[The efficacy of radiotherapy based combined therapy for unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer and its associated factors analysis]

Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Visualization of Chiral Electronic Structure and Anomalous Optical Response in a Material with Chiral Charge Density Waves

Chiral materials have attracted significant research interests as they exhibit intriguing physical properties, such as chiral optical response, spin-momentum locking, and chiral induced spin selectivity. Recently, layered transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS_{2} has been found to host a chiral charge density wave (CDW) order. Nevertheless, the physical consequences of the chiral order, for example, in electronic structures and the optical properties, are yet to be explored. Here, we report the spectroscopic visualization of an emergent chiral electronic band structure in the CDW phase, characterized by windmill-shaped Fermi surfaces. We uncover a remarkable chirality-dependent circularly polarized Raman response due to the salient in-plane chiral symmetry of CDW, although the ordinary circular dichroism vanishes. Chiral Fermi surfaces and anomalous Raman responses coincide with the CDW transition, proving their lattice origin. Our Letter paves a path to manipulate the chiral electronic and optical properties in two-dimensional materials and explore applications in polarization optics and spintronics.

Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5C regulates the incidence of severe preeclampsia by adjusting the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7

This study aimed to investigate the roles of the lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5C (KDM5C)-bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia (sPE). A total of 180 pregnant patients were enrolled in the study and classified into three groups: an early-onset sPE group (EOsPE) (n = 60), a late-onset sPE group (LOsPE) (n = 60), and a control group (normal pregnancy; n = 60). The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPRII), BMP-7, and KDM5C were detected in placenta samples from the two sPE groups, and their sites were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The sPE groups showed an increased KDM5C mRNA expression, and the EOsPE group showed a decreased BMP-7 and BMPRII mRNA expression compared with the LOsPE group. However, contradictory results were discovered in terms of protein expression. Immunostaining of KDM5C, BMP-7, and BMPRII was observed in villous trophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells. Compared with the control group, the staining intensity of KDM5C in the placental tissue trophoblast cell nucleus and vascular endothelial cells of the sPE groups was weaker, while that of BMP-7 and BMPRII was stronger, and the staining intensity was more subjective in the LOsPE group. Consistent findings were obtained by IHC and Western blot analysis. KDM5C nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation may regulate sPE through BMP-7 and its receptors. The KDM5C-BMP-7 signaling pathway may also lead to less invasion and increased apoptosis of the trophoblast cells, which is involved in the pathogenesis of sPE.

Maintenance of cellular annexin A1 level is essential for PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated proliferation of pancreatic beta cells

Annexin A1 (AnxA1, also known as lipocortin-1), is a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein with diverse functions. Previous studies have indicated that AnxA1 is associated with age-related β-cell dysfunction and aging, which lead to decreased β-cell proliferation capacity. However, it has been uncertain whether AnxA1 affects the proliferation of pancreatic beta (β) cells. In the present study, we reduced AnxA1 expression in the MIN6 islet β-cell line using small interfering RNA (AnxA1-siRNA), then measured cell cycle distribution and cellular proliferation. We also measured the expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins such as cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) by Western blot analysis. We investigated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ serine/threonine protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway to explore the potential mechanism underlying the observed effects. Knockdown of AnxA1 expression using siRNA reduced the rates of MIN6 cell proliferation. The proportions of cells in S and G2/M phases also decreased upon inhibition of AnxA1. Moreover, AnxA1 protein expression in MIN6 cells was positively related to the protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK2. Activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by AnxA1 may be involved in the signaling cascade to regulate cell proliferation. This study identified a positive correlation between AnxA1 protein and pancreatic β-cell proliferation. AnxA1 protein expression might affect the proliferation of MIN6 cells via regulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK2 proteins, as well as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

The giant planar Hall effect and anisotropic magnetoresistance in Dirac node arcs semimetal PtSn4

Topological semimetals (TSMs) present intriguing quantum states and have attracted much attention in recent years because of exhibiting various anomalous magneto-transport phenomena. Theoretical prediction shows that some novel phenomena, such as negative magnetoresistance (MR) and the planar Hall effect (PHE), originate from the chiral anomaly in TSMs. In this work, high-field (33 T) Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations are obtained to reveal the topology of PtSn4. Giant PHE and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) are observed in Dirac node arcs of semimetal PtSn4. First, a non-zero transverse voltage can be acquired while tilting the in-plane magnetic field. Moreover, the amplitude of PHE sharply increases atT*∼ 50 K with decreasing temperature, which is suggested to be related to the Fermi surface reconstruction observed in PtSn4. Subsequently, the field-dependent amplitudes of the PHE show an abnormal behavior around 50 K, which is thought to stem from the complex correlation between the chiral charge and electric one in PtSn4driving the system into different coupling states due to the complicated band structure. On the other hand, the relative AMR is negative and up to -98% at 8.5 T. Our work proves that the PHE measurements are a convincing transport fingerprint feature to confirm the chiral anomaly in TSMs.

Resveratrol induces SIRT1-Dependent autophagy to prevent H2O2-Induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells

INTRODUCTION

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy, and the likely pathogenic basis of early onset PE are placental dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Resveratrol (RES) is a potent antioxidant which has shown beneficial effects in many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of RES against oxidative stress-induced damage in trophoblasts, and elucidate the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

We established an in vitro model of oxidative stress by exposing the human first-trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo to H₂O₂. The level of oxidative stress was reflected by ROS, MDA and SOD. The viability of cells was determined by the MTS assay. Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC staining and flow cytometry. Levels of SIRT1(sirtuin 1) and autophagy-related proteins (LC3, Beclin-1, p62) were detected by western blot. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with RES significantly ameliorated H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity, morphological damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mechanistically, RES restored the levels of SIRT1 and autophagy-related proteins including LC3-II, Beclin-1 and p62 that were dysregulated by H₂O₂. Blocking autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) completely abolished the protective effects of RES, as did knocking down SIRT1.

