolerated; no clinical adverse events directly attributable to the drug were reported.

Wilson's disease: 35 years' experience

Thirty-seven Chinese patients fulfilling the criteria for Wilson's disease seen during a 35-year period were reviewed. Males and females were equally affected. Twenty-two patients were symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic; most of them presented before the third decade. Thirty-one per cent of the relatives screened showed evidence of disease, and parents were rarely affected (13 per cent). Half of the adult symptomatic females presented with primary amenorrhoea. Liver laboratory tests were abnormal in only 50 per cent of patients, with gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase being the most sensitive index. Renal disease was infrequent. Serum caeruloplasmin level was the single biochemical parameter of prognostic significance (p = 0.0001). Seventy per cent of the symptomatic patients showed an improvement after treatment with penicillamine.

Disposition of pravastatin sodium, a tissue-selective HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, in healthy subjects

Pravastatin sodium, a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, is a new orally effective hypocholesterolaemic agent. In a two-way crossover study, eight healthy male subjects each received an intravenous and an oral dose of [14C]-pravastatin sodium. The oral absorption of [14C] activity from pravastatin sodium was about 34% and the oral bioavailability was about 18%, suggesting first-pass metabolism of pravastatin. After the intravenous dose, the recovery of radioactivity averaged 60% and 34% in urine and faeces, respectively. Corresponding values were 20% (urine) and 71% (faeces) for the oral dose. The estimated average plasma elimination half-life of pravastatin was 0.8 and 1.8 h for the intravenous and oral routes, respectively. The average values for total and renal clearances were 13.5 and 6.3 ml min-1 kg-1, respectively, and the steady-state volume of distribution averaged 0.51 kg-1. These results suggest that both kidney and liver are important sites of elimination for pravastatin.

Decline in beta adrenergic receptor-mediated vascular relaxation with aging in man

Beta adrenergic relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, mediated by cyclic AMP, is blunted with age in a variety of experimental animals. The applicability of these observations to man is uncertain. The dorsal hand vein technique provides an excellent method to examine the direct effects of aging on vascular responsiveness. Thirty-nine healthy male volunteers over the age range of 19 to 79 were studied. No differences in vascular responsiveness to phenylephrine, an alpha adrenergic agonist, were found for either the ED50 (dose producing 50% vasoconstriction) or Emax (maximum vasoconstriction attained). In marked contrast, vascular relaxation induced by isoproterenol, a beta adrenergic agonist, was significantly different in both the ED50 (dose producing 50% of maximum relaxation from a preconstricted state) and Emax (maximum relaxation attained). ED50 +/- S.E.M. for the youngest and oldest deciles were 8.9 +/- 2.3 and 60 +/- 17.0 ng/min, respectively (P less than .05); Emax +/- S.E.M. were 96.7 +/- 3.3 and 37.7 +/- 8.7%, respectively (P less than .001). Nitroglycerin, a smooth muscle relaxant whose effects are not mediated through the cyclic AMP system, was also used to examine the specificity of this blunted response to isoproterenol. Almost complete relaxation was achieved with the infusion of nitroglycerin in the older group. These results suggest that aging is associated with a specific decrease in beta adrenoreceptor-mediated vascular relaxation.