CONCLUSION

RES may protect human trophoblasts against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by activating SIRT1-dependent autophagy, and therefore has therapeutic potential in PE.

[A study on alterations in mitochondrial biological characteristics during cellular senescence of human embryonic lung fibroblasts]

Objective: To study the alterations of mitochondrial biological characteristics during both cellular replicative and premature senescence induced by hydrogen peroxide in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEFs). Methods: The premature senescence was induced by 400 μmol/L H(2)O(2) once a day at the same time and with 2 hours each time, after four consecutive days the premature senescence models were classified into premature senescence initiation group (PSi) and premature senescence persistence group (PSp). Based on the life span of HEFs, the cell replicative senescence was divided into five groups included young-age (22 PDL), middle-age (35 PDL), replicative senescence (49 PDL), PSi and PSp. The mitochondrial distribution, relative content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, the relative mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) as well as mitochondrial DNA methyltransferase 1 (mtDNMT1) mRNA levels, mtDNA copy number, the relative TFAM protein level and the total enzyme activity of mitochondrial DNA methyltransferases (mtDNMTs) were detected in five senescence groups. Results: The mtDNA copy number, 8-OHdG contents, level of mtDNMT1 mRNA and mtDNMTs activity in 49 PDL group were higher than those in 22 PDL group (all P values <0.05); The level of 8-OHdG in PSi was higher than that in 22 PDL group (P<0.05); The ATP contents, mtDNA copy number, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TFAM and mtDNMTs activity of PSp were higher than those in 22 PDL group (all P values<0.05). Conclusion: During the cellular senescence of HEFs, the higher mtDNA copy number and mtDNMTs activity were common features regardless of replicative or premature senescence, with possibility that oxidative stress was involved in modifying the occurrence of premature senescence.

Mutational spectrum of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene in patients with phenylketonuria in the central region of China

Phenylketonuria (PKU, OMIM 261600) caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease that is characterized by abnormalities of phenylalanine metabolism. In this study, a total of 77 patients, originating from the central region of China and who were diagnosed with PAH deficiency at the third affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University, were enrolled in this study. The 13 exons and 12 flanking introns of the PAH gene were analyzed by Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing. The sequencing data were aligned to the hg19, PAHvdb and HGMD databases to characterize the genotypes of PKU patients, and genotype-phenotype correlations and BH4 responsiveness predictions were performed using BIOPKUdb. In total, 149 alleles were characterized among the 154 PKU alleles. These mutations were located in exons 2-13, and intron 12 of the PAH gene, with a relative frequency of ≥5%, for EX6-96A>G, p.R241C, p.R243Q, p.V399V and p.R53H. Additionally, a novel variant, p.D84G, was identified. The genotype correlated with clinical symptoms in 33.3-100% of the cases, depending on the disease severity, and BH4 responsiveness predictions show that only five patients with MHP-PKU and one patient with Mild-PKU were predicted to be BH4 responsive. In conclusion, we have characterized the mutational spectrum of PAH in the central region of China and have identified a novel mutation. The hotspot mutation information might be useful for screening, diagnosis and treatment of PKU.

[Effects of Environmental Factors on the Synergy of Functional Bacteria in Completely Autotrophic Granular Sludge]

To obtain experimental evidences for optimizing a completely autotrophic nitrogen removal process based on granules, the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, temperature (t), initial ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) concentration, and solution pH conditions on the synergy between the aerobic and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB and AMX) were investigated using a single factor batch experiment, while the analysis of the microbial community structure within them was conducted using MiSeq high-throughput pyrosequencing. Results revealed that AOB (genus Nitrosomonas) and AMX (genus Candidatus Kuenenia) dominated in the granules, representing relative abundances of 32.9% and 9.8%, respectively. For the granules, the highest specific nitrogen removal rate of q(TN)=(17.7±1.0) mg·(g·h)^-1 was obtained at a DO concentration of 2 mg·L^-1, while the initial NH₄⁺-N concentration was set at 100 mg·L^-1. And a lower DO level resulted in partial nitritation became the rate-limiting step of process, otherwise, it would be the ANAMMOX reaction instead. According to the free energy of the reactions, the activity of AMX was more sensitive to low temperature than that of AOB. When the reaction temperature was lower than 30℃, nitrite accumulation could be observed in bulk liquid, with the significant decrease of q(TN) for the granules. Under the same oxygen supply conditions, an initial NH₄⁺-N concentration lower than 100 mg·L^-1 could inhibit the activity of AMX partly. However, with an initial NH₄⁺-N concentration over 150 mg·L^-1, either oxygen-limiting or high free ammonia concentration could lead to the dramatic decrease of q(TN). In addition, the effective synergy of the two types of ammonium oxidizers in granules was always achieved at solution pH in the range of 7.0-8.5.

[Analysis of the related factors of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and allergic rhinitis in children]

Objective:To investigate the association between symptom of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children with AR at different sexes and different ages. Method:A total of 439 AR children aged 6 to 12 years were enrolled in this study. Basic information (age, gender, medical history, family history and comorbidities) of children with AR was collected. Results of prick tests on children skin were recorded. (TNSS) and Chinese version of the SNAP-Ⅳ scale, children under the guidance of independent completion of children's quality of life of children with nasal conjunctivitis scale (PRQLQ). According to the results of SNAP-Ⅳ, children were divided into AR with ADHD group ［attention deficit and hyperactivity symptom score (IHS) >1.25］ and AR without ADHD group (IHS≤1.25). The differences between the two groups of children were analyzed using group t-test and χ² test, and the relationship between each parameter and IHS >1.25 was analyzed by binary logistic regression. Result:Using SPSS 22.0 software, among all the included AR children, IHS >1.25 children accounted for 26.4%, IHS >1.25 group AR symptom scores were significantly higher than HIS ≤1.25 groups. Univariate analysis showed that children with age, gender, duration of AR symptoms, skin index and PRQLQ subscales had a correlation with IHS >1.25. After controlling for age and gender, duration of AR symptoms and skin index correlated with IHS >1.25 The estimated OR values are 1.807 (95%CI: 1.350-2.419) and 1.912 (95%CI: 1.320-2.772), respectively. The estimated OR values of PRQLQ subscale and IHS >1.25 were 1.657 (nasal symptom score), 1.324 (eye symptom score), 2.48 (non-eye-nasal symptom score), 1.418 (Behavior problem score) and 2.045 (activity and sleep score). The correlation between IHS>1.25 and the skin index and PRQLQ subscales was mainly found in males with stratification of age and gender, and the association between duration of AR symptoms and HIS >1.25 was statistically significant among all groups reflected. Conclusion:The association between attention deficits and hyperactivity symptoms in AR children was correlated with the severity of AR symptoms, duration, and skin index, and this association was more pronounced in males. In children with AR and ADHD, early management of AR symptoms may improve their ADHD symptoms.

[Start-up of a High Performance Nitrosation Reactor Through Continuous Growth of Aerobic Granular Sludge]

In order to examine the continuous growth capacity of the nitrosation granular sludge (NGS), the sludge was inoculated to start up the columnar sequencing batch reactor (SBR). During 130 d, the concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in SBR increased from 0.1 g·L^-1 to 11.8 g·L^-1, corresponding to the nitrite-nitrogen accumulation rate of 0.4-4.9 kg·(m³·d)^-1, promoted by a higher ammonia-nitrogen loading rate (NLR) from 0.74 kg·(m³·d)^-1 to 6.66 kg·(m³·d)^-1in the influent. Because of the obvious increase in small granules (size<200 μm), the mean average diameter of NGS decreased significantly at NLR<4.44 kg·(m³·d)^-1. At higher NLR values, the growth of the mean average diameter of NGS could be fitted well using a modified logistic model. The specific growth rate of the k value was 0.0229 d^-1. In addition, the combined inhibition of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was expected at relatively high concentrations of both free ammonia (FA) and free nitrite acid (FNA); thus, the nitrite accumulation ratio (NAR) in the effluent was always higher than 80%. These results provide a feasible approach to start up a high-performance NGS reactor at the industrial-scale.

Incidence and management of diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with pertuzumab

Background

Pertuzumab disrupts heterodimerization between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER3, and HER4. Thus, pertuzumab could result in adverse events similar to those observed with EGFR antagonists, such as diarrhea. We report the incidence and severity of diarrhea observed with pertuzumab in the CLEOPATRA, NeoSphere, and TRYPHAENA studies.

Patients and methods

Patients (n = 1443) had metastatic [CLEOPATRA (n = 804)] or early-stage breast cancer [NeoSphere (n = 416) and TRYPHAENA (n = 223)]. The incidence and severity of diarrhea were analyzed by treatment received. The incidence of febrile neutropenia concurrent with diarrhea and the effect of pre-existing gastrointestinal comorbidities were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses were carried out using CLEOPATRA data.

Results

The incidence of all-grade diarrhea across studies was generally greater for pertuzumab-based treatment, ranging from 28% to 72% (grade 1, 21%-54%; grade 2, 8%-37%; grade 3, 0%-12%; grade 4, 0%). Incidence was highest during the first pertuzumab-containing cycle, decreasing with subsequent cycles. Dose delays or discontinuations due to diarrhea were infrequent, ranging from 0% to 8%. Among pertuzumab-treated patients with diarrhea, 47%-67% received pharmacological intervention, most commonly with loperamide. Overlap between diarrhea and febrile neutropenia was uncommon, ranging from 0% to 11%. No relationship was observed between pre-existing gastrointestinal comorbidities and diarrhea. In CLEOPATRA, patients ≥65 years treated with pertuzumab had a higher incidence of grade 3 diarrhea than patients <65 years (19% versus 8%). All-grade diarrhea occurred at greater frequency among pertuzumab-treated Asian versus white patients with metastatic breast cancer (74% versus 63%); the corresponding rates in the control arm were 53% and 45%, respectively.

Conclusions

In both the metastatic and early-stage breast cancer settings, diarrhea was common but manageable for all pertuzumab-containing regimens. Diarrheal episodes were mainly low grade and occurred most often during the first treatment cycle. Diarrheal-related drug delays or discontinuations were uncommon.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers

NCT00567190 (CLEOPATRA), NCT00545688 (NeoSphere), NCT00976989 (TRYPHAENA).

Nanoporous FeP nanorods grown on Ti plate as an enhanced binder-free hydrogen evolution cathode

A porous and interconnected nanorod-like FeP structure on titanium plate has been fabricated by a simple hydrothermal method and followed by a calcination process. The nanorod is assembled by many paralleled FeP nanowires with a porous structure. With the porous surface structure of FeP nanorods and the synergetic effect from the electronic conductive Ti support, this binder-free FeP electrode brings about a desirable electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), showing a low onset overpotential of 23 mV and a small Tafel slope of 39 mV dec^-1. Meanwhile, its catalytic activity could be maintained almost unchanged for at least 12 h in an acidic solution. This work provides us an effective HER electrocatalyst which can be easily produced on a large scale and at low cost.

Traditional Chinese medicine and related active compounds: a review of their role on hepatitis B virus infection

Since the significant public health hazard of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and obvious drug resistance and dose-dependent side effects for common antiviral agents (e.g., interferon α, lamivudine, and adefovir), continuous development of agents to treat HBV infection is urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an established segment of the health care system in China. Currently, it is widely used for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China and many parts of the world. Over a long period of time in clinical practice and in basic research progress, the effectiveness and beneficial contribution of TCM on CHB have been gradually known and confirmed. Based upon our review of related papers and because of our prior knowledge and experience, we have selected some Chinese medicines, including Chinese herbal formulas (e.g., Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang, Xiao-Yao-San, and Long-Dan-Xie-Gan-Tang), single herbs (e.g., Phyllanthus niruri, Radix astragali, Polygonum cuspidatum, Rheum palmatum, and Salvia miltiorrhiza) and related active compounds (e.g., wogonin, artesunate, saikosaponin, astragaloside IV, and chrysophanol 8-O-beta-Dglucoside) and Chinese medicine preparations (e.g., silymarin, silibinin, kushenin, and cinobufacini), which seem effective and worthy of additional and indepth study in treating CHB, and we have given them a brief review. We conclude that these Chinese herbal medicines exhibit significant anti-HBV activities with improved liver function, and enhanced HBeAg and HBsAg sero-conversion rates as well as HBV DNA clearance rates in HepG2 2.2.15 cells, DHBV models, or patients with CHB. We hope this review will contribute to an understanding of TCM and related active compounds as an effective treatment for CHB and provide useful information for the development of more effective antiviral drugs.

Flavonoids as potential anti-hepatocellular carcinoma agents: recent approaches using HepG2 cell line

Numerous studies have documented that in cancer therapy flavonoids extracted from traditional Chinese medicine have anti-tumor activity or can enhance efficiency of chemotherapy in combination with chemotherapeutics. Thus, an awareness of flavonoids is needed by physicians and medical researchers. This review provides evidence about anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of flavonoids. First, as a common employed in vitro model, profile of HepG2 is shown. Second, the intracellular signaling pathways induced by flavonoids which inhibit the HepG2 cell line are summarized. Third, study situation of anti-HBV/HCV activity of flavonoids is shown. Our review is aimed at providing an understanding of anti-HBV/HCV activity and anti-HCC mechanisms of flavonoids, and an outlook on flavonoids application on cancer therapy.

First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot Caused by C. cassiicola on Golden Vicary Privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi) in China

Golden vicary privet (Ligustrum × vicaryi Rehd.), a hybrid between L. ovalifolium 'Aureum' Rehd. and L. vulgare L., is widely used as a landscape shrub for horticultural ornamentation. From 2009 to 2011, a leaf spot disease of L. × vicaryi was observed in the parks in Luoyang, Henan Province, China. Lesions were initially brown and punctiform, and with age the lesions turned into elliptic, subcircular to irregular and pale brown, faintly zonate, and depressed. Fully mature lesions were mostly irregular to circular, 5 to 15 mm in diameter, centers tan to dark brown, with reddish brown to reddish purple margins of varying width. The disease eventually caused substantial premature defoliation. After infected leaves were collected from parks and maintained in a humid atmosphere, a layer of black mold developed on the surface of the lesions. Conidiophores were cylindrical, straight to slightly curved, brown, unbranched (2 to 7 septa), and were 98.5 to 403.9 μm in length, 4.5 to 6.6 μm in width. Conidia were solitary or in short chains containing two to five spores, and were cylindrical or obclavate, straight or flexuose (3 to 19 pseudosepta), pale olivaceous brown or brown when mature, and were 78.8 to 315.2 μm in length by 5.3 to 12.3 μm in width. Morphological characteristics of the fungus were similar to those of Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei (1). Lesions on leaves were excised, surface sterilized, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 2 to 3 days. A fungus was isolated from the lesions, and pure isolates that were obtained after from single spored isolates were cultured on PDA. Colonies on PDA formed concentric growth rings, abundant aerial mycelia, and were grey or dark brown in color. The isolate ST1 was selected as a representative for molecular identification. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of the isolate was amplified by PCR with primers ITS1/ITS4 (3) and sequenced. BLAST analysis of the 559 bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. KC138855) indicated 100% sequence similarity with C. cassiicola (GU138988) (2). To validate Koch's postulates, pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of five healthy potted L. vicaryi with a 10⁶ conidia per ml aqueous suspension. Control plants were inoculated with sterile water. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 24 h after inoculation and maintained at 25°C. After 3 days, all inoculated plants showed typical symptoms, whereas water sprayed controls remained healthy. C. cassiicola was consistently reisolated from these lesions. The reisolated conidia showed the same morphological characteristics as described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot caused by C. cassiicola on L. × vicaryi in China. Its confirmation is a significant step toward management recommendations for growers. References: (1) M. B. Ellis et al. Corynespora cassiicola. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, no. 303. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, UK, 1971. (2) X. B. Liu et al. Plant Dis. 94:916, 2010. (3) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Rare disease patients in China anticipate the sunlight of legislation

It is estimated that there are over ten million rare disease patients in China currently. Due to a lack of effective drugs and reimbursement regulations for medical expenses the diseases bring most patients enormous physical suffering and psychological despair. Past experience in other countries such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union have shown that legislation is the critical step to improve the miserable situation of rare disease patients. Laws and regulations for rare diseases in these countries prescribe a series of incentives for research and development of orphan drugs which turn out to obviously allow these drugs to flourish. Legislation has also established a drug reimbursement system to reduce the medical burden of the patients. These measures effectively protect the rights and interests of patients with rare diseases. In China, legislation for rare diseases has begun to attract the attention of authorities. It is anticipated that relevant laws and regulations will be established as early as possible to provide safeguards for rare disease patients in China.

"Knowledge into action" Exploration of an appropriate approach for constructing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma

With the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM), the concept of "transfer of current best evidence into clinical decision-making" has garnered substantial attention worldwide. As such a good tool, many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been published worldwide under the guide of current best evidence. Our study did a systematic evaluation of the current 17 guidelines for HCC worldwide, which found that the appropriate constructing approach is the most important factor that influences guidelines implementation. Three factors of organizations or bodies drafting the guideline, exploration for achieving current best evidence, and purpose of constructing evidence-based CPGs for HCC should be paid close attention to. In order to achieve the current best evidence and promote evidence-based CPGs to be widely accepted and fully implemented, we recommend to conduct a systematic approach with 4 steps of global guidelines assessment, systematic literature review, experts' consensus and draft implementation, as well as implementation evaluation and periodic update in constructing and implementing evidence-based CPGs for HCC.

Standardization of traditional Chinese medicine and evaluation of evidence from its clinical practice

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a typical traditional medicine (TM) with a long-standing history of preventing and curing diseases in China and other countries in East Asia. Standardization of TCM has been a topic of discussion over the past few decades in China with the goal of promoting advances in TCM in China and elsewhere around the world. Many quality and safety control standards for TCMs have been implemented in China, but systematic standards of efficacy have not been established for TCMs until now because of the absence of evidence from clinical practice. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the best way to provide evidence from clinical practice, but the quality of current EBM studies of TCM, and especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM, needs to be improved. International registration of clinical trials (CTs) of TCM is a good way to provide quality evidence from clinical practice of TCM because it can improve research transparency and ultimately enhance the validity and value of scientific evidence. This evidence will provide the springboard for efforts to standardize TCM.

c-Met: A potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma

The approval of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) targeted agent sorafenib as the first effective drug for the systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a milestone in the treatment of this disease. A better understanding of HCC pathogenesis will lead to development of novel targeted treatments. As a typical member of the RTK family, c-Met represents an intriguing target for cancer therapy. The c-Met signaling pathway has been shown to be deregulated and to correlate with poor prognosis in a number of major human cancers. This review discusses the possibility of c-Met as a target in HCC treatment from the following respects: i) c-Met expression and activation profile in HCC, ii) relationship between c-Met and clinicopathologic state and prognosis of HCC, iii) role of c-Met signaling activity in HCC genesis and progression, and iv) strategy of c-Met pathway targeting therapy in HCC treatment.

A low-dose combination of valsartan and low molecular weight heparin better improved glomerular permeability than did high-dose monotherapy in rats with diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common and severe renal complication of diabetes mellitus. The present study sought to investigate the renoprotective effects of a combination therapy of valsartan and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in rats with diabetic nephropathy induced by uninephrectomy and streptozotocin. The animals were divided into five groups as follows: sham-operated rats, diabetic control rats, diabetic rats treated with 20 mg/kg/day valsartan, diabetic rats treated with 600 IU/kg/day LMWH, diabetic rats treated with a combination of valsartan and LMWH (valsartan 10 mg/kg/day and LMWH 300 IU/kg/day). The treatment regimen was maintained for 8 weeks. Treatment with valsartan, LMWH, or a combination of the two had no significant effect on blood glucose levels. However, the urine protein excretion levels significantly decreased for the three drug treatment groups; the most dramatic decreases were observed in the combination treatment group. Kidney histology was examined using periodic acid-Schiff staining and immunohistochemical staining of extracellular matrix proteins. Results indicated that histopathology improved markedly in the three drug treatment groups; combination therapy had an equal or better effect than monotherapy in terms of decreasing the abnormal thickness of the glomerular basal membrane, the ratio of the area of the mesangial region with respect to the total area of renal glomeruli, and the accumulation of collagen IV and laminin in kidney tissue. In addition, serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) also markedly decreased in the drug treatment groups according to ELISA. However, there were no significant differences between the combination therapy group and monotherapy group. These results suggest that a combination of valsartan and LMWH at half the dose used in monotherapy is better at improving glomerular permeability in rats with diabetic nephropathy.

Prospects for using pre-exposure prophylaxis to control the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in China

Although important progress has been achieved in combating HIV/AIDs over the past 30 years, HIV/AIDs is still a serious threat to today's world. In China, figures on the incidence of this disease have painted a less than optimistic outlook. As the prevailing methods of preventing HIV/AIDS are all partially effective, novel and effective preventive interventions are needed in order to control the spread of the disease. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the most promising prevention strategies and has garnered great attention worldwide. Current clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of this strategy have had some favorable results though major challenges around the world remain. Thus, China has taken an active part in the PrEP study to limit the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. This article describes the status of the PrEP study and discusses the opportunities and challenges encountered when implementing this strategy in China.

Standardization of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery

Japan-China Joint Medical Workshop (2012) on standardization of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery was held by the Center for Medical Standards Research, IRCA-BSSA Group in Japan on April 15-16, 2012. Experts in the fields of surgery, anesthesia, pharmacy, and public health from 21 health institutions from Japan and China presented their research achievements and shared their medical experience of perioperative management on hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, which should facilitate building of guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma and be expected to promote standardized management of liver cancer in Asia.

Evidence-based research on traditional Japanese medicine, Kampo, in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer in Japan

Gastrointestinal cancer is a great threat to human health in Japan. Conventional anticancer therapies including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the main strategies and play important roles in curing this disease or extending the life of patients with these cancers. On the other hand, patients undergo great suffering induced by these treatments. Kampo, the Japanese traditional medicine, has been used in clinics to reduce side effects and to improve the quality of life of gastrointestinal cancer patients in Japan. In order to testify to the efficacy and safety of these Kampo medicines and to clarify the underlying mechanisms, a number of clinical and basic studies were implemented in the past several decades. These studies suggested the benefits of Kampo medicine as an adjuvant to conventional anti-cancer therapies in treating gastrointestinal cancer. Since the safety and efficacy as well as quality control of traditional medicine have long been focused worldwide, the development course of Kampo medicine may provide reference to other countries in the world.

Valsartan attenuated oxidative stress, decreased MCP-1 and TGF-β1 expression in glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells induced by high-glucose levels

Our previous studies revealed that valsartan, an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker, exhibited renoprotective effects through decreasing urine protein excretion levels due to improving glomerular permeability in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms in perspectives of oxidative stress, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expressions in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) since their roles are well-established in the development and progression of DN. High-glucose levels significantly increased oxidative stress in GMCs and GECs, as evidenced by enhanced generation of reactive reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced levels of glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with valsartan significantly restored the levels of those oxidative stress relevant molecules. Furthermore, valsartan obviously diminished the expression of proinflammatory cytokine MCP-1 in GMCs and GECs induced by high-glucose levels both at mRNA and protein levels, as determined by real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA. In addition, the increased expressions of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein induced by high-glucose level were also abrogated by valsartan treatment in GMCs, as evaluated by real-time PCR and ELISA. These results suggest that the renoprotective effects of valsartan may be related to its potential in decreasing oxidative stress and the expressions of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in GMCs and GECs.

Taxonomic identification of a novel strain of Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis, ACMA006, exhibiting antitumor and antibacteria activity

Taxonomically diverse and genetically specialized, marine microorganisms have great potential in generating bioactive substances. A previous study isolated a novel actinomycete strain designated ACMA006 and revealed that the fermentation broth of ACMA006 (FBA6) significantly inhibited the growth of a series of tumor cell lines. The present study examined various characteristics of the ACMA006 strain, including its morphological, physiological, and biochemical nature, and the 16S rDNA gene sequence of ACMA006 and biological activity of FBA6. The ACMA006 strain grew at an optimal temperature of 28°C on nearly all media tested, except for Czapek's agar, producing an exuberant substrate and aerial hyphae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 16S rDNA gene sequence of ACMA006 was closely related to that of Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis, with a sequence similarity of nearly 100%. However, ACMA006 differed somewhat from Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis in terms of its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. According to a bioactivity assay, FBA6 strongly inhibited the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, while it was weakly cytotoxic to human normal hepatocytes LO2 according to an MTT assay. In addition, the growth of bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus but not Escherichia coli, B. aerogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and B. proteus was significantly suppressed by FBA6 as indicated by the filter paper disc method. Results of this study indicated that the strain ACMA006 represents a new strain of the Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis and that the active metabolites of this strain are candidates for utilization as anticancer or antibacterial agents.

Anticomplement activity of terpenoids from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum

A new lanostane-type terpenoid, lucidenic acid SP1 (1), was isolated from a CHCl(3)-soluble fraction of Ganoderma lucidum spores together with four other known compounds (2 - 5). The structure of lucidenic acid SP1 was determined to be 3 beta,7 beta-dihydroxy-4,4,14 alpha-trimethyl-11,15-dioxo-5 alpha-chol-8-en-24-oic acid by spectroscopic means including 2D-NMR. Twelve triterpenes (1-12) isolated from G. lucidum spores were investigated in vitro for their anticomplementary activity. Compounds 1 - 5 were inactive, whereas ganoderiol F (8), ganodermanondiol (9) and ganodermanontriol (10) showed a strong anticomplement activity against the classical pathway (CP) of the complement system with IC(50) values of 4.8, 41.7, and 17.2 microM, respectively. The potency of these triterpene alcohols (8-10) in inhibiting CP activity was improved when the number of hydroxymethyl groups on the side chain moiety is increased. On the other hand, the ganoderic acids 1-7, which contain a carboxyl group in the side chain, and lucidumols A and B (11, 12) had little activity on this system.

Cytotoxic alkaloids and a flavan from the bulbs of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum

A new pyrrolophenanthridone alkaloid, criasiaticidine A (1), was isolated from the bulbs of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum, together with pratorimine (2), lycorine (3) and 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavan (4). The structure of the new alkaloid was determined to be 4,5-etheno-9,10-dihydroxy-6-phenanthridone by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds 1-4 was evaluated in vitro against Meth-A (mouse sarcoma) and Lewis lung carcinoma (mouse lung carcinoma) tumor cell lines. Furthermore, 3 was examined for in vivo antitumor activity with LLC tumor cells.

Bacterial DNA and lipopolysaccharide induce synergistic production of TNF-alpha through a post-transcriptional mechanism

LPS is well recognized for its potent capacity to activate mouse macrophages to produce TNF-alpha, an important inflammatory mediator in bacterial infection-related diseases such as septic shock. We demonstrate here that while inducing only low levels of TNF-alpha alone, DNA from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria synergizes with subthreshold concentrations of LPS (0.3 ng/ml) to induce TNF-alpha in the RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cell line. The bacterial DNA effects are mimicked by synthetic CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides, but not non-CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides. Pretreatment of macrophages with either DNA for 2-8 h inhibits macrophage TNF-alpha production in responses to DNA/LPS. However, when pretreatment was extended to 24 h, DNA/LPS synergy on TNF-alpha is further enhanced. RT-PCR analysis indicates that mRNA levels of the TNF-alpha gene, however, are not synergistically induced by bacterial DNA and LPS. Analyses of the half-life of TNF-alpha mRNA indicate that TNF-alpha message has a longer half-life in bacterial DNA- and LPS-treated macrophages than that in bacterial DNA- or LPS-treated macrophages. These findings indicate that the temporally controlled, synergistic induction of TNF-alpha by bacterial DNA and LPS is not mediated at the transcriptional level. Instead, this synergy may occur via a post-transcriptional mechanism.

Commercial preparations of lipoteichoic acid contain endotoxin that contributes to activation of mouse macrophages in vitro

Lipoteichoic acids (LTA), cell wall components of gram-positive bacteria, have been reported to induce various inflammatory mediators and to play a key role in gram-positive-microbe-mediated septic shock. In a large number of these studies, investigators used commercially available LTA purified from a variety of gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus sanguis. We report here that, although these commercially available LTA could be readily shown to stimulate production of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages, the activity was dramatically inhibited by polymyxin B, a relatively specific inhibitor of endotoxin biological activity. One-step purification of the commercially available S. aureus LTA using hydrophobic interaction chromatography resulted in two well-separated peak fractions, one highly enriched for LTA and a second highly enriched for endotoxin. The LTA-enriched fractions did not induce production of NO in RAW 264.7 macrophages, although they caused a dose-dependent induction of NO in the presence of low concentrations of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) (which by itself induced little NO), regardless of the presence of polymyxin B. In contrast, the endotoxin-enriched fractions by themselves inhibited in high levels of NO in RAW 264.7 macrophages but activity was almost completely inhibited in the presence of polymyxin B. Consistent with these findings, our data also indicate that commercial LTA preparations from S. aureus, B. subtilis, and S. sanguis were not able to induce NO from lipopolysaccharide-hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mouse peritoneal macrophages, but in the presence of IFN-gamma, these LTA preparations were able to induce relatively high levels of NO from C3H/HeJ macrophages. These results indicate that commercially available LTA can contain contaminating and potentially significant levels of endotoxin that can be expected to contribute to the putative macrophage-stimulating effects of LTA as assessed by NO production. The fact that the purified LTA, by itself, was not able to induce significant levels of NO secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages supports the conclusion that caution in attributing high-level biological activity to this microbial cell wall constituent should be exercised.

Apolipoprotein E is a genetic risk factor for fetal iodine deficiency disorder in China

Fetal iodine deficiency disorder (FIDD) is the principal form of endemic cretinism, and the most common cause of preventable mental deficiency in the world. However not everyone at risk develops FIDD and familial aggregation is common. This suggests that genetic factors may also be involved. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene encodes for a lipoprotein that possesses a thyroid hormone binding domain, and APOE genotype may affect the efficiency with which thyroid hormone influences neuronal cell growth during the first and second trimesters of fetal development. We have compared ApoE genotypes in 91 FIDD cases with 154 local control subjects, recruited from three iodine deficiency areas in central China. We have also genotyped 42 FIDD family cases and 158 normal individuals from the families of local controls, and 375 population controls from Shanghai. APOE epsilon4 genotypes were significantly enriched in FIDD probands from each of the three iodine deficiency areas; the epsilon4 allele frequency was 16% vs 6% in controls. The same effect was also observed when we compared FIDD family cases with controls and control families. Our data suggest that in iodine-deficient areas, the APOE epsilon4 allele is a genetic risk factor for FIDD. The phenomenon may affect population selection and contribute to the low frequency of the epsilon4 allele in Chinese compared to Caucasian populations.

Triterpenes from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum and their cytotoxicity against meth-A and LLC tumor cells

Six new highly oxygenated lanostane-type triterpenes, called ganoderic acid gamma (1), ganoderic acid delta (2), ganoderic acid epsilon (3), ganoderic acid zeta (4), ganoderic acid eta (5) and ganoderic acid theta (6), were isolated from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum, together with known ganolucidic acid D (7) and ganoderic acid C2 (8). Their structures of the new triterpenes were determined as (23S)-7beta,15alpha,23-trihydroxy-3,11-dioxolanosta-8, 24(E)-diene-26-oic acid (1), (23S)-7alpha,15alpha23-trihydroxy-3,11-dioxolanosta-8, 24(E)-diene-26-oic acid (2), (23S)-3beta3,7beta, 23-trihydroxy-11,15-dioxolanosta-8,24(E)-diene-26-oic acid (3), (23S)-3beta,23-dihydroxy-7,11,15-trioxolanosta-8, 24(E)-diene-26-oic acid (4), (23S)-3beta,7beta,12beta,23-tetrahydroxy-11,15-dioxolanos ta-8,24(E)-diene-26-oic acid (5) and (23S)-3beta,12beta23-trihydroxy-7,11,15-trioxolanosta-8,24(E )-diene-26-oic acid (6), respectively, by chemical and spectroscopic means, which included the determination of a chiral center in the side chain by a modification of Mosher's method. The cytotoxicity of the compounds isolated from the Ganoderma spores was carried out in vitro against Meth-A and LLC tumor cell lines.

Prolonged exposure of mouse macrophages to IFN-beta suppresses transcription of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene: altered availability of transcription factor Stat1alpha

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that prolonged exposure of mouse macrophages to IFN-beta interferes with their subsequent ability to become activated for tumor cell killing. Data reported here show that such inhibition is due to reduced production of NO, resulting from decreased transcription of the gene that encodes inducible NO synthase (iNOS; EC 1.14.13.39). The molecular basis for such suppression was shown to be, at least in part, decreased nuclear accumulation of tyrosine-phosphorylated Stat1alpha (pStat1alpha), and a consequent change in the nuclear ratio of pStat1alpha to non-transactivating pStat1beta. Reduced phosphorylation was observed despite the fact that time-course studies revealed greater than normal quantities of both Stat1alpha and Stat1beta proteins in macrophages that had been pre-exposed to IFN-beta. The decrease in nuclear pStat1alpha was demonstrated to involve an increase in the rate of turnover of phosphorylated protein. The homodimeric form of pStat1alpha is essential for the expression of both the iNOS and IFN-regulatory factor-1 genes (the product of the latter is necessary for full expression of the iNOS gene). These results have broad implications, because they suggest that limiting the availability of homodimeric pStat1alpha is a means by which down-regulation of genes containing promoter-linked IFN-gamma-activated sites might be achieved.

Two flavonoids from the leaves of Morus alba induce differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell line

Two flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and quercetin-3,7-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from the leaves of Morus alba (Moraceae). These two flavonoids exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) at the concentration of 2 x 10(-4) M. Compound 2 also induced differentiation of the HL-60 cell line to express CD 66b and CD 14 antigens. These flavonoids exhibited significant free radical scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical.

Retardation of skeletal muscle fatigue by the two phenylpropanoid glycosides: verbascoside and martynoside from Pedicularis plicata maxim

The effects of the phenylpropanoid glycosides verbascoside and martynoside from Pedicularis plicata were investigated on muscle contractility in Bufo gastrocnemius muscle electrically stimulated in vitro. The maximum amplitude and maintained time of contraction were mechanically recorded and used as indices of muscle contractility. After 30 min pretreatment of the muscle, verbascoside at 20.0 microM resisted muscle fatigue significantly while martynoside at 80.0 microM improved muscle contractility only slightly. These two glycosides resisted muscle fatigue depending on their antioxidative activities, which is in agreement with the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in promoting fatigue in skeletal muscle.

Cutting edge: bacterial DNA and LPS act in synergy in inducing nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages

LPS is well recognized for its potent capacity to activate mouse macrophages to produce NO, an important inflammatory mediator in innate host defense. We demonstrate here that, although inducing little NO alone, DNA from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria synergizes with subthreshold concentrations of LPS (0.3 ng/ml) to induce NO in cultures of RAW 264.7 macrophages. The effects of the DNA are mimicked by synthetic CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides but not by non-CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides. This synergistic activity is not inhibited by neutralizing Abs against IFN. Preincubation of macrophages with DNA for 8-24 h suppresses subsequent synergistic macrophage responses to DNA/LPS, whereas prolonged pretreatment with LPS enhances synergy. RT-PCR analysis indicates that the mRNA levels of the inducible NO synthase gene are also coordinately suppressed or induced. These findings indicate that temporally controlled, synergistic interactions exist between microbial DNA and LPS in the induction of macrophage NO via enhanced inducible NO synthase gene expression.

Radical scavenging activity of phenylpropanoid glycosides in Caryopteris incana

In our screening program for antioxidants from traditional drugs and foodstuffs, one new phenylpropanoid glycoside, incanoside, was isolated together with four known phenylpropanoid glycosides, verbascoside, isoverbascoside, phlinoside A, and 6-O-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose from the whole plant of Caryopteris incana (Thunb.) Miq. On the basis of chemical evidence and spectral analysis data, the structure of incanoside was determined to be 1-O-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)-6-O-caffeoyl-beta-D- glucopyranoside. The four phenylpropanoid glycosides exhibited potent radical scavenging activity against DPPH, hydroxyl (.OH), and superoxide anion (O2-.) radicals.

Antioxidative flavonoids from the leaves of Morus alba

Nine flavonoids (1-9) were isolated from the leaves of Morus alba (Moraceae). The structures of compounds were determined to be kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (astragalin, 1) kaempferol-3-O-(6"-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-3-O-(6"-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (rutin, 6), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), quercetin-3,7-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8) and quercetin (9) on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical studies. Compounds 7 and 9 exhibited significant radical scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical.

Autocrine/paracrine IFN-alphabeta mediates the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of transcription factor Stat1alpha in mouse macrophages: pivotal role of Stat1alpha in induction of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene

We have examined the role of Stat1alpha in the induction by LPS of the mouse inducible nitric oxide synthase (EC 1.14.13.39) gene. LPS induced both the tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat1alpha and the production of nitric oxide in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of Stat1alpha elicited by LPS differed from that observed using IFN-gamma or IFN-beta, in that LPS induced less phosphorylated protein and the time course of induction was much delayed (2-4 h compared with 30 min). Cycloheximide inhibited LPS-mediated Stat1alpha phosphorylation. In addition, cell culture supernatants derived from macrophages treated with LPS for 4 h could be transferred to naive macrophage cultures resulting in rapid (30 min), rather than delayed (4 h), phosphorylation of Stat1alpha. Together, these results implicated an autocrine/paracrine effector protein(s) in the phosphorylation process. LPS stimulated phosphorylation of Stat1alpha in peritoneal macrophages derived from IFN-gamma-knockout mice, negating any possibility that IFN-gamma was the mediator. By contrast, neutralizing Ig raised against mouse IFN-alphabeta inhibited both the delayed LPS-mediated phosphorylation of Stat1alpha and the rapid induction of phosphorylation induced by supernatants from LPS-stimulated cultures. Collectively, these results show that LPS-induced IFN-alphabeta production, Stat1alpha activation, and nitrite accumulation closely parallel one another, suggesting that indirect activation of transcription factor Stat1alpha by IFN-alphabeta is a critical determinant of LPS-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression.

Mutational studies of conserved residues in the dimer interface of nerve growth factor

An understanding of the structure-function relationship of nerve growth factor (NGF) requires precise knowledge of all the residues and regions that participate in NGF receptor binding, receptor activation, and biological activity. Seven recombinant human NGF mutants having alanine substituted for residues located either in the NGF dimer interface or beta-strand region were studied to determine the role of each amino acid residue in NGF biological activity. F86A, T91A, R100A, and R103A remained nearly full active with 61, 120, 91, and 73% of wild-type activity, respectively, in the PC12 cell bioassay. Hydrophobic core and dimer interface residues Y52, F53, and F54 were studied in more detail. Y52A and F54A were expressed in very low levels, suggesting that these two residues may be important for protein stability. Y52A retained full biological activity (91%). F53A had a 20- and 70-fold reduction in biological activity and TrkA phosphorylation, respectively, with only a 5- to 10-fold effect on TrkA binding and no effect on low-affinity receptor binding. F54A had significantly decreased TrkA phosphorylation and biological activity (40-fold). The results suggest that F53 and F54 may play a structural role in TrkA receptor activation subsequent to binding.

[Chemical constituents of Emilia sonchifolia L. DC]

Five known compounds were obtained from the whole plant of Emilia sonchifolia. By means of chemical and spectral methods, they were identified to be simiral, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, palmitic acid and honey acid